From the start of fall to the middle of winter, there are six major Jewish holidays, bringing a buzz of activity to synagogues as they plan services and activities around this flurry of holidays, starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Chanukah.
Those holidays bring some of the largest attendance at synagogues for the entire year, are highly spiritual and can be both tiring and exhilarating for everyone involved.
But after Chanukah, the next holiday is Tu Bishvat, a couple months later, followed by the more widely-celebrated holiday of Purim, nearly three months after Chanukah. The cold, late winter months are a time when synagogues are tasked with maintaining engagement during a lull in major Jewish holidays.
So, how do these institutions manage the time, and do they notice any differences during these months?
Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin at Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park said the synagogue doesn’t view this time of year as a lull.
He explained that this is a time to invest different constituent groups in the task of community-building, because there’s still a need for community during the winter.
The rabbi added that Beth Sholom has a variety of events already planned for the next several weeks across multiple synagogue groups.
“We have lots of things going on that focus on relationship-building in the community. Our preschool community continues to have family programming and social get-togethers,” Glanzberg-Krainin said. “Our 60+ group — called Achshav — has several events scheduled. Our Israel Engagement Committee has a three-part speakers series coming up focusing on the connection between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. We have almost 50 members going on a mission to Israel right after Passover, and we will be planning for that trip.”
Glanzberg-Krainin reflected on the difference between the holiday rush and the less-packed months. He said there’s more happening during the busier holiday season, but the important work of a congregation comes after the holidays end.
“Sure, there is more intensity with the Tishrei holidays coming one after the other. But in my experience, the true life of a congregation/community begins after the hagim, when the work of building the more sustaining connections begins to unfold,” Glanzberg-Krainin said.
(Photo by Patrick Snook)
Rabbi Benajamin David at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park shared a similar experience, explaining that nothing really changes. They still have plenty of events planned and are working to build communal ties.
“The key is to keep doing what we always try to do: fun, engaging programming and community-building. In January, we’re hosting another Shabbat Lounge, which is an oneg designed specifically for younger parents, where they can schmooze, connect and eat while their kids engage with our youth director,” David said.
David added that he uses this time to connect with some of the synagogue’s teens and work in important programming.
“January is also when I take our tenth graders to DC for a weekend of learning, touring and advocacy. In February, we’ll hold our annual Inclusion Shabbat as well as Shabbat Illuminated, our singer-songwriter-style Shabbat service built around music,” the rabbi said.
David said that it’s important during the winter to stay connected with the community and make sure people feel the warmth of their neighbors and fellow congregants.
“These winter months become an important time for us to be present for so many who might otherwise feel alone or disconnected. Life never stops at KI,” David said.