Holidays

Congregation Beth Israel comes together to celebrate our holidays throughout the year.  Our High Holiday services usually involve bringing a wonderful cantor from Israel, meaningful services throughout the chag, and breaking the fast as a community after the final shofar blast on Yom Kippur.  In years past we’ve had Scotch and song jam-a-longs in our community sukkah.  Outside of the pandemic, we host big celebrations for Purim (a fun carnival!) and a huge community Chanukah party.  The congregation that parties, and on solemn holidays, prays together…stays together.

Upcoming Holidays

Tish’a B’Av

The saddest day in the Jewish calendar, this day commemorates a number of disasters for our people, primarily the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians and the Second Temple by the Romans.  We also mark the innumerable other tragedies that have befallen our people.

It’s a day of fasting, and we read the Book of Lamentations in synagogue.

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The Days of Awe

The New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) are perhaps the most auspicious and holy days in the Jewish ritual calendar.  We retain the services of Cantor Bill Slott, who journeys from Israel every year to set the near-operatic tone for this time of reflection and self-improvement.

Rabbi Bill Siemers, our congregational rabbi, is known for the high quality of his regular weekly sermons, but his High Holiday sermons are among the best.  Please join us for the High Holidays, contact the office to learn about seat fees and registration.