Holidays

The congregation’s mission is to create a home for every soul by offering a variety of Jewish experiences to nourish the mind, heart and spirit while being a caring Jewish community.

Sukkot

Sukkot, a Hebrew word meaning “booths” or “huts,” refers to the Jewish festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest, as well as the commemoration of the forty years of Jewish wandering in the desert after Sinai. Sukkot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur on the 15th of Tishrei and is marked by several distinct traditions. One tradition, which takes the commandment to “dwell in booths” literally, is to build a sukkah, a booth or hut. A sukkah is often erected by Jews during this festival, and it is common practice for some to eat and even live in these temporary dwellings during Sukkot. Read more about the history and customs of Sukkot.

 

Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah is also a time where we have special celebrations, including creative activities with the Torah scroll and Consecration, where we welcome new students to our dynamic and growing Religious School. Read more about the history and customs of Simchat Torah

 

Hanukkah

The story of Chanukkah dates back over 2,000 years.  Though a minor festival, its importance has grown over the years, celebrating freedom of religion and the triumph of light and hope during the coldest, darkest time of year.  Our Temple is proud to hold and annual Chanukkah Dinner, with games and a silent auction, attracting more that 150 people from 9 months (or less!)  to 90 plus years of age.

As you can see from the several different spellings of this holiday, Hebrew words, when transliterated, can be done in various ways, and they all are correct.

Read more about the history and customs of Hanukkah

 

Passover

Passover celebrates the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and bondage under human rulers.  We cherish our own freedom and hope for the day when all will be truly free.  In addition to conducting home rituals, our Congregational second-night seder draws well over 200 people and provides a festive and meaningful evening of profound ritual, delicious food, and great company. Click here for the TOI Haggadah! Read more about the history and customs of Passover

 

Shavuot

We also mark Shavuot with Confirmation, a Reform Jewish innovation, where our students, completing 10th grade, confirm their Jewish identity and commitment to lifelong Jewish learning.  It has been said that during a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Judaism chooses the individual.  At Confirmation, the individual chooses Judaism. Read more about the history and customs of Shavuot