March 19, 2024 ()

Holidays & Special Services

Join the Temple Emanuel Community as it celebrates holidays year-round.

Selichot

On the Saturday evening preceding Rosh Hashanah, we gather in our sanctuary with our choir to welcome in the season of awe, to continue the process of teshuvah (repentance), and to change the mantles of our Torah Scrolls from the beautiful colors to white.

High Holy Days

  • Rosh Hashanah: Begins sunset Friday, September 15, 2023.
  • Yom Kippur: Begins sunset Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Sukkot

On Erev Sukkot, join our clergy for a fun family friendly service where we shake the lulav and smell the etrog and rejoice in zman simchateinu, our season of joy.  On the Shabbat which falls during Sukkot we celebrate Sukkot under the Stars, a gorgeous outdoor service celebrating Shabbat and the festival in our beautiful Mark Mann Pavillion.

Simchat Torah

Celebrate with us as we conclude the solemn season of Autumn holidays as we rejoice in restarting the cycle of Torah reading with festive music, prayers, and dancing with the Torahs. On Simchat Torah, it is also our custom to welcome our Kindergartens into their formal Jewish education through the ritual of consecration.

Chanukah

We celebrate the miracle of the Macabees victory over the Asyrian-Greeks and the oil which lasted for eight nights with lots of festivities including a lighting of the Chanukiah (Chanukah menorah) in front of Kensington Town Hall. On the Friday evening(s) of Chanukah, we come together for a festive service, inviting each person to bring their own chanukiya to add more light into the world.

Tu B’shvat

At Tu B’shvat, we welcome environmental speakers to our Shabbat services and facilitate home Tu B’Shvat seders. Also check out of ARZA page to find out about supporting the Jewish National Fund and Temple Emanuel at the same time.

Purim

Purim at Temple Emanuel – Unlike any other day!

Come in costume, ready for a romp! Hear the Purim Story with Kol zimrah and Kol Ruach, the Adult and Junior Choirs. Fun for the whole family, from babies to boomers.

Join us for for Purim Services at Temple Emanuel, with a musical parody and short megillah reading, followed by a costume parade and special treats!

The Religious School also hosts a Purim Carnival for kids of all ages. Join us the Sunday of Purim for arts and crafts, carnival games, snacks, and more!

Passover

Please join us for our annual Congregational 2nd Night Seder. The service is led by our Clergy, and a traditional 4-course dinner with be served.

We also join together with other Temples from the Washington, DC area for Festival Services on the first morning and seventh day of Passover. For more information, please refer to the calendar.