What to Expect at Your First High Holy Day Service

Whether this is your first time at any Jewish service or just your first time at Neshamah, this guide is for you. Walking into a religious space for the first time — or returning after a long absence — can feel uncertain. Here is everything you need to know so you can arrive feeling prepared rather than anxious.

Before You Arrive

Pre-Register for Your Safety and Ours

All Neshamah High Holy Day services require advance registration. This is not optional — it is how we ensure that every person who attends can be in a safe and properly organized space. Please register at niboca.org/high-holy-days/ before you come. Professional security is present at every service, and entry will not be possible without a ticket. Both adults and children require their own ticket.

What to Wear

High Holy Day services are traditionally on the dressy side — think business casual to formal. Many people wear white, especially on Yom Kippur, as a traditional symbol of purity and new beginnings. That said, there is no dress code at Neshamah. Come in a way that feels respectful of the occasion and comfortable for you.

For Yom Kippur specifically, the traditional custom is to avoid wearing leather shoes — leather was considered a luxury, and Yom Kippur is a day of stepping back from physical comfort. Many people wear cloth or rubber-soled shoes or sneakers. You are not required to follow this custom, but you will see it practiced in the congregation.

Parking and Arrival

Neshamah’s High Holy Day services are held at Atlantic Community High School, 2455 West Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33445. Parking is available at the school. Plan to arrive a few minutes before the service begins — seating is available on a first-come basis and services begin promptly.

When You Arrive

What to Expect at the Door

When you arrive, you will be welcomed at the entrance and your registration will be confirmed. Security is present and professional. Once inside, greeters will be available to answer any questions, help you find a seat, and provide a machzor if you need one.

The Machzor

The machzor is the High Holy Day prayer book. It contains the full text of the service in Hebrew, with English translation alongside it. Many editions also include transliteration — the Hebrew prayers spelled out phonetically in English letters — so you can follow along and participate even if you do not read Hebrew.

Neshamah provides machzorim for those who need them. You are also welcome to bring your own if you have one.

Sitting and Standing

During services, the congregation alternates between sitting and standing, following the prayer leader’s cues. If you are not sure whether to sit or stand, a simple rule: follow what the people around you are doing. Nobody is watching you or judging your choices. The congregation is focused on its own prayer.

During the Service

Following Along

Rabbi Amy will guide the congregation through the service with clear direction — announcing pages, explaining what is coming, and providing context for the prayers and their meaning. You do not need to understand every word or follow every page to have a meaningful experience.

If you find yourself simply listening and sitting quietly while the prayers happen around you, that is a completely valid way to be present. Many people experience their most meaningful High Holy Day moments while simply listening to the music or sitting with their own thoughts during a particular prayer.

The Music

Music is central to the Neshamah experience. Sharon Shear and the Neshamah Soulmates lead the musical portions of the service, and the quality of the music is exceptional. If nothing else draws you in, the music likely will.

The Length of Services

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur morning services at Neshamah run approximately two and a half to three hours, with some natural pauses. There will be moments to step out briefly if needed. For Yom Kippur, Kol Nidrei the previous evening runs approximately 75 to 90 minutes.

Children

Children are welcome at all Neshamah services. The Neshamah Children’s Chorus participates in the service, and the programming is designed to include children as active participants. If your child needs a break, there is space to step into the hallway briefly. Bring quiet activities for very young children if helpful.

After the Service

Following each service there is time to connect with the community. Rabbi Amy makes herself available to greet people and is genuinely glad to meet anyone who is new. If you have questions, want to learn more about Neshamah, or simply want to introduce yourself, please do. That personal connection is one of the things Neshamah does differently.

If you are attending the full Yom Kippur day, the service concludes with Neilah followed by the Beach Break Fast at the ocean in Delray Beach. Details about the beach location and timing are included in your ticket confirmation.

We are glad you are coming. Reserve your place at niboca.org/high-holy-days/