Celebrating Jewish Holidays Together

B'NAI MITZVAH: This is an exciting time for the Bar or Bat Mitzvah family, whether it be the children or grandchildren of your Havurah member. Perhaps a pre- or post-celebration given by the Havurah would be appreciated, such as a Shabbat dinner or a Sunday brunch.

HANUKKAH: This is a wonderful time for a party, with or without children. Don't forget the latkes and dreidels! On a serious note, this holiday raises questions about the "December Dilemma" (explaining the celebration of Christmas in a secular society to a Jewish child) as well as the historic struggle of the assimilationists vs. the traditionalists. Lots of food for thought and discussion.

HAVDALAH: Done on Saturday night, traditionally after three stars are visible in the sky, this is a beautiful, simple and very short service marking the end of Shabbat. Song sheets in English, Hebrew and transliterated Hebrew are available. A wonderful way to begin a Saturday night program.

HIGH HOLY DAYS: Often the Havurah comes back together after a short summer break around holiday time. Join at a member's home after Rosh Hashanah services for dessert and to catch up with each other. Have a Havurah Break Fast on Yom Kippur, even if some of the members have local family.

LAG B'OMER: On the 33rd (LaG) day between Passover and Shavuot, this holiday is traditionally celebrated with a picnic, outdoor games and haircuts! A great excuse for a Havurah to have a day at the park or beach.

PASSOVER: Though many families have plans for a first seder, Havurot often celebrate a second or third seder together. It does not have to be a sit-down meal. Rather, decide which parts of the Haggadah you would like to include, involve children (if applicable) in preparing a skit about life in the wilderness; talk about associations Passover has for you, etc.. Be creative!

PURIM: Revive the practice of giving shalach manot (gifts of food) to each other and to those who are less able to enjoy the holiday, e.g. shut-ins, elderly, those in nursing homes. Spend a meeting preparing the packages of treats (don't forget the hamantashen!) and then deliver them yourselves. Discuss this tradition.

SHABBAT:

1. Split the Havurah up for Friday night dinner in a few different homes, then all meet together for dessert and singing.
2. Attend services together on a Friday evening or Shabbat morning. Have lunch together in a member's home.

SHAVUOT:

1. A perfect time for a discussion of the Ten Commandments (why not have everyone rank them in order of importance?) followed by a traditional dairy meal (Why a dairy meal?).
2. Attend the Temple's late night service and study session.
3. Festival of First Fruits (Bikurim) - go cherry picking.

SUKKOT: Though a great challenge, building a sukkah together is a wonderful project which really gives the Havurah a sense of accomplishment. Don't forget the decorations and a pot luck meal to eat inside the sukkah. In keeping with the customs of inviting ushpizin (symbolic guests), have everyone think of someone they'd like to invite "in spirit" to join the havurah in the sukkah and explain their choices.

TISHA B'AV: Observe the day of mourning.

1. Reading of Lamentations at the Temple.
2. Discuss the Book of Job.

TU B'SHEVAT: As the holiday of the trees, this is the time to do some planting. A wonderful idea is for the Havurah to plant a small tree, bush or garden each year at a different member's home. Over the years, the Havurah will enjoy seeing tangible evidence of its growth. Or visit the TreePeople (on Coldwater and Mulholland) and plant saplings there.

YOM HA'ATZMAUT: Israeli Independence Day can be celebrated by doing anything connected with Israel, e.g. Israeli wine and cheese party, inviting a speaker to talk about an issue related to Israel, attending the Israel Festival at Rancho Park, have someone show and explain their photographs or video from a recent trip, etc.

YOM HASHOAH: Holocaust Memorial Day can be observed by talking with a survivor, discussing an article on a Holocaust related subject.