With just a few days before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar, there are still many Jews who have no plans to attend synagogue services.
Some of these Jews are not affiliated with a synagogue; others will be traveling on business, and a sizable percentage simply don’t feel comfortable in a synagogue setting.
Another alarming issue, particularly in light of today’s 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 worshippers are feeling the pangs associated with being left out of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar. Chabad of Palmetto Bay, the local branch of the largest Jewish outreach organization in the world, has presented its own High Holiday services option, providing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, at no cost, 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 prayerbooks, 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. God accepts prayers from everyone,” said Rabbi Zalman Gansburg, who is hosting services in Palmetto Bay. “The least we can do is open our doors as well, to the entire community.”
Rebetzin Chani Gansburg added, “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 Oct. 2 and extends until nightfall on Oct. 4. Yom Kippur begins this year after sundown on the eve of Oct. 11 and extends until nightfall on Oct. 12.
Chabad of Palmetto Bay will be holding Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services this year at Chabad of Palmetto Bay, 16721 SW 78 Ct.
To reserve a space send email to rabbi@jewishpalmettobay.org
or call 786 282 0413
For more information about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, visit www.JewishPalmettoBay.org/newyear.
