Hoidays

S’lichot / Commitment Weekend
It has become a tradition at Beth Ahm to incorporate S’lichot with a weekend of activities designed to remind members why they are committed to the shul. On the Saturday evening before Rosh Hashanah, a special program is organized. Participants enjoy music, discussion and social gathering.

Sukkot
Sukkot is s celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei and is a very joyful harvest festival. Our Men’s Club assembles the annual Sukkah (temporary dwelling) that is topped with branches and corn stalks, then our students help decorate the sukkah, which is used for congregational meals. The holiday also includes waving the lulav and etrog, which represent the Four Species.

Sh’mini Atzeret
This holiday takes place 8 days from the beginning of Sukkot, on the 22nd day of Tishrei. At the morning service, Yizkor is said following the reading of the Torah.

Simchat Torah
At Beth Ahm we mark the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of the new cycle at an evening service.

Chanukah
Our annual celebration of Chanukah typically includes a Shabbat service and family dinner. Our students try to stump the congregants with questions related to the Festival of Lights.

Tu B’Shvat
This holiday, celebrating the “New Year of the Trees,” is celebrated on the 15th day of Shevat.

Purim
As in most synagogues, Beth Ahm’s congregants enjoy the annual reading of the Megillah. Some dress in costumes, others bring their favorite groger, and all enjoy a loud, joyful celebration.

Purim is a joyous holiday, which celebrates the salvation of the Jews. The mitzvah of Purim is the obligatory giving of food gifts. Mordechai, one of the Purim Heroes, instituted the practice of Mishloach Manot. Everone must send two items of food to at least one person to ensure that everyone has sufficient food for the Purim Feast. Donating to our annual Mishloah Manot fundraiser fulfills that obligation. Congregants receive Purim baskets filled with goodies and can also purchase baskets for friends and family. Beth Ahm also donates baskets to needy families.

Pesach
In preparation for Pesach, which begins on the 15th day of Nisan, the kitchen is koshered in preparation for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Services are held on the first two days and last two days of the holiday. On the last day of Pesach, Yizkor is said following the reading of the Torah.

Yom HaShoah
Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day for us to remember (Zachor) what happened. Six million Jews and five million non-Jews perished from 1933 to 1945. Beth Ahm traditionally holds a program that enables us to remember those that suffered, those that fought and those who died during the horrors of the Holocaust. The Men’s Club provides Shoah Candles, which are lit on Erev Yom Ha’Shoah .

Yom Ha’Atz’ma’ut
Beth Ahm enjoys celebrating Israel’s Independence Day with a Shabbat dinner full of traditional Israeli foods.

Shavuot
This holiday commemorates the anniversary of the day God gave the Torah to the entire Israelite nation at Mount Sinai. We begin this holiday with an evening Tikkun (study session), which includes presentations and discussions which continue past midnight. Yizkor is said following the reading of the Torah.

Tishah B’Av
The annual fast day takes place on the ninth day of Av.