The start of a new school year brings a familiar rhythm back into our lives. Mornings get a little busier, calendars fill up, and families settle into new routines. But the beginning of the school year is also a reminder of how much happens when we make time to learn, connect, and grow together.

At Temple Judea, we’re excited to welcome everyone back to campus and begin another year of learning, gathering, and growing together. From the ECC, to Religious School and Youth & Family programs, to Shabbat services, adult learning, and opportunities to connect with friends, there are so many ways to make Temple Judea part of your family’s routine this year. 

For our younger members, a new school year means new friendships, new questions, and new opportunities to explore what it means to be Jewish. For our teens and young adults, it’s a chance to continue building community and finding meaningful ways to engage. And for adults, it’s an invitation to keep learning, asking questions, and discovering something new.

Of course, getting “back to shul” isn’t just about programs and schedules. It’s about seeing familiar faces, welcoming new ones, sharing a meal, singing together, and creating the moments and relationships that make a community feel like home. That spirit of connection is especially meaningful as we approach Selichot, the traditional kickoff to the High Holy Days. Selichot invites us to slow down, reflect on the year that has passed, and begin thinking intentionally about the year ahead.

This year, Temple Judea is offering two opportunities to mark this special time. On Friday, September 4 @ 5pm, we’ll gather for a Learning Session with wine and cheese to explore the meaning and traditions of Selichot and set our intentions for the High Holy Days, before coming together for Shabbat services. Then, on Saturday, September 5 @ 8pm, we’ll gather for our Selichot Service, along with coffee and dessert. We look forward to these opportunities to pause, reflect, and begin the High Holy Days journey as a community.

Whether you’re returning after a busy summer or joining us for the first time, there’s a place for you here at Temple Judea. From the start of the school year to the beginning of the High Holy Days, this is a season of new beginnings, and we can’t wait to experience it together.