Holidays
Temple of Israel provides an opportunity for its members to come together as part of a warm, caring and enriching community to worship and renew themselves spiritually. Every congregant and guest is invited to participate in the celebration and commemoration of all of Judaism’s sacred days.
The congregation’s mission is to create a home for every soul by offering a variety of Jewish experiences to nourish the mind, heart, and spirit while being a caring Jewish community.
Hanukkah
Annual Latke Dinner
Bring your menorahs and join us for a latke dinner.
Hanukkah Fair
The Sisterhood Gift Shop Hanukkah Fair is the biggest Gift Shop sales event of the year! We sell new items from Israel, local and national artists, and vendors.
View the Temple Calendar for the next Hanukkah Fair and mark your calendars!
Purim
What is Purim?
Purim is celebrated by the reading of the Scroll of Esther, known in Hebrew as the Megillat Esther, which relates the basic story of Purim. Under the rule of King Ahashuerus, Haman, the King’s prime minister, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia. His plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews of the land from destruction. The reading of the megillah is typically a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman’s name is read aloud.
Dress up for Purim!
Come to our Megillah reading and Purim play! Then join us in the gym for the Purim Carnival! Check our calendar for the date and time. We have a great time at Purim. The kids wear costumes and participate in our costume contest. Adults in our congregation dress up as the Purim characters and entertain the kids by acting out the story of Purim.
Simchat Torah
During Simchat Torah we sing and completely unroll one of our Torahs. We read the last portion and then the first portion to begin the words of our ancestors for another year.
Sukkot
Sukkot, a Hebrew word meaning “booths” or “huts,” refers to the Jewish festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest, as well as the commemoration of the forty years of Jews wandering in the desert after Sinai. Sukkot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur on the 15th of Tishrei and is marked by several distinct traditions. One tradition, which takes the commandment to “dwell in booths” literally, is to build a sukkah, a booth or hut. A sukkah is often erected by Jews during this festival, and it is common practice for some to eat and even live in these temporary dwellings during Sukkot.
