Sukkot 2011 - What to Expect

Over the years, the Season of Our Joy festival site has been called a number of things;

• a 'Jewish' feast site - because we practice some of the Jewish traditions of Sukkot, face east when reciting Deuteronomy 6,  and follow the traditional Jewish calendar
• a 'sacred name' feast site - because there are some of us who occasionally or exclusively use the Sacred Name
• a 'Pentecostal' festival site - because we dance, hold up our hands while singing and praying
• the 'Reform Mormon' feast site - because some of those who attended a few years were a part of that
• and even the 'Lunar Sabbath' festival site - because some with that belief were sharing the campsite with us.

With that mixture of descriptions, I'd be scared to commit to 8 days with that group myself! 

This page is dedicated to helping straighten some of that out, and to insure you that, even though you may be out of your 'comfort zone' for a while, you will leave this festival refreshed and enlightened, with a whole new outlook on what it means to 'observe' the festivals of God.

A Community Experience -

We want SOOJ to be a 'community experience' for you, your family, and the friends you make at the festival.  We want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the world and retire for these eight days to a place where our children can get out and play, go for a walk, and ride their bikes; a place where you meet new people while walking to the various meetings and activities, and just enjoy each other's company.  That's why we chose the Windermere Youth Camp as the hosting facility for the foreseeable future.  At Windermere, we have this wonderful little camp on an alcove of the Lake of the Ozarks, all to ourselves - a perfect place for God's people to serve, play, and worship together for these eight days.  It's truly a community setting.

Our Worship Services -

Worship is an integral part of the festival.  Each day has a Main Session in which we start with a worship service that includes a live band (led by Lee Miller), accompanied by a number of singers from all over the USA, and an experienced signer.  Words to the songs are displayed on the overhead screen.  Our music is a mixture of 'popular Hebrew Roots' songs, Israeli folk songs, contemporary Christian songs, and even some of the favorite gospel hymns.

Along with singing, we have set apart a large area between the stage and the seating for those who would like to worship in organized 'Hebraic' circle dancing.  This is all well organized and led by experienced dance leaders.  Except for those who worship with flags, we discourage anyone from dancing independent of the circle.

At the conclusion of the song portion of the worship service, we follow the tradition of waving the Lulavim.  This includes reciting the traditional Jewish blessing that goes along with the waving.  Along with the waving of the lulavim, we recite the Shema, the traditional Jewish repetition of Deuteronomy 6:4-9.  Other liturgy may be incorporated from year to year.

During the worship service, it's not unusual to see someone raise their hands.  We believe this is a godly expression of joy.  During the worship service, we request that everyone stand and refrain from carrying on normal conversation . . . we are, of course, honoring The King of Kings!  Our typical worship service is about 25 minutes long except for the Sabbaths, when we go longer.

Teaching Sessions -

Typical teaching sessions are 75 minutes long including 15 minutes for Q&A.  Our speakers come from a wide religious backgrounds.  Some may be very new to the Hebraic (Torah) walk, while others live a more orthodox Jewish lifestyle.  We give them wide latitude in regards to content as long as they refrain from discussing certain controversial topics and as long as they're 'nice' and encouraging to the audience.  This is, of course, the Season of Our Joy!  We only choose speakers who support our core ideals - 1) they must believe that Yeshua is Messiah, and 2) they must believe and teach that Torah is relevant for the people of God. 

On a typical day, we'll have two morning teaching sessions (only one is preceded by a worship service), and a series of break-out sessions in the afternoon.  See the Activity Schedule for a complete listing of the teaching sessions.

Weekly Sabbaths begin with an interactive Torah Study.

We believe that all speakers must be accountable for what they teach, and be willing to back up what they've taught with scripture.  The 15 minutes at the end of each session is for that purpose.  All questions must pertain to the current topic.  We don't permit the audience to present their views in opposition to the speaker.  Again - everyone has to be nice!

To assist parents of very young children, SOOJ offers the use of a Child Care Room. This room is located in the same building as the main sessions.  It is not staffed or monitored, and parents are required to make prior arrangements in order to use it. It is only available for use during the main sessions. > > > Read More

Evening Activities -

Evenings are usually filled with either an additional worship service, a fellowship meal, fun show, or a special event such as the Water Pouring re-enactment.  Most evenings also include dance instruction for dancers of all levels.

Here are some of our most Frequently Asked Questions -

( Click on Question for Answer )

Does everyone use the Sacred Name?

Why do you follow the traditional Jewish calendar?

Why don't you take up a Holy Day Offering in accordance with  Deut. 16:16?

> > > See More Frequently Asked Questions