Celebrating the Jewish Holidays of October at Aviva Senior Life

October 2025 is filled with some of the most meaningful and spiritually rich moments on the Jewish calendar. At Aviva Senior Life in Sarasota, these holidays are a special time for reflection, community, and celebration. As a community founded on Jewish values and open to people of all faiths, Aviva embraces the traditions of these holidays while welcoming residents, families, and friends to learn, participate, and connect.

This year, the fall season brings a beautiful sequence of observances: Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah. Each holiday carries its own themes of renewal, gratitude, and joy—values that resonate deeply within our campus.

Yom Kippur – October 1–2, 2025

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is considered the holiest day in the Jewish year. It is a time for introspection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness from both God and others. The holiday begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 1, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, October 2.

Traditionally, Yom Kippur is observed with a 25-hour fast and extended synagogue services, which include the stirring Kol Nidre prayer on the evening of Yom Kippur and the Ne’ilah closing service before the fast ends. The focus is on spiritual renewal—acknowledging the past year’s shortcomings and setting intentions for the year ahead.

At Aviva, residents have access to on-campus services and can participate in meaningful traditions even if travel to a synagogue is not possible. For many, the day is also about quiet reflection, reading sacred texts, or spending time in conversation with friends and family about personal growth.

Sukkot – October 6–13, 2025

Just a few days after Yom Kippur, the mood shifts dramatically with Sukkot, the joyful “Festival of Booths.” This week-long celebration begins at sundown on Monday, October 6, and continues through Monday, October 13, with the final day known as Hoshana Rabbah.

Sukkot commemorates the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. Families and communities build sukkahs—open-air structures decorated with greenery, fruits, and flowers—to symbolize both hospitality and the fragility of life. Meals are often eaten in the sukkah, and some people even sleep there.

Another important tradition is the waving of the Four Species—the etrog (citron), lulav (palm frond), hadas (myrtle), and aravah (willow)—which represent unity and diversity within the Jewish people.

At Aviva, Sukkot is brought to life with a community sukkah on campus, where residents and guests can gather for meals, blessings, and conversation. It’s a time to enjoy Sarasota’s warm autumn weather, share stories, and reconnect with nature and one another.

Shemini Atzeret – October 14, 2025

Shemini Atzeret, meaning “the Eighth Day of Assembly,” follows immediately after Sukkot and is a distinct holiday in its own right. In 2025, it begins at sundown on Tuesday, October 14.

Traditionally, Shemini Atzeret is a time of prayer for rain in Israel and for blessings in the coming agricultural season. It is also a day to pause, reflect, and transition from the festive Sukkot into the rejoicing of Simchat Torah. The holiday is marked by synagogue services that include the Yizkor memorial prayers, a time to honor the memories of loved ones.

For many at Aviva, Shemini Atzeret offers a quieter, contemplative moment between the joyous gatherings of Sukkot and the dancing of Simchat Torah. On campus, it may include special readings, discussions on Jewish tradition, and opportunities for residents to share their personal reflections.

Simchat Torah – October 15, 2025

Immediately following Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah—“Rejoicing with the Torah”—is one of the most celebratory days on the Jewish calendar. In 2025, it will be observed on Wednesday, October 15.

Simchat Torah marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the immediate start of the new cycle. In synagogues around the world, Torah scrolls are taken from the ark and carried in festive processions called hakafot, often accompanied by singing, clapping, and dancing. The atmosphere is joyful, inclusive, and filled with energy.

At Aviva, residents have the opportunity to join in these traditions through on-campus celebrations, music, and learning opportunities. Whether participating actively or simply enjoying the atmosphere, Simchat Torah is a day to embrace community joy and the enduring importance of Jewish learning.

Honoring Traditions, Building Connections

The sequence of holidays in October—moving from solemn reflection on Yom Kippur to the joy and gratitude of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah—reminds us of the richness of the Jewish tradition and the way each observance connects people to one another and to something greater.

For Aviva Senior Life, these holidays are an opportunity to bring residents, staff, families, and the wider Sarasota community together. Whether it’s sharing a meal in the sukkah, reflecting during Yizkor, or singing and dancing on Simchat Torah, the focus is always on creating meaningful experiences for all.

About Aviva Senior Life

Aviva Senior Life is Sarasota’s only rental, not-for-profit senior living campus offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, Aviva fosters a vibrant, inclusive community where traditions are honored, friendships flourish, and residents are empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Celebrate the Jewish holidays this October with Aviva. Learn more about our programs, services, and community life by contacting us.