Chabad Center Sets Service Plans for High Holidays

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar, is around the corner and there are still many Jews who have no plans to attend synagogue services.

Some are not affiliated with a synagogue; others will be travelling on business; and a sizable percentage simply don't feel comfortable in a synagogue setting. Another alarming issue, particularly in light of today's flailing economy, is that many cannot afford the cost of services, which these days can run a whopping thousand dollars or more for a family of five.

Whatever the case is, many of these would-be worshipers are feeling the pangs associated with being left out of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar. Chabad Center for Jewish Life, the local branch of the largest Jewish outreach organization in the world, has presented its own High Holiday services option, providing free Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in a warm and inclusive setting.

Chabad's services are "user-friendly," making it enjoyable and meaningful for both the beginner and the advanced.  Song, commentary and the use of English-Hebrew prayer books, enable those of all levels to become active participants in the services.

"According to Jewish tradition, on the Jewish New Year, the doors of Heaven are open. G-d accepts prayers from everyone," said Rabbi Shmaya Krinsky, who is leading the services in Hillsborough. "The least we can do is open our doors as well, to the entire community."

Rabbi Krinsky continued, "The Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory, insisted that Judaism is accessible to all Jews. During the Jewish High Holidays, accessibility can translate into different factors for different people, such as a non-judgmental atmosphere, affordability of the services, or the ability for a beginner to follow along.  Our goal is to lower the barriers of entry, and encourage each and every Jew to actively participate in these most holy and introspective days."

Rosh Hashanah begins this year after sundown on Sept. 4th and extends until nightfall on Sept. 6. Yom Kippur begins this year after sundown on the eve of Sept. 13 and extends until nightfall on Sept. 14.

Chabad Center For Jewish Life will also be offering a simultaneous, interactive children’s service from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Games, activities, songs and stories will make the holiday come to life for children of all ages.

A delicious Holiday luncheon will follow the services

WHERE: La Quinta Inn & Suites, 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset NJ 08873

WHEN:  Sept. 4 and 6; Sept. 13 and 14.

COST: Services are free, donations are greatly appreciated

TO RESERVE A SPACE: Register online at www.myjewishcenter.org or call 908-874-0444.

FOR MORE INFO ON THE JEWISH HIGH HOLIDAYS: 
For more information about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, visit www.MyJewishCenter.org/newyear.