Chabad House Offers Free Services For Jewish Holidays

From Chabad House: With just a few days before the onset of the Jewish New Year, the question of where to attend services is high on the list for many Jewish families and singles. Recognizing the often high price tag attached to the experience, the Chabad House in Milford, is offering their friendly and welcoming services for free for individuals of all ages.

While some may not be affiliated with a synagogue, others may find the cost to attend unaffordable, particularly in light of today's economy. Chabad is dedicated to removing entry barriers and ensuring that all who wish to participate in a meaningful celebration of the Jewish New Year may do so.

By providing free Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in a warm and inclusive setting, Chabad hopes to accommodate those who may otherwise not be celebrating the holiday. Chabad's "user-friendly" services make for an enjoyable and meaningful experience for both the beginner and the advanced. Song, Kabbala commentary, Jewish humor and the use of English-Hebrew prayer-books make people of all levels feel comfortable and active participants in the service.

"According to Jewish tradition, the gates of Heaven are open on the New Year, and G-d accepts prayers from everyone," said Rabbi Mendy Kivman of Chabad, “That serves as our inspiration to keep our doors open to the entire community. Regardless of affiliation, lack of any affiliation, or background."

Chabad's co-director, Rochy Kivman adds, "The leader of world Jewry, the Lubavitcher Rebbe--Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson--insisted that Judaism be made accessible to all Jews. During the High Holidays, accessibility can translate into different factors for different people, such as a nonjudgmental atmosphere, affordability of the services, the ability for a beginner to follow along, and special-needs accessibility. 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."

It is for this reason that Chabad offers unique services for young children, teens and even a special Kabbalah meditation, for those more spiritually inclined. Additionally, they offer holiday dinners, which, by reservation, is open to any Jew in the community.

For decades, Chabad-Lubavitch--an international Jewish organization that firmly believes Jewish traditions and customs are the birthright of every Jew, and that every Jew should have access to them--has made High Holidays available free of charge, a model other synagogues and organizations around the world are aiming to replicate.

Rosh Hashanah begins this year at sundown on Sunday, September 9 and extends until nightfall on Tuesday, September 11. And Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Tuesday, September 18, and extends until nightfall on Wednesday, September 19.

Following Yom Kippur, the holiday season continues with the holiday of Sukkos, beginning on September 24 till the 30th. During Sukkos, Jews dine under the stars, in temporary booths called “Sukkah”. Barabra Gillmeister of Wrentham feels a deep connection to this holiday. “From the moment I entered the Chabad Sukkah, about 8 years ago, I knew I had found a new spiritual home. The long tables filled with food and drink and every chair another person. Everyone was enjoying the singing, the Rabbi’s stories and jokes. This was an event that I had never experienced. Joy filled the air.” Barbara concluded that “this first experience is a lifetime memory that has kept me coming back to this day!”

The high-holiday season is capped off with Chabad’s famous Simchas Torah dinner-party, on October 1. Jews from throughout the community gather for an evening of unbridled joy. Children and adults of all ages celebrate and internalize the inspiration of all the holidays.

For more information about Chabad House’s services, dinners, parties & classes throughout the High-Holiday season, or to reserve a space, visit www.JewishMA.com or call (508) 473-1299.

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