Sukkot: This seven-day festival (eight days in the Diaspora) celebrates the abundance of the fall harvest and commemorates the 40 years the Jewish people wandered in the desert after the exodus from slavery. The sukkah, a temporary three-sided dwelling covered with leafy branches, gives the holiday its name. The sukkah is a reminder of the temporary dwellings our ancestors in ancient Israel used for shelter in the fields during the harvest, as well as the booths they lived in for 40 years in the desert. The festival has two additional main symbols: the lulav and etrog. The lulav consists of palm, myrtle and willow branches bound together. The etrog is a citron, a yellow citrus fruit that looks and smells like a bumpy lemon. It is traditional to bless the Four Species (the lulav and etrog held together) while waving them towards the four compass points, heaven and earth on each day of the holiday except Shabbat.
Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah (Oct. 24-25) The days immediately following the end of the festival of Sukkot are the semi-independent holidays Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Some liberal congregations celebrate both in one day as Atzeret-Simchat Torah. These two holidays formally end the season of the High Holy Days. The Torah is a central symbol of Simchat Torah as we read the final verses of Deuteronomy, then immediately recommence the cycle by reading the opening verses of Genesis. The celebration of the annual cycle includes marching around the synagogue with Torah scrolls and flags.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, the Oregon Board of Rabbis and LCD (BuildLCD.com) announce the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Portland Community Mikvah. The mikvah will be located on the Schnitzer Family Campus just west of the MJCC.
Mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath used for traditional purposes such as a component of a conversion to Judaism process, and ritual family purity. Contemporary purposes are numerous but all have in common the idea of marking a transition or milestone in one’s life. This is an ancient Jewish tradition with contemporary innovations where the waters provide an opportunity to celebrate, mark a transition or heal. The facility is a resource for learning, spiritual discovery and creativity where women and men of all ages and backgrounds can mark milestones.
The project consists of a beautiful waiting area, preparation rooms and ritual bath. There is also a separate “dish mikvah” available to make dishes and cookware kosher. Some of the unique aspects of the project include collecting rain water to fill the bath as well as many other traditional construction practices to adhere to the kosher laws and traditions.
The project kicks off Thursday Oct. 20 with a ceremonial groundbreaking at 3:30 pm located at 6651 SW Capitol Hwy Portland OR 97219 (MJCC).
Please join the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, the Oregon Board of Rabbis, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center and members of the local Jewish community and local businesses.
For almost a century, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has been your means of connecting with your community, discovering new ways to do good and giving back to those who came before you. By raising funds that support a broad network of organizations and through innovative programming and initiatives, we are able to meet the ongoing needs of people at home, in Israel and around the world for today and for future generations.
Learn the basics of Improv Theater! Students will learn short-form games that teach the skills of listening and responding, working together as a group to create a story on the spot, and building self-confidence. The class will be working towards a demo that showcases their favorite improv games, and shows off their new comedy chops!
Thursdays starting Oct. 13 – December, no class Nov. 24; 3:45 – 4:45pm
Cost: $95/student; CG 108
In partnership with PJA and the NW Children’s Theater and School
5:45: Bring a vegetarian picnic to the Sukkah.
7 pm: Friends & Family Shabbat Service and Oneg in the Sukkah
Temple Beth Israel, 1175 East 29th Avenue, Eugene, OR
Info: www.tbieugene.org. 541-485-7218 info@tbieugene.org
Enjoy vegetarian potluck dinner in our beautiful sukkah.
Shalom Bayit (home of the JCCO), 21555 Modoc Lane, Bend, OR, Contact Judy Shupack at 541-389-9854.
Shabbat and Sukkot Service at Beit Haverim: Join us as we celebrate Shabbat and Sukkot with Rabbi Alan Berg and Cantor Ann Brown.
9:00am Hoshana Rabah Service, Zidell Chapel
9:00am Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor Service, Stampfer Chapel
Night Erev Simchat Torah: Oktorahfest! 6:00pm dinner by reservation;
7:00pm Ma’ariv/Hakafot open to all, Birnbach Hall
9:30 am: Sh’mini Atzeret Service (includes Yizkor)
5:30 pm: Simchat Torah Celebration
Temple Beth Israel, 1175 East 29th Avenue, Eugene, OR
Info: www.tbieugene.org. 541-485-7218 info@tbieugene.org