Holidays and Festivals

Shalosh Regalim- The Three Festivals

Anshe Emet provides a wide-range of activities in preparation for Sukkot, Pesach and Shavuot for young and old. Our services are similar to Shabbat (see calendar for times) but each has its own musical and theological personality. Geshem, the prayer for rain on Shemini Atzeret (holiday immediately following Sukkot), Tal, the prayer for dew on Passover, and, of course, Yizkor, the prayer of remembrance of loved ones, are mystical moments that should not be missed. Simchat Torah, immediately following Shemini Atzeret, is a special treat for young children, with the parading of the Torahs and special silly tunes to prayers. Please join us!

Listen to Music of the Festivals sung by Hazzan Mizrahi!

Pitchu Li

S’u She’arim

Ma Lcha Hayom

To chant Torah or lead a part of a Festival service, or for more information, please contact Debby Lewis at 773-868-5113.

Hannukah, Purim, Israel Independence Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and other holidays are all observed at Anshe Emet. For information on these days, please see below and our calendar.

Other Holidays

Anshe Emet observes Hannukah, Purim, Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Tu B'Shevat (New Year for the Trees), Tisha B'Av (the Ninth of Av), and Rosh Chodesh (New Moon), fully embracing the whole of the Jewish year and cycle.

Sukkot and Hanukkah feature community-wide parties geared toward children, with activities and learning about ritual objects and stories pertaining to each holiday. As these events take place in conjunction with our Religious School, please contact Religious School Principal Leah Conley at 773.868.5131 for more information.

Purim night is a noisy celebration full of excitement and laughter as we listen to the Megilla (scroll of Esther) and watch performances in costumes. Our youth department, SHMUSY, spearheads tzedakah-gathering all of Purim which feature prominently in the holiday. Purim day features a community-wide carnival with games and prizes; please contact Rabbi David Russo at 773.868.5127 for more information.

If you are interested in learning how to chant the Megilla for Purim, or Eicha (Lamentations) for Tisha B'Av, please contact Debby Lewis.

Rosh Chodesh is celebrated in Daily Minyan, which begins at 6:50 a.m. on those mornings to accomodate Torah readings and Hallel (the special prayer of praise).

For more information on programming for other holidays, please see our Calendar or contact Raquel Johnson.