Holiday Observances

Honoring the rhythm of Jewish time with holiday observances is an important value at the Fellowship. We mark the major holidays that take place in the synagogue. Some are led by lay volunteers, and others by our spiritual leader, Rav Shoshana.

As a non-denominational synagogue we are inclusive of all types of observances. For the High Holidays we are more traditional in our observance, though for the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah we offer a Rosh Hashanah walk in the woods with the Torah and Shofar blowing. In addition to contemplative services in the Sukkah, we mark Sukkot with a festive Soup Fest the Sunday of Sukkot. Food is always a connector, and for the past few years we have accompanied our Selichot services with a Kugel Cookoff to get us in the New Year mood. A Tu B’Shevat seder, and Women’s Passover seder are lay led as is the Megillah reading for Purim (which in 2024 was read in Russian, Ladino, and French in addition to Hebrew.

Shabbat is the focal point especially in the summer. For the past few years, we have uplifted our Friday night Shabbat services by holding them at sunset at Elm Beach; often accompanied by the Fellowship band followed by a potluck dinner. Saturday morning, we are back in the sanctuary with Torah and Haftarah reading and always welcome weekend guests visiting Hemlock Farms and environs. From time to time, we have a Soul Stroll for Saturday Shabbat services. Please check the calendar for details