Celebrating the US Semiquincentennial

In honor of the United States reaching its momentous Semiquincentennial year, and in celebration of 250 years of Jewish life in the United States, a full array of celebratory programs and activities will fill our calendar, showcasing Shearith Israel’s unique cultural diversity and place in American history.

We are marking this historic milestone with the following programs and celebrations:

Rabbi Soloveichik’s Major Semiquincentennial Lectures

These lectures highlight Shearith Israel’s historic personalities central to the founding and formation of our American democracy.
All lectures will take place following Shabbat Mornings Services at Shearith Israel, except for Sunday, November 9, which will be held at the Touro Synagogue in Newport, RI 

#1 – Shabbat, October 25 | “The True National Treasure: A Jew’s Declaration of Independence Comes Home”
#2 – Sunday, November 9 | At Touro Synagogue | “The Touro Synagogue and America at 250: A Reflection on the Past and Future of American Judaism”
#3 – Shabbat, November 15
#4 – Shabbat, November 22
#5 – Shabbat, December 6
#6 – Shabbat, December 20
#7 – Shabbat, January 17
#8 – Shabbat, January 31
#9 – Shabbat, February 7
#10 – Shabbat, February 21

Following the conclusion of the series, we will be publishing a commemorative booklet with content reflecting the themes of the series. Stay tuned.

Shabbat Bereshit Luncheon & Fall Fundraiser (October 18, 2025) – We honored our 5786 Hatanim and raised funds for our new electric chairlift.

Beyond Chatham Square (November 6, 2025, in honor of Veterans Day) – Highlighting and commemorating the military veterans of our congregation, from the American Revolution to present day, led by Rev. Z. Edinger, featuring guest speaker 1st Lt. Mikhael Smits, 173rd Airborne Brigade, US Army

Special Weekend in Newport (November 7-9, 2025) – Held at the historic Touro Synagogue, featuring four powerful talks by Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, one uplifting concert by Magevet, and an abundance of unity and togetherness

A Very Special Semiquincentennial Thanksgiving (November 27, 2025) – Featuring Rabbi Soloveichik’s Thanksgiving Address, our 11th Annual Thanksgiving Hunger Alleviation Pack-A-Thon, and Children’s Parade Viewing

Shabbat Shira Dinner with Magevet A Capella (January 30, 2026) – Featuring Magevet, Yale’s premier Jewish a capella group, who will return for Shabbat Shira and pay homage to the Semiquincentennial with patriotic music choices

More coming soon – stay tuned!