When Attending Synagogue on Yom Kippur Becomes Something to Fear

How We Navigate Grief with Blair · Sep 22, 2026 · 12m

I was sitting in our synagogue for Rabbi Rose’s final Kol Nidre service when I thought about my dad’s eyes snapping open.

Rabbi Kliel Rose has meant everything to our family and to me, and now he’s moving to a new congregation in a different city. So I was already there holding grief. He has been a spiritual guide who’s been part of really important family events.

Kol Nidre was starting, and we were sitting in a beautiful circle. The confession was about to begin. I was thinking about how this is the last time I’ll be in his congregation.

While I was doing this, at the same time on Sunday…