Chabad Jewish Center Issues Invitation For High Holidays

Those from the Jewish community who wish to observe the High Holidays on Thursday and Friday are welcomed and encouraged to participate in services at the Chabad Jewish Center at 3048 Valley Road in Basking Ridge, Chabad announced this week.

The Chabad Jewish Center in Basking Ridge prides itself on a refreshingly different approach to High Holiday services, the announcement said.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown Wednesday, and lasts through sundown Friday. Rosh Hashanah marks the start of a new year in the Hebrew calendar.

This year, Chabad in Basking Ridge is celebrating Rosh Hashanah on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 29 and 30.

The community is invited to participate in services at the Chabad Center, beginning at 9 a.m., the announcement said. Children's services are set to begin at 10:30 a.m.

"According to Tradition, at the New Year the Doors of Heaven are
open; G-d accepts all prayers, from anyone," said Chabad's Rabbi Mendy Herson.

"Our doors are always open to the entire community to join us in
prayer and the discovery of our heritage," the rabbi said. “No labels. No differences. Chabad is a home for every kind of Jew.”

The services will be casual and easy to follow whether one’s
background in Jewish prayer and practice is extensive or limited, according to Herson.

The rabbi's thought-provoking speeches throughout the service are intended to help participants find meaning in the prayers, Chabad's announcement said. The bi-lingual prayer book, in Hebrew and English with songs and a running commentary is designed to make everyone an active participant in the services.
 
Children are welcome at the Chabad services with a simultaneous children’s service geared to engage the children’s curiosity as they
learn about the holidays through play and fun, Chabad announced.

There are no membership fees required and there is no charge for
services. For more information log on to Chabad's website.

Previously, the Chabad Hebrew School year started off with the sounds of children got off to the sound of blowing Shofar _ the traditional ram’s horn blown on the Jewish New Year —as over 100 Jewish students gathered to continue their learning and get ready for the Jewish New Year.

The Chabad Hebrew School, now in its 15th year, strives to be an innovative school that provides an academic and enjoyable environment, where children in grades K-7 acquire a broad knowledge of Judaism, including its joys. Activities are designed to be engaging and fund, so students are able to absorb the values and traditions of Jewish heritage, along with Hebrew reading and Judaic academics.