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Chanukah: The festival of lights

Ask adults what reminds them of Chanukah and they will instinctively list candles, dreidels, latkes and menorahs. For most, Chanukah—eight days of songs, games, candlelight and delicious foods—generates wonderful childhood memories.

Chanukah at BJBE is also memorable for all who participate. As with all services, the evening is filled with prayers, songs and storytelling. What makes this night unforgettable is each person holds a candle as we sing. It is a festive atmosphere as children and adults are equally delighted to share in such a heartwarming event.

Tisha B'Av

TishabavTisha B'Av, which means the "Ninth of Av", refers to a traditional day of mourning the destruction of both ancient Temples in Jerusalem. In contrast to Orthodoxy, Reform Judaism has never assigned a central religious role to the ancient Temple. Therefore, mourning the destruction of the Temple in such an elaborate fashion did not seem meaningful.

Yom HaShoah

Yom HashoahYom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, occurs on the 27th of Nissan. "Shoah", which means catastrophe or utter destruction in Hebrew, refers to the atrocities that were committed against the Jewish people during World War II. This is a memorial day for those who died in the Shoah.

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