How the Sea Shul Community Celebrated Rosh Hashanah
In September, the Sea Shul community came together to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
This gathering marked not only the onset of year 5784 in the Jewish calendar but also signified a deepening bond of unity, tradition and fresh starts. Every moment, every melody, and every gathering was a harmonious blend of past traditions and future aspirations.
Originating from a profound need felt by a group of local visionaries, Sea Shul’s formation was a testament to the spirit of community with a vision to serve Walton County while based in Seaside. The early days saw intimate Shabbat dinners, where the seeds of this congregation were sown. These gatherings, initiated by the founders, gradually swelled in numbers, capturing the essence of Jewish culture, shared beliefs, and most importantly, the joy of togetherness.
Recently, the community celebrated the Jewish New Year with overwhelming success. There was an intimate Erev Rosh Hashanah Potluck and Service in the Seaside Assembly Hall, where members gathered under a canopy of twinkling stars in the Lyceum for Shabbat service.
Following that came Saturday’s Mindful Morning at the Seaside Pavilion, where meditative rhythms guided spirits and calmed souls as Rabbi Joshua Lesser and Melissa Davis co-led a yoga session.
On Sunday, the Watersound Beach Club, with its serene ambiance, provided an idyllic setting for the New Year, New Tide Service & Evening Celebration at sunset, ending with the blowing of the shofar on the beach and then proceeding to dinner inside the club.
Micah Davis, President of Sea Shul, shared, “Sea Shul’s journey is akin to a ship setting its course with the compass of traditions, but always eager to explore new horizons. This Rosh Hashanah, as I witnessed our community knit together in celebration and reflection, I felt a profound sense of optimism for our shared journey ahead.”
Suzin Arce, one of the passionate founders of Sea Shul, was deeply moved by the celebration. “Standing at the shoreline, feeling the embrace of the community, hearing the waves alongside the prayers, I was overwhelmed. The entire event wasn’t just a celebration; it felt like home. It reminded me why we embarked on this journey with Sea Shul – to create these magical moments of togetherness.”
Guided by the wisdom and warmth of Rabbi Josh Lesser, the weekend was a vivid embodiment of Sea Shul’s ethos – nurturing a kehilla, a sacred community that binds souls, forges friendships and fosters spiritual evolution. As Sea Shul is in its foundational phase, events like this resonate with even greater importance. They are a beacon, illuminating the path forward, underscoring the idea that Sea Shul isn’t just about following traditions; it’s about co-creating a spiritual haven where every voice is heard, every heart is valued, and every soul finds its sanctuary for this beloved Jewish community.
As the community looks ahead, the vision for Sea Shul is not only to uphold and celebrate the rich tapestry of Jewish traditions, but also to evolve as a vibrant hub for learning, connection and spiritual growth.
For those eager to be a part of this journey with membership, or to support and learn more about the congregation’s endeavors, please visit us online.
