High Holidays at The Vilna include something for everyone—musical and uplifting services, festive holiday meals, a program for families with young children and plenty of time to mingle and meet new people. Whether you’ve joined us in the past, or this will be your first time, you’ll love our warm and friendly vibe, our a la carte options for tickets and our membership-free model.
Our services are an engaging blend of old and new, combining traditional melodies with contemporary liturgy and offering an inspiring setting in our hundred year old sanctuary for the start of the new year.
You’ll enjoy delicious, kosher meals on Rosh Hashanah and at the end of Yom Kippur, provided by local favorite Dushez Caterers.
High Holidays 2025
Tickets for Young Professionals: We're happy to offer young professionals a special $75 High Holiday Ticket, which provides entry to all services and meals.
Transportation: MBTA Red line via Charles/MGH and Green Line via Park Street | $5 validated parking at 207 Cambridge Street | Click here for more detailed directions.
Contact Our Team: While tickets are heavily subsidized, we don't want cost to be a barrier. Please email or call us at 617-523-2324 if you have any questions.
Meet our High Holiday Leaders
Rabbi Elyse Winick
Services will be led by Rabbi Elyse Winick, The Vilna's Director of Arts and Culture. Elyse has served as the Director of Learning and Education at Combined Jewish Philanthropies as well as the Jewish Chaplain at Brandeis University and the Director of KOACH/College Outreach. Ordained by The Jewish Theological Seminary, Elyse has created High Holiday experiences for synagogues and campus settings in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Noah Simon
Noah Simon (he/him) is so excited to be the Vilna Shul’s guitar accompanist for the 5786 High Holy Day season. From Annapolis, Maryland, but recently moved to Boston, Noah is deeply passionate about Jewish music and liturgy. He has 9 years of experience playing guitar in Jewish worship spaces and is an alumnus of the URJ Kutz Camp Songleading Immersive. Noah recently graduated from Brandeis University with degrees in computer science and linguistics, and credits the Brandeis Hillel community for honing his passion for worship leading.
Shoshanah Israilevich
Joining us for Kol Nidrei, as well as our Families with Young Children Rosh Hashanah program on September 21, Shoshanah Israilevich is a Boston-based cellist completing her Master of Music in Cello Performance at the New England Conservatory. Her work spans solo, chamber, and studio performance, with appearances at venues including the Hollywood Bowl and recording credits with major film studios. As an educator, she creates interactive musical storytelling programs that introduce classical music to young audiences in imaginative ways. Rooted in a strong connection to Jewish tradition, Shoshanah is passionate about using music to build community and celebrate culture.