Jewish life is beautifully marked by a cycle of festivals that celebrate history, spirituality, and community. At Welwyn Garden City Synagogue, we observe these holidays with joy, reflection, and togetherness—bringing meaning to ancient traditions in a modern world.
🌿 Major Festivals We Celebrate
Our synagogue hosts services and events for all the major Jewish holidays, including:
Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year, a time of renewal and introspection, marked by the sounding of the shofar and festive meals.
Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year, observed with fasting, prayer, and heartfelt reflection.
Sukkot – A harvest festival celebrated in our community sukkah, where we gather under the stars to commemorate the Israelites’ journey through the desert.
Simchat Torah – A joyful celebration of completing and restarting the Torah reading cycle, with singing, dancing, and aliyot for all ages.
Chanukah – The Festival of Lights, celebrated with menorah lighting, sufganiyot (doughnuts), dreidels, and community gatherings.
Purim – A lively holiday commemorating the story of Esther, featuring fancy dress, Megillah readings, and mishloach manot (gift baskets).
Pesach (Passover) – A commemoration of the Exodus from Egypt, observed with communal Seders and matzah-filled meals.
Shavuot – Celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, often marked with learning sessions and dairy treats.
🕍 How We Celebrate
At WGC Synagogue, festivals are more than just dates on a calendar—they’re opportunities to come together. We offer:
Festival services with traditional liturgy and community participation
Children’s activities and family-friendly programming
Educational talks and pre-holiday learning sessions
Shared meals and festive kiddushim
Special events like guest speakers, concerts, and themed celebrations
Whether you’re a regular attendee or just beginning your Jewish journey, our doors are open. Join us as we celebrate the rhythm of Jewish life—rooted in tradition, alive with community.