High Holy Days
Sukkot
Sukkot is one of the major pilgrimage festivals of the Jewish year. At the time of the Temple in Jerusalem, Jews would come from all over Israel to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival - Sukkot is known by a number of different names, each signifying a different aspect of the holiday.
Shemini Atzeret
Shemini Atzeret, the eighth day of Sukkot, is in effect a separate holiday. We are no longer obligated to remain in the Sukkah. During the service, we pray for rain in Israel to nourish the crops.
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah, the happiness of the Torah, is the day on which we conclude the annual cycle of Torah readings and begin the cycle again from Genesis. In the evening and in the morning all the Sifrei Torah are removed from the ark and carried in a procession seven times around the congregation while the children follow with their flags. This procession is called “Hakafot" (circling). During the Hakafot, there is a great deal of singing and dancing.
For a full Schedule of Services click here.
