Shofar in Sherbrooke?
Chabad of Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships offers High Holiday services
With just a few weeks before the onset of the Jewish New Year, the question of whether to attend services is high on the list for many Jewish families and individuals. Many families are not affiliated with any synagogue. Especially, since there are no synagogues located throughout the entire Eastern Townships. Chabad of Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships is dedicated to ensuring that all who wish to participate in a meaningful celebration of the Jewish New Year may do so.
By providing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in a warm and inclusive setting, Chabad of Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships hopes to accommodate those who may otherwise not be celebrating the holiday. Chabad's "userfriendly" 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 God accepts prayers from everyone," says Rabbi Notik, "That serves as our inspiration to keep our doors open as well, to the entire community. The Lubavitcher Rebbe -Rabbi Menachem M. Schneersohn, - insists 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, the Jewish new year begins this year at sundown on Sunday, September 9 and extends until nightfall on Tuesday, September 11. Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, fasting and prayer that is considered the holiest day of on the Jewish calendar, begins this year at sundown on Tuesday, September 18 and extends until nightfall on Wednesday, September 19.
All services and programs are free of charge, and although no membership is required, reservations are appreciated.
Chabad of Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships offers Holiday activities, Jewish education, outreach and socialservices for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.
For more information about Chabad of Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships’ services or to reserve a space, please contact chabadsherbrooke@gmail.com or 514820-6770.