The congregation of Beth Israel Synagogue hosts annual High Holiday 
services and occasional Kabbalat Shabbat services. The Cheder (Hebrew School) hosts regular activities, especially around holidays including Purim, Sukkot, and Chanukah. The Shul also hosts celebrations of family and community simchas on an ongoing basis.
For more information of upcoming services, celebrations and activities go to the Events Calendar, or contact info@bethisraelsynagogue.ca.
For more on Jewish Holidays, see Judaism 101.
Kabbalat Shabbats and thanks to Dr. Dan
COME AND JOIN US!
Another "Dr. Dan” Shabbat services takes place on selected Friday evenings. Check the Events Calendar.
Dr. Dan is our own Dr. Dan Houpt - often accompanied by family, and always by his guitar! We enjoy his melange of the traditional and somewhat modern approach. We appreciate the melodies he chooses for some of the liturgy and even learn to sing some in harmony or rounds. It’s interactive with participation by those whom Dan chooses to read. Much is in English, with some Hebrew too. There is always a delicious potluck dinner afterwards. This informal setting gives us a chance to see one another, chat and get better acquainted with newer people. Smiles are counted instead of calories.
Thank you, Dan! We really appreciate your efforts…
Tu B’shvat Weekend: Year 5770 (2010)
Thanks to all those who helped to make this weekend truly a celebration of the "New Year of Trees" (Rosh HaShanah La'llanot): Rabbi Shalom Schachter and his wife Marcy Gilbert for leading services and setting up the unveiling of the memorial plaques, Dr. Dan Houpt for the Friday night service, Joe Teichman and Karen Fisher and all their helpers for the Saturday Tu B’shvat seder and last but not least Jutta Molnar for her kind hospitality and gracious hosting. Also great to see the Cooper’s back for this event.
High Holy Days: Year 5769 (2008) and Year 5770 (2009)
Rabbi Schachter and Family again provided the leadership during the services this year as in the past (see below, Year 5768). A warm,caring and sharing environment was felt by all who attended. Many volunteers contributed their precious time also to make it a reality. This year tzedakah was contributed to the good efforts of the local organization called "Out-Of-The-Cold". Good Yom Tov everyone! (Don't forget to visit our Community Activities page to find out more about other services and activities occuring at Beth Israel Synagogue). Click HERE.
High Holy Days: Year 5768 (2007)
The High Holidays are always special for the Peterborough Jewish community. It is a time to welcome new people and visitors as well. We had both this year.
Over the years there have been some changes, but these changes are effected to serve the needs of the congregation.
Our rabbi Shalom Schachter and his wife Marcy Gilbert are very important to us. Services are egalitarian, gender-neutral and inclusive. Rabbi Schacter makes a strong effort to explain old customs even when we have updated them.
For example - the ancient custom of "Kaparot or Kaporres". Classically, it was performed by symbolically transferring one's sins to a chicken twirled above one's head. The slaughtered chicken was donated to the poor and preferably eaten at the pre-Yom Kippur feast In modern times members of most communities tend to substitute the giving of charity for this ritual.
So, encouraged by the rabbi, we now bring our "loose change" before Kol Nidre. Then, before the concluding services, there is a very stimulating discussion and debate as to which charity should be the recipient of monies collected. This year we are sending $216 to help support medical services in Zimbabwe.
We took advantage of the "Misheberach" prayer to focus our thoughts and wishes on those who were in need of healing and support.
Several highlights were the dramatization of the Jonah story, Dan Haupt's maftir readings and a shofar-blowing lesson. A pleasant "Breaking of the Fast" was enjoyed in the shul.
These were tremendous occasions for bringing together the community.
Many thanks to the many individuals who helped in the organization and preparation and participated in the services.
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