Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah

There are varying views within the Segulah community on what day Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah falls, and we celebrate that diversity by organizing services on both 22 Tishrei and 23 Tishrei.  In recognition of these varying views, these services are planned so that everyone can attend Segulah for hakafot, Hatan/Kallah Torah (the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings), Hatan/Kallah Bereishit (the start of the annual cycle of Torah readings), Yizkor, and Geshem on the day(s) of their choosing.  Join us for one or both services!

Segulah will be meeting for Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah 5780/2019 as follows:

Monday, October 21 at Tifereth Israel (7701 16th Street, NW) at 9 AM.  In order to make sure that the service on October 21 will be a success, we’re making sure that there will be at least 10 adults present at the beginning, at least 20 for dancing and Torah reading, and at least 10 staying through the end. If you’re planning to be there, please click here and let us know!

Tuesday, October 22, Washington Ethical Society (7750 16th Street, NW) at 9:30 AM, followed by a potluck lunch.

Although Segulah will not be meeting for hakafot in the evening, there are a number of options, both in our immediate neighborhood and the wider community. In addition, some of these communities will do hakafot on the evening of Sunday, October 20, while others will do hakafot on the evening of Monday, October 21. Close by options include Tifereth Israel, Ohev Sholom, Ohr Kodesh, Temple Shalom, and Woodside Synagogue Ahavas Torah. Further options include Tikkun Leil Shabbat, Temple Micah, and Adat Shalom.  In all cases, please check directly with the community to determine when and where their services will be held. Finally, while members of the Segulah community also attend services with these other communities, not all of them are independent, egalitarian communities.  If you have a suggestion for another community that should be included on this list, please let our website team know!