The Preservation Society is committed to observing Jewish rituals in a fresh and meaningful fashion.  We try to find the essence of each observance, whether it is a holiday or a life event and incorporate music, poetry and text that renders it relevant to our contemporary lives.  This often means modifying prayers and rituals to reflect what is happening in the world at any particular time.  Our rituals remain firmly rooted in the ancient world, but we enhance and embellish them to render them meaningful and relevant. 
 
Passover
For twelve years the Preservation Society has hosted a Community Passover Seder which takes a fresh look at the celebration of freedom while honoring the ongoing struggles for freedom throughout the world.  The Seder is designed as an inclusive and universal ritual and draws enthusiastic participation by members of many local churches.  Our Haggadah changes every year to reflect contemporary struggles for freedom.
 
The Jewish High Holidays – A New Approach
We celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with a full array of provocative and innovative services that parser the traditional elements but add community participation and contemporary music, reflections, poetry and prayer.  As with our Passover observance, we have designed observances that speak to our lives today and provide time, space and stimulation for self-reflection and renewed commitment to engage in the work of enriching our lives and the lives of those around us.

Online Kiddush and Candles
Ever since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Preservation Society has hosted an online Sabbath observance.  We light candles and bless wine with the traditional blessings and we check in with one another.  This informal, weekly, 30-45 minute gathering has enabled us to stay in touch and observe a simple weekly reminder of our Jewish tradition.  Contact us if you'd like to receive Kiddush and Candles notifications.