COVID update, Instructions for Rosh Hashanah Davening and Zmanim for Shabbos/Yom Tov
We are still experiencing a pandemic, and there has been a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in several orthodox communities. We remind everyone to remain vigilant during the upcoming Yomim Tovim, especially as guests and students from out-of-town will be home and visiting our community. Each person’s risk and medical history is different. Please consult your doctor for medical advice and your rav for halachic guidance. Needless to say, anyone who feels ill or has any symptoms of COVID-19 should remain at home.
For those davening at home, the following guidelines should be followed:
Certain parts of Tefillah are omitted when davening individually, including Kaddish, Barchu, Chazaras ha-Shatz, Kedusha and Hotza’as ve-Hachnosas Sefer Torah. In addition, on the first day of Rosh Hashanah which falls on Shabbos, Ashkenazim omit the second Yekum Perkan and Mishaberach.
While an individual Davening alone has no obligation to recite any of the individual piyyutim from Chazaras ha-Shatz, (such as U’nesane Tokef, L’Kel Orech Din, etc.) one may, however, recite them if desired.
Each individual should make arrangements to hear the Shofar on Sunday, the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
Avinu Malekeinu is not recited on the first day of Rosh Hashanah which coincides with Shabbos, but it is recited on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
Although not required, it is appropriate to read the Krias HaTorah from a Chumash, with the trop if possible. Similarly, the Haftorah, with the trop, should be read as well. No Berachos should be recited on the Torah reading or the Haftorah.
Because this first day of Rosh Hashanah coincides with Shabbos, we delay the recitation of Tashlich until Sunday, the Second Day of Rosh Hashanah.
Zmanim/Schedule:
FRIDAY, EREV SHABBOS/EREV ROSH HASHANAH, SEPTEMBER 18
- Zman candle lighting is at 7:19 pm. Mincha should be completed before 7:37 pm.
FIRST DAY OF ROSH HASHANAH – SHABBOS, SEPTEMBER 19
- Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 7:18 am.
- Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:46 am or 10:22 am (Gr”a.)
- Sof Zman Tefillah is at 11:24 am (Gr”a.)
- Chatzos, midday, is at 1:27 pm
- Mincha should be recited after 1:57 pm.
- It is preferred to end Shalosh Seudos by 4:30 pm.
- Shkiah (sunset) is at 7:35 pm. Mincha should be completed before then.
- Preparations for second day and Candle Lighting may not begin before 8:17 pm (Rabbenu Tam at 8:47 pm)
- Please remember to recite the special Yom Tov Kiddush for Motzei Shabbos (YKNH”Z).
SECOND DAY OF ROSH HASHANAH – SUNDAY. SEPTEMBER 20
- Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 7:19 am.
- Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:46 am or 10:22 am (Gr”a.)
- Sof Zman Tefillah is at 11:24 am (Gr”a.)
- Chatzos, midday, is at 1:26 pm
- Mincha can be recited after 1:57 pm and must be completed before 7:33 pm.
- Yom Tov concludes at 8:15 pm (Rabbenu Tam at 8:45 pm). Havdalah should not be recited before then.
TZOM GEDALYA – FAST OF GEDALYA – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
- Fast Begins: 6:08 am
- Fast Concludes: 8:13 pm