Shavuot (Weeks): This holiday, which comes seven weeks after the beginning of Passover. Additionally, when the Temple stood in Jerusalem, the first fruits of the season were also offered at this time. Shavout is also celebrated as the anniversary of our receiving the Ten Commandments, also known as Z’man Matan Torateinu, “The Season of the Giving of our Torah.”
During Pesach (Passover) we celebrate our ancestors’ redemption from slavery in Egypt. Passover was observed as the spring harvest festival when the Temple stood in Jerusalem. At Congregation Shaarey Zedek, in addition to worship services on this festival, we also have a congregational seder (ritual Passover meal) on the second night of the holiday, hosted by our Sisterhood.
On April 19, 2012, WLIX Channel 10 visited our congregational seder
Purim (Lots): On Purim we commemorate Queen Esther’s role in saving the Jews of Persia from Haman’s plot to kill them. We celebrate by reading the Megillah (scroll) of Esther and by giving gifts of food to friends and those who are less fortunate. At Congregation Shaarey Zedek, on the Sunday nearest Purim we host a Purim Carnival for our younger members to enjoy. We also host a community-wide Purimshpiel, with cast members coming from our congregation as well as our sister congregation in Lansing, Kehillat Israel.
Resources from the URJ to enhance your celebration of Purim
Chanukah (Dedication): This joyous eight-day holiday marks the victory of the Jews over the Syrian Greeks and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Resources to enhance your celebration of Chanukah
Light a Virtual Menorah (Chanukiyah)
Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day of Assembly) and Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah) come at the very end of the Sukkot holiday. Included in the Shemini Atzeret service is the Yizkor (memorial) service where we remember our loved ones.
On Simchat Torah we joyously conclude the reading of the Torah (first five books of the Bible) and immediately begin the reading again, symbolizing the never-ending cycle of learning which Judaism holds to be of utmost importance.
Sukkot (Festival of Booths): On Sukkot we remember the forty years of wandering in the wilderness following our Exodus from Egypt; Sukkot is also the ancient fall harvest festival. A sukkah (booth) is built on our synagogue grounds so that members may fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of “leisheiv ba-sukkah – dwelling or sitting in the sukkah.”
Collectively, the High Holy Days are called the Yamim Nora’im (Days of Awe). The High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) are a time for prayer, reflection, and learning. We offer a variety of services to meet the spiritual needs of our diverse community.
Click here for the Current High Holy Days Service Schedule
Resources to help enhance your High Holy Days worship
Rosh Hashanah Family Activities
Yom Kippur Rituals and Customs
Selichot
June 19, 2013 by belin1964 • Holidays
During the month prior to the High Holy Days, it is customary to add penitential prayers (selichot) to our worship. In addition, a special Selichot service is held on the Saturday evening prior to the start of the High Holy Days. Although traditionally held at midnight, our congregation’s Selichot service is held earlier in the evening to encourage people of all ages to attend.