KIHEI - The Jewish Congregation of Maui will hold a number of services beginning this weekend to prepare for and observe Sukkot.
The Sukkot festival involves days of celebration and praise, following the High Holy Days of repentance and atonement.
The events will begin with services tonight. Doors will open at 5:30, with seating to open for community singing at 5:45. Erev Yom Kippur services will begin at 6 p.m., with Kol Nidre service at 6:30 p.m.
Other events include:
* On Saturday, Yom Kippur morning service will be from 8:30 to 1 p.m., followed by a Micha service at 4 p.m., Yizkor at 5 p.m., Neila service at 6:15 p.m. and Havdalah service at 7 p.m. Light breakfast meal will be provided.
* On Sunday, there will be a gathering from 9:30 to noon to build and decorate the congregation's sukkah, a booth that commemorates the exodus of Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. Participants should bring natural items like shells, dried flowers, red berries and pine cones for decorations. The sukkah will remain open for worshipers wishing to eat meals, study and pray inside.
* On Wednesday, Erev Sukkot evening service will be at 6.
* On Thursday, Sukkot morning service will be at 9:30.
* On Sept. 24, the second day of Sukkot morning will be at 9:30.
* On Sept. 29, Shemini Atzeret evening service will be at 6.
* On Sept. 30, Shemini Atzeret morning service will be at 9:30, including Geshem, the prayer for rain, a reading of Kohelet/Ecclesiastes and Yizkor service. The Simchat Torah evening service with dancing will be at 6.
* On Oct. 1, the Simchat Torah morning service with dancing will be at 9:30.
All services are at Beit Shalom Synagogue, located at 634 Alulike St. in Kihei.
For information, call 874-5397, e-mail administration@mauijews.corg or visit www.mauijews.org.
