Jewish Festivals
At Congregation B’nai Shalom, festival celebrations are designed to be meaningful occasions for both spiritual and social connection, with something for all ages to meet the needs of our diverse congregation.
Following immediately after the introspective spirituality of Yom Kippur, we bring a taste of Israel and a celebratory flavor to Sukkot with music and food, an earlier gathering time for families with children and a later meal and presentation/program on a contemporary issue for adults.
On Simchat Torah we unroll an entire Torah scroll and dance to the sounds of our Klezmer Band.
We come together several times during Hanukkah in a variety of celebrations.
Tu Bishvat (Festival of Trees) is an opportunity for a creative Shabbat service with a fruity food ritual.
Purim means it is time to be playful, with plenty of opportunity for participation. Our Chai School students lead our Shpiel, we often have late evening adult-oriented programs, and our Sunday Purim Carnival is always a big hit with our youngest members.
On Pesach we host a multi-generational community Seder, with a little something for everyone, professionally catered. We also had fun creating some Passover Parodies for a few years that have made it to the ‘Top 5’ lists of many Jewish publications and blogs.
We mark Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance) and Yom Ha’atzamaut (Israeli Independence Day) with our greater Central MA Federation community.
Shavuot caps off the festival cycle with a beautiful service led by our Confirmation Class, always inspiring as they reflect on some of the most meaningful Jewish moments in their lives.
Please consult our online calendar for dates, times and further information.
Please see separate page for Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).