Festival Tefillah
Sukkot is an occasion for a Hakafot, a joyful procession
Jewish festivals at Beth Tzedec are moments to pause, celebrate, and renew. Each holiday brings its own rhythm—connecting us to Torah, to our history, and to each other. From spirited prayer to joyful meals, engaging programs, learning opportunities, and acts of giving, every festival is a chance to engage and celebrate.
Come experience the beauty of tradition in a way that feels alive and meaningful.
2026 Festival Dates
Sundown of Sunday, February 1, to nightfall of Monday, February 2.
The 15th of Shevat marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees.
Sundown of Monday, March 2, to nightfall of Tuesday, March 3.
Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from the wicked Haman in the days of Queen Esther of Persia.
Additional Dates:
- Fast of Esther, morning to evening of Monday, March 2
- Family Purim Carnival, Monday, March 2, at 4:30 p.m.
- Megillah reading, Monday, March 2, at 6:45 p.m.
- Megillah reading, Tuesday, March 3, at 5:00 p.m.
- 20s & 30s Disco Seudah, Tuesday, March 3, from 5:45 to 9:30 p.m.
- Shushan Purim, sundown of Tuesday, March 3, until nightfall of Wednesday, March 4, is the day on which Purim is celebrated in Jerusalem
Sundown of Wednesday, April 1, to nightfall of Thursday, April 9.
Pesach celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.
Additional Dates:
- Sale of Chametz forms are due at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1
- You must finish eating Chametz before 11:12 a.m. and burn Chametz before 12:17 p.m.
- No work is permitted on April 2 – 3 and April 8 – 9. Work is permitted only on April 5 – 7 with certain restrictions
- The counting of the Omer begins on Thursday, April 2
- Yizkor is recited on Thursday, April 9
Sundown Mon, Apr 13, to nightfall Tue, Apr 14.
Israel’s day of commemoration for the approximately six million Jews and five million others who perished in the Holocaust as a result of the actions carried out by Nazi Germany and its accomplices, and for the Jewish resistance in that period.
An important initiative begun by one of our past presidents, Jules Surdin z”l, the Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Program has become a signature project of the Beth Tzedec Men’s Club
Sundown Monday, April 20, to nightfall Tuesday, April 22.
Israel’s Memorial Day followed by Israel’s Independence Day
Sundown of Monday, May 4, to nightfall of Tuesday, May 5.
Lag BaOmer celebrates the anniversary of the passing of the great sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and the end of a plague that raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva.
Sundown of Thursday, May 21, to nightfall of Saturday, May 23.
Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai.
Additional Dates:
- No work is permitted during Shavuot
- Tikkun Leil Shavuot, our annual late-night learning program, features a keynote speaker, a variety of parallel breakout sessions, and cheesecake and coffee
- Yizkor is recited on Saturday, May 23
Sundown of Wednesday, July 22, to nightfall of Thursday, July 23.
The ninth of Av marks the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the destruction of both temples. We fast and follow other restrictions. On this solemn and yet ultimately hopeful occasion, we gather under dim lighting and seated low for Ma’ariv and the chanting of Eikhah, the Book of Lamentation.
Sunset of Friday, September 11, to nightfall of Sunday, September 13, 2026
The Jewish New Year. This year, we welcome the Hebrew year 5787.
Additional dates:
- No work is permitted
- The Fast of Gedalia begins at dawn Monday, September 14 until dusk
Sunset of Sunday, September 20, to nightfall of Monday, September 21, 2026
Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is the holiest day of the Jewish year, when we fast, pray, seek forgiveness from God and our fellows, and come closer to God.
Additional dates:
- No work is permitted
- Yizkor is recited on Monday, September 21
Sunset of Friday, September 25, to nightfall of Friday, October 2, 2026
The seven days of Sukkot are celebrated by eating and dwelling in the sukkah, performing a mitzvah with the Lulav and Etrog, and are a celebratory period.
Additional Dates:
- No work permitted on September 26 – 27. Work is permitted on September 28 – October 2 with certain restrictions
- Hoshanah Rabbah, the final day of Sukkot, October 2, 2026
Sunset of Friday, October 2, to nightfall of Sunday, October 4, 2026
We mark the end and immediate restart of the annual Torah reading cycle, with Hakafot dancing with the Torah, and special readings.
Additional dates:
- No work is permitted
- Yizkor is recited on Shemini Atzeret, Saturday, October 3
- Following Simchat Torah morning services, join us at our annual luncheon, honouring our Chattan/Kallat Torah and Chattan/Kallat B’reisheet respectively
Sunset of Friday, December 4, to nightfall of Saturday, December 12.
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of light.
Additional dates:
- Following Minchah / Ma’ariv services each night, we light our Chanukiah dedicated by the Troster family
- Morning services include the addition of Hallel and Torah reading
Today's Services
November 9, 2026
Shacharit Service
November 9, 2026
Mincha-Ma’ariv Services
Today's Programs & Events
November 9, 2026
An Evening with Dara Horn and Sarah Hurwitz
November 9, 2026