With Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, beginning at sunset on Wednesday, October 2 and concluding after nightfall on Friday, October 4, Chabad of S. Lake County is offering free High Holiday synagogue services to ensure that everyone has a place to pray.
Recognizing the often high price tag attached to synagogue seats during the High Holidays and the tough economic situation many families are facing, Chabad of S. Lake County is opening its doors wide and inviting all Lake County’s Jews to attend at no cost and participate in a meaningful celebration of the Jewish New Year.
Chabad-Lubavitch — today, the world’s largest and fast-growing Jewish organization — has for decades championed the belief that Judaism belongs to every Jew, and it should be accessible to all. By embodying this ethos, Chabad has made High Holiday services available free of charge, a model other synagogues and movements around the world are beginning to emulate.
Chabad’s user-friendly services and warm inclusive environment make for an enjoyable and meaningful experience, suitable for the beginner and the advanced. Utilizing traditional tunes and songs, commentary and bilingual prayer-books, Chabad engages individuals of all levels as active participants in the service.
“The Rebbe — Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, the most influential rabbi in modern history, who is credited with orchestrating a post-Holocaust Jewish renaissance — insisted that Judaism be accessible and welcoming to all Jews,” noted Rabbi Moshe Dubinsky. “We strive to actualize that vision with an inclusive nonjudgmental atmosphere, affordable services and ensuring ease for beginners to follow along.”
“Jewish tradition teaches us that on the New Year, the gates of Heaven are open and G‑d hears all prayers,” adds Rabbi Moshe Dubinsky, director of Chabad of S. Lake County. “We must keep our doors and hearts open to all as well.”
For details about Chabad of S. Lake County’s services or to reserve a space, please visit JewishSL.com/Highholidays or call 352-717-4119.
About the High Holidays
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins this year at sundown on Wednesday, October 2-4. Meaning “head of the year,” the two-day holiday commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in theYom Kippur holiday, this year October 11-12. The shofar is the central ritual of the Rosh Hashanah synagogue service. Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement—is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. The holiday is observed by fasting and prayers and according to tradition, G‑d decides each person’s fate on this day.
For more information about the High Holidays visit JewishSL.com/HighHolidays.
About Chabad of S. Lake County: Chabad of S. Lake County offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations and was established by emissaries of the Rebbe in 2020.
