Celebrate Jewish holidays and more with the J and our partners.
Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, begins at sundown on Friday and ends after nightfall on Saturday. Shabbat is a time to pause from the busyness of everyday life, spend time with family and friends, and reconnect with what matters most. Many people mark the beginning of Shabbat by lighting candles, sharing a meal, and saying blessings over wine or grape juice and challah.
Shabbat can be observed in many different ways, but at its heart is the idea of creating time for rest, connection, and reflection. Some families attend synagogue or sing songs together, while others simply enjoy a meal, take a walk, or spend time together without the usual demands of the week.
Havdalah, meaning “separation,” is a short ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat and the transition into the new week. It includes blessings over wine or grape juice, fragrant spices, and a special braided candle.
Upcoming Events
Oct
23
Tot Shabbat
9:45 am
Join us every Friday at the J for Tot Shabbat presented by Stroum Jewish Community Center, Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, PJ Library, and ...
Oct
30
Tot Shabbat
9:45 am
Join us every Friday at the J for Tot Shabbat presented by Stroum Jewish Community Center, Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, PJ Library, and ...
Oct
30
Bagels + Babies Social
10:30 am
A program hand-in-hand with our weekly Tot Shabbats, Bagels + Babies is a great opportunity to connect with other young families around the Sound...
Nov
2
Menorah Making Contest
Calling all creatives! The J is hosting a menorah making contest for Hanukkah and we're inviting you to create a homemade, unique menorah for our lobb...
Nov
2
Helping Hands Hanukkah Drive
Spread light to families in need this Hanukkah. The SJCC and the Schwartz Early Childhood School are partnering with Jewish Family Service’s Winter ...
Nov
6
Tot Shabbat
9:45 am
Join us every Friday at the J for Tot Shabbat presented by Stroum Jewish Community Center, Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, PJ Library, and ...
Nov
6
November Challah Bake
1:00 pm
What’s better than baking challah alone or grabbing one from the store? Making it together with your J community! At this free, monthly event, look ...
Nov
13
Tot Shabbat
9:45 am
Join us every Friday at the J for Tot Shabbat presented by Stroum Jewish Community Center, Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, PJ Library, and ...
Nov
20
Tot Shabbat
9:45 am
Join us every Friday at the J for Tot Shabbat presented by Stroum Jewish Community Center, Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, PJ Library, and ...
Nov
20
Bagels + Babies Social
10:30 am
A program hand-in-hand with our weekly Tot Shabbats, Bagels + Babies is a great opportunity to connect with other young families around the Sound...
Nov
27
Tot Shabbat
9:45 am
Join us every Friday at the J for Tot Shabbat presented by Stroum Jewish Community Center, Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, PJ Library, and ...
Dec
4
Hanukkah Tot Shabbat
9:45 am
Join us for a special Hanukkah Tot Shabbat featuring dreidels, menorahs, and gelt! In this special extended Tot Shabbat, we'll celebrate Hanukkah and ...
Dec
4
December Challah Bake
1:00 pm
What’s better than baking challah alone or grabbing one from the store? Making it together with your J community! Join us December 4 for our special...
Dec
5
MUSIC | The Klezmatics: Hanukkah & 40th Anniversary Celebration
7:00 pm
"The Klezmatics aren’t just the best band in the klezmer vanguard; on a good night, they can rank among the greatest bands on the planet." - Time Ou...
Dec
6
HANUKKAH FAMILY SHOW | Mark Nizer 4D Juggling + Laser Show
1:30 pm
On Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, we light menorah candles with a helper candle (called the shamash) and commemorate the brave Maccabees and how a ...
Latest from the J
- 2026 Purim Festival (3/2/2026) - Purim at the J was bigger, bouncier and more joyful than ever!
- ECS Students Take Off (5/12/2025) - ECS students took a pretend plane ride to Israel for Yom Ha’atzmaut—with passports, shekels, and a full travel itinerary!
- Holidays + Celebrations (3/28/2025) - Celebrate Jewish holidays, community festivals, and annual observances with the J all year long.
- 2025 Purim Festival (3/10/2025) - Thank you to everyone who attended our Purim Festival on Sunday!
- Bring the Light (12/23/2024) - Happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating. May the glow of the light create warmth, entertainment, and connection to those near and far. A message from SJCC CEO Amy Lavin.
