What is Shemini Atzeret? In the Torah, we are commanded to observe the final day of Sukkot as its own holiday, but we are given few details about how or why. What are the hidden meanings of this holiday? Our Friday night service begins at 6:00 p.m. and concludes around 6:50 p.m. This week I will lead the davening and share a teaching.
Our service is designed to create a buffer between the work week and Shabbat rest. We aim to make the atmosphere like a family shabbat table complete with Candle Lighting, Blessing one another, Kiddush, and Motzei. Before and after the service we take time to check in with one another and share greetings (feel free to log on early). Our service has been abridged for ZOOM but includes familiar and new melodies, readings from the margins of the siddur, and some learning.
SHABBAT MORNING:
Yizkor and Kohelet
For Shemini Atzeret, we will say a special prayer to mark the beginning of our requests for rain, we will explore the book of Ecclesiastes (“To everything, there is a season…”), and we will have a Yizkor service.
Our Shabbat morning service begins at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary, and you can join us in person or on Livestream. I will offer a teaching, Marvin Wolfert will read Torah, and Alan Bulotsky will read Haftorah. Services will conclude around noon and will be followed by a kiddush luncheon sponsored by Stephen Niers in memory of his father.
SATURDAY NIGHT:
Simchat Torah
This Saturday night, join us live or on ZOOM as we complete the cycle of reading Torah and begin it again. We will unfurl the Torah for everyone to see, and celebrate it with singing, dancing, and refreshments. Our service will begin at 6pm, but there’s no telling when the fun will end!
SUNDAY MORNING:
Simchat Torah
On Sunday morning, join us as we celebrate Simchat Torah and honor our Hatan Torah, Steve Bernstein, and our Hatan Bereishit, Alan Bulotsky. marks the first day we can carry and shake our lulavim and etrogim in the synagogue, and we’ll take the opportunity for a deeper dive into the mystical understanding of the sukkah as a memory of our early romance with God in the desert.
Our Sunday morning service begins at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary, and you can join us in person or on Livestream. Linda Dietrich and Sam Evans will read Torah and Marci Shaw will read Haftorah. Services will conclude around noon and will be followed by a kiddush luncheon co-sponsored by Steve and Carol Bernstein and Alan and Toby Bulotsky.
Wishing you all chag sameach, Rabbi Lisa Feld
COVID Precautions
Covid rates are rising rapidly in the wider community. If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, please stay home. If you attend services in person, masking is strongly recommended.
Simcha Shabbat & Kiddush
Simcha Shabbat - 1st Shabbat of each month. Share your family's celebratory moments with the congregation by helping sponsor kiddush. More info
And we know that there are times when congregants and families simply want to sponsor kiddush outside of our monthly Simcha Shabbat. To acknowledge a special occasion, such as a yahrzeit or other important event, simply go to our Donations webpage
Alternative Shabbat Programs
Starbucks Shabbat: Saturdays at 12 PM onZOOM Enjoy an informal cup of joe while discussing various topics from the weekly parsha to current events. No RSVP needed; come regularly or pop in!
