Jewish Holidays

The Jewish Holiday Cycle

The flow of the Jewish year creates connection at Beth El. As the seasons change, each holiday brings new energy, new learning, and fresh opportunities to grow and rejoice together as a community.

The High Holy Days – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

From our celebration of a new year to introspection that enables us to hear that “still small voice,” we share the journey through the Days of Awe. We prepare with Selichot (Rosh Hashanah communal prayers for forgiveness) and end our fast together on Yom Kippur with a thunderous shofar blast at Ne’ilah.

Sukkot

We celebrate the autumn harvest in our community sukkah where we pray, sing and feast in our temporary outdoor sanctuary. The dwelling is erected each year by the Chai Guys, Beth El’s softball team, and decorated by our children.

Simchat Torah

Hear the chanting of the end of the Torah followed by its beginning as (in a long-standing Beth EL tradition) we unroll and hold up the entire scroll. Then on to dance with our Torahs, and sing and feast.

Chanukah

We light up eight of the longest winter nights by kindling our outdoor chanukiah. Then we warm up with latkes and laughter.

Tu B’shvat

Our Tu B’shvat seder turns our thoughts to spring as we give thanks to the trees that grace our world and provide delicious fruits, nuts and spices. Try this guided experience for Tu B’shvat.

Purim

Our Purim Spiel retells the story of Esther with plenty of humor, songs and silly costumes. Then enjoy a morning pajama Megillah reading with coffee and hamantaschen. On the Sunday following Purim, our youth group puts on a Purim carnival for all ages. 

Pesach

Special Pesach workshops and study sessions prepare us to relive our flight from Egypt and the first taste of freedom. There’s room for everyone at our seders — just ask!

Shavuot

Congregation Beth El joins the MetroWest community to celebrate Tikkun Layl Shavuot with a wide variety of study sessions, a festive meal and activities for all ages. On the first day of Shavuot ,the Beth El community gathers for a hike with our Torah to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments followed by a picnic lunch.

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