Celebrating Jewish holidays is a highlight of life at B’nai Jacob. From solemn to hilarious, there is something for everyone.
high holidays
High Holidays are celebrated with grandeur in our beautiful sanctuary. Our services include a choir, a cello for Kol Nidre, a yizkor video, a congregational break fast, and many other special features. On High Holidays, our whole community comes together.
Sukkot
We build a large sukkah in our courtyard where we enjoy holiday meals and other programs.
Simhat Torah
At our festive Simhat Torah services, a homegrown band accompanies our dancing. Every year we honor a Hattan and Kallat Torah and a Hattan and Kallat Bereshit (honorees who have the final Aliya of the Torah and the first Aliya of the new year.)
Hanukkah
On cold winter nights, we join together to light candles and celebrate with a holiday meal.
Purim
We celebrate Purim with a Melilla skit, a costume parade, and a crazy fun carnival for our children. On Erev Purim, we also read the Megilla in full and enjoy the creativity of congregants who create a dramatic spiel.
Passover
Passover is observed with festive meals and services and, sometimes, a congregational seder.
Shavuot
On Shavuot, we usually hold a Tikkun Leil Shavuot (all night study session) at the rabbi’s home, as well as festive services during the day and plenty of cheesecake.
Calendar of Jewish Holidays from Hebcal.com
Thu, July 17 2025
21 Tammuz 5785
Today's Calendar
Morning Minyan : 7:45am |
CBJ Silver Squad: Afternoon Games : 1:30pm |
Evening Minyan on Zoom : 6:00pm |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Pinchas
Candle Lighting
Friday, Jul 18, 8:04pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Jul 19, 9:11pm |
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Friday ,
JulJuly 18 , 2025
Friday, Jul 18th 4:00p to 8:00p
CBJ Kids Splash Shabbat at the Woodbridge Pool Club. All are welcome, including non-pool club members! -
Wednesday ,
JulJuly 30 , 2025
Wednesday, Jul 30th 7:00p to 8:00p
Calling all singers! Please join Cantor Kochava and the Greater New Haven community to participate in a monthly niggun circle. Niggunim are soulful, wordless melodies which can be used to enhance spiritual reflection and communal connection. We will be meeting on the last Wednesday of each month from 7-8pm. We will alternate between Congregation B’nai Jacob and BEKI. If you would like to be on the email list, please email Cantor Kochava at cantorkochava@bnaijacob.org. -
Saturday ,
AugAugust 2 , 2025
Motzei Shabbat, Aug 2nd 9:15p to 11:00p
The service will be conducted jointly by BEKI and Congregation B’nai Jacob and held at BEKI. Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of both the first and second temples in Jerusalem along with many other tragic events that befell the Jewish people. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 22 , 2025
Friday, Aug 22nd 5:00p to 9:00p
One of our favorite summer traditions is back! Stay tuned for details about this evening of community, nature, and Shabbat by the water. More information will be shared soon, keep an eye on your inbox and our website.