Jewish Holidays

We welcome you to learn more about significant holidays and observations of the Jewish calendar and we invite you to join us for our many celebrations throughout the year!

Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year – a holiday observed with festive meals and a day spent in prayer or quiet meditation.

Yom Kippur – The Jewish Day of Atonement – the most solemn day of the Jewish year. A day devoted to self–examination, and the chance to begin the New Year with a clean slate.

Sukkot – A celebration of the fall harvest, join us for a Bring Your Own Picnic dinner and Shabbat Under the Stars.

Shemini Atzeret – Is the final day of the festivities of Sukkot. During this time we remember those we love who have passed away.

Simchat Torah – This holiday marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah and its beginning again – join us for dancing, singing and celebration!

Chanukah – A festival celebrating liberation from oppression, freedom of worship, and finding light in the darkest of times. Each year we gather as a community to enjoy good food, great music, Israeli dancing and the sounds of the Klezmer Band.

Tu B’Shevat – The Jewish “New Year of the Trees,” celebrated with observances that connect us to our environment and the natural world. CJC celebrates the connection between Shomri Adama/Protecting our world and Judaism on Tu B’Shevat in many different ways including a Tu B’Shevat seder, having important edicational and tikkun olam opportunites present in Sunday School and working to protect and save our world.

Purim – Purim at CJC is a time when adults, children and everyone in between, get dressed up to enjoy a special spiel written by one of our congregants every year. Service is filled with music, laughter and connection.

Passover – A festival of freedom that marks the Hebrew exodus from Egypt long ago. CJC hosts a 2nd night community Passover Seder.

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) – The day Jews all over the world mourn the loss of six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. CJC participates in Howard County’s annual Yom HaShoah program.

Shavuot – A time of learning and re-dedication to the covenant of G-d. We take seriously the commandment to learn and teach each other by having a wonderful tikkun, where clergy and congregants learn together.

Tisha B’Av – An important fast day commemorating the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE. CJC participates with other local Reconstructionist congregations to commemorate Tisha B’Av.