Chabad of Shoreline offers no-cost services for the Jewish High Holidays

With just a few weeks 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, Chabad of Shoreline is offering their friendly and welcoming services for free for individuals of all ages in the Shoreline Jewish community.

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 of Shoreline 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 of Shoreline 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, commentary and the use of English-Hebrew prayer-books invite individuals of all levels to become 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 Sadya Davidoff of Chabad of Shoreline, “That serves as our inspiration to keep our doors open as well to the entire community."

Rabbi Sadya continued, "The Lubavitcher Rebbe — Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory — 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 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."

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 Holiday services 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 29, and extends until nightfall on Tuesday, October 1. Yom Kippur begins Tuesday, October 8 at sundown and extends until nightfall on Wednesday, October 9.

More information about Chabad of Shoreline’s services or to reserve a space, here or call 323-770-3433.

About the High Holidays

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is observed this year beginning at sundown on September 29 through nightfall on October 1. Literally 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 the Yom Kippur holiday.

Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement—is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Beginning this year on the evening of October 8 until after nightfall on October 9, it marks the culmination of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. According to tradition, G-d decides each person’s fate on this day, so Jews mark the day by making amends and asking forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. The holiday is observed by fasting and prayers.

Chabad of Shoreline offers Jewish education, outreach and social-service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.

For more information, contact Chabad of Shoreline at 323-770-3433 or email. Chabad of Shoreline is located at 1114 NE Perkins Way, Shoreline 98155.