Following closely on the heels of the Yamim Noraim are the festivals of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah.
SUKKOT
Sukkot was known by the rabbis as HeHag, “the festival”, because of its crucial importance in the religious life of the people, and because of the great joy associated with the festival.
We will honour that tradition by holding Sukkot services on Saturday September 30 and Sunday October 1 at 9:30 am. Everyone will be invited after services to visit inside our brand new Sukkah. A special festive kiddush lunch will be served on both days.
Decorating the Sukkah
Bring your family and join us to decorate our new Sukkah Wednesday September 27. This will be an after-school event and snacks will be served. Stay tuned for more details in the Narayever Net.
Build Your Own Sukkah
Community members who can do so are encouraged to build their own sukkah at their homes and to register for the Sukkah Hop so those without sukkahs in our community have an opportunity to join in the festivities. For information about how to build a sukkah, please contact Rabbi Elkin at rabbi@narayever.ca
Ordering Your Lulav & Etrog
We encourage you to purchase lulav/etrog sets from one of the Judaica stores around town and bring them to Sukkot services (except on Shabbat). This year the shul office will be handling orders from Israel’s Judaica that can be picked up from our office Deadline for ordering is noon on Friday September 22. Pickup will be at the shul during office hours on Thursday September 28 (9:30 am - 6:00 pm) and Friday September 28 (9:30 am - 2:00 pm). Call the shul office or order directly using this form.
Sukkah Hop
Narayever’s Sukkah Hop was such a success last year that we are bringing it back! Enjoy visiting different sukkahs of Narayever members and take part in blessings, noshing and schmoozing. Once again, we are looking for members willing to be hosts and to open their sukkahs up to the shul community. The event will be held on Sunday October 1. Please email celebrations@narayever.com by September 8 if you are interested in being a host. Check Narayever Net closer to the time for more details and to register as a guest.
SHEMINI ATZERET / SIMCHAT TORAH
Shemini Atzeret, with Yizkor and Tefilat Geshem, will be observed on Shabbat October 7 at 9:30 am.
That night at 7:30 pm and the next morning Sunday October 8 at 9:30 am we will dance with the Torah at our wonderfully festive Simchat Torah celebration, to close out this year's yom tov season.
This year we will offer a family program during the regular adult service on the morning of Simchat Torah on Sunday October 8 at 10:30 am. Join Carly Prusky, Director of Family and Youth Engagement and the Celebrations Committee for singing, crafts, snacks and a chance to get up close with the Sefer Torah. Families will be invited upstairs when it’s time to dance with the Torah.
Remember – the Jewish holidays don’t end at break-the-fast at the end of Yom Kippur. All are welcome and encouraged to celebrate all the fall yom tovim at our shul.
