Chabad's open door policy welcomes everyone
In anticipation of the upcoming Jewish New Year (Sept. 24-26), the Chabad Jewish Center in Elgin has announced its High Holiday Services schedule.
The services will be "warm, friendly, traditional, and open to all," says Chabad's executive director, Rabbi Mendel Shemtov.
All are welcome to services at Chabad, free, regardless of background or affiliation. Membership is not required to join and there are no prerequisites. All prayers will combine the original Hebrew and translated English. In addition, a special children's program will accompany the adult services.
"Our tradition teaches that at the new year, the Doors of Heaven are open; G-d accepts all prayers, from anyone," said Rabbi Shemtov. "The least we can do is open our doors as well, to the entire community."
Services will be held on Rosh Hashana - the Jewish New Year (Sept. 24-26), as well as Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement (Oct. 3-4). They will be held at various times (as indicated below) at the Chabad Jewish Center, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin.
For more information about High Holiday Services or about Chabad, call (847) 440-4486, email rabbi@elginchabad.com, or log on to wwwelginchabad.com.
The Rosh Hashana schedule will be:
• Wednesday, Sept. 24: Evening service at 6:45 p.m. welcoming the new year, followed by a Rosh Hashana community dinner. Call (847) 440-4486 for reservations;
• Thursday Sept. 25: Morning service at 10 a.m. and Sounding of the Shofar, followed by a Kiddush buffet; Mincha afternoon service and outdoor "Tashlich" (Prayers on the Water) at 2 p.m.; and evening service at 7:30 p.m.;
• Friday Sept. 26: Morning service at 10 a.m. and Sounding of the Shofar, followed by a Kiddush buffet.
The Yom Kippur schedule will be:
• Friday, Oct. 3: Evening services at 6:30 p.m., Kol Nidrei and holiday opening;
• Saturday, Oct. 4: Morning service at 10 a.m., including Yizkor (Remembering the Departed) at 11:30 a.m.; and Ne'ila (closing service) at 6:15 p.m. with "Napoleon's March," final Shofar Blast, Havdalla and light buffet "Break-Fast."
All are welcome.