Dear Friends,

I know you're probably feeling Hag fatigue, but we're almost there!

The conclusion of Sukkot has some of the best liturgy in our tradition.

Hoshana Rabbah on Friday is the final day of Sukkot. (Shemini Atzeret is technically a separate holiday, although they are obviously connected.) We end by marching around the sanctuary seven times with lulav & etrog, reciting seven poems, culminating in one which listens for the sound of the Messiah's footsteps and imagines a new world. We also beat willow branches on the ground, their falling leaves representing our sins blowing away.


It's fun! But it's long. So we will begin services at 7am. If you show up after it begins it will still be fun. And at the end you can compost your lulav.

Shemini Atzeret on Shabbat morning will include everything you already love about davvening, plus a few extras. In the Sanctuary, in addition to reading selections from Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), we will repeat the Musaf Amidah, including the formal Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing). Shemini Atzeret 2023 was the "Black Sabbath" of October 7. Given the destruction of that day, and all that followed for Israelis and Palestinians, we need every possible blessing for peace.

You can read about how to perform it here in my notes from two years ago. Everyone who has a family tradition that they are Kohanim or Levi'im, regardless of gender, is encouraged to take their roles, and everyone in the room will receive the blessing in love.

Please join us!

Jeremy