Jewish Holidays and Life-Cycle Celebrations:
A Brief Introduction to the Jewish Festival Cycle
Both in person at Beth Israel, 751 San Juan Blvd and online.
Thursdays February 2, 9, and 16, 1:00-2:30 pm
$56 for members, $70 for non-members
Registration deadline: January 26
It seems that nearly every month there is another Jewish holiday, and each year they arrive at different times. What are some of these holy days and how are they relevant in today’s world? In this three-session course, students gain an understanding of both the major and minor holiday observances in the Jewish calendar. Students also learn about the various Jewish life-cycle observances, such as bar/bat mitzvah, bris (circumcisions) and weddings.
Students learn about the origins of the holy days and how rituals specific to those days developed and how they contrast across the denominational and cultural spectrum. The underlying messages of some Jewish observances are not only inspiring, but they prompt students to think about how they relate to the world and one another.
Instructor: Rabbi Joshua Samuels
Rabbi Joshua Samuels has been serving Congregation Beth Israel in Bellingham as it’s spiritual leader for 10 years. A native of San Francisco and alum of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rabbi Samuels lives with his wife Nicole, and two children. When not teaching or leading the Jewish community in worship, he can be found coaching little league baseball, walking his dog, or experimenting new recipes in the kitchen.
Click here to register for the inperson class
Click here to register for the Zoom class
