CAN I BE JEWISH IN THE SUMMER, TOO???
We all know that it is easy to remember to be Jewish in the Fall. Our High Holy days of Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur remind us of the importance of being Jewish as we endeavor to begin the New Year with a fresh, clean slate. We also have the autumn holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah in which we are able to fully rejoice in our fall harvest and in the joys of the Torah. When Winter comes, we know it will be time for
celebrating miracles with Hanukkah and only a month after that we have the chance to recognize Jewish Earth day with Tu b’Shevat. Our most celebratory holiday falls towards the end of Winter with Purim. From there we look forward to the Spring harvest holiday and celebration of freedom with Passover. Our modern observances of Yom HaShoah and Yom Ha’atzmaut also occur in Spring and then we look forward to the receiving of Torah with Shavuot.
Of course, as with many previous years, Shavuot will not only mark the time in which we continually receive Torah, but it is also a time in which our 10th graders confirm their commitment to Torah now and always with Confirmation. Shavuot also marks the end of Spring or beginning of Summer Harvest. But what happens after that? This year, between the beginning of June and the end of September, some people may think that there are NO Jewish holidays. There is the observance of Tisha B’av - the day in which we remember the destruction of the First and Second Temple, but other than this very solemn day, how do we celebrate being Jewish in the summertime?
Actually, the most important holiday of all is Shabbat. And we have the chance to celebrate that EVERY week. Which means, yes, you can celebrate Shabbat over the summer. I was recently asked if the Temple is open during the summer. My response…Of course! In fact, summer is a great time to come to services. For many Summer weekends are even more relaxing than they are in the winter, and joining your Temple family to start the weekend with Shabbat is a great way to really unwind, relax and celebrate!
The summer is a great time to celebrate being Jewish and celebrate being a part of Sinai Reform Temple. Throughout the summer we occasionally hold services outside as a way to appreciate the beauty of nature and these services are always fun!
Feel free to stop by the Temple and work in our Temple Garden or use your vacation time to volunteer in our thrift store. While there may not be many Jewish Holidays in the summer, it is actually the summer that can help us celebrate and appreciate our
Judaism the most!
If you would like to further connect to your Judaism this summer by leading services, please contact the Rabbi. She’ll be happy to sit down with you and help you plan a great service!
Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov
