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 services on Sukkot, on Tuesday October 7 and Wednesday October 8, beginning at 9:30 am. Everyone will be invited to visit our Narayever sukkah after services and enjoy a special Sukkot lunch.
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 Aleph Bet Judaica that can be picked up at the shul office on Friday, October 3 (noon - 4:00 pm) and Monday October 6 (9:30 am - 4:00 pm). Deadline for ordering is Thursday September 18. Call the shul office or order directly using this form.
Sukkah Hop
We can't wait for our annual Sukkah Hop on Sunday October 12! Enjoy visiting different sukkot of Narayever members and take part in blessings, noshing and schmoozing. All ages are invited to this joyous and festive outdoor event where we gather with other Narayeverniks and friends. There will be a scavenger hunt for young guests to take part in as they visit the different sukkot. The Sukkah Hop is a wonderful opportunity to extend your High Holidays experience in a more casual setting. The sukkot are all within walking distance of the shul. Please email celebrations@narayever.ca by October 1 if you are interested in being a host. Please register here if you plan on attending.
SHEMINI ATZERET / SIMCHAT TORAH
Shemini Atzeret, with Yizkor and Tefilat Geshem, will be observed on Tuesday October 14, beginning at 9:30 am.
That night at 7:30 pm and the next morning Wednesday, October 15 beginning 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.
Remember – the 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.
