An Open Letter ~ What to expect at Chabad

Rosh Hashanah is this evening. Many of you have asked me questions about High Holiday services at Chabad thus prompting me to write this email.

Our services are quick. Sermons are funny. And if we do our job right, meaningful. You’ll be thinking about them after the services. This may lead to a lively conversation. Or even a spirited debate. Imagine that.

Our services are spoken in English and Hebrew. You won’t have any trouble following along.

You don’t need to belong to our synagogue to get a good seat.

Sure, we’d love to have your support but partnership is never required to attend any of our programs or services. Ever.

Children are welcome. The more the better. We have a few of our own.

Ninety-five percent of the people you’ll meet at Chabad aren’t Orthodox. There are Jews of every persuasion-Reform, Conservative, Modern Orthodox, Reconstructionist & Jewish Renewal.

In fact, if you’re a member of another synagogue and join us, you’re likely to run into other members while you’re here. Don’t worry. What happens at Chabad, stays at Chabad:).

We’re a friendly congregation. If you’re new to our services, be prepared. Someone will make you feel welcome.

There are people who join us to pray. There are people who join us to kibitz.

And to make new friends. If you’re here simply for some alone time, we’re good with that.

Now that you know a little bit about us, you may find yourself asking, “What do you actually believe?”

Good question. We ask it of ourselves often. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have some.

So here’s a start.

We believe the world is a good place and that light dispels darkness. We believe that Judaism should bring people together, not keep them apart.

Our differences are opportunities for learning and growth.

We believe that helping to bring out the best in others leads to bringing out the best in ourselves. We believe in acts of kindness and maintaining a healthy sense of humor.

Laughter is a good thing. So is smiling. You’ll see a lot of smiles here at Chabad. So smile freely. We’re big on the whole joy thing.

If you won’t try it, you won’t know what you are missing. If you’d like to experience something a bit different this year, visit us @ chabadmidhudsonvly@prodigy.net or give us a call at 845-463-5801 and we’ll save you some seats. Free. And as always, our pleasure.

We look forward to spending the High Holidays with you and your family at the Mercury Grand Hotel, 2170 South Rd., P’ok.

Come join us as we bring in the New Year with family and friends at a Family Rosh Hashanah Dinner.

 

Enjoy a Holiday Dinner with all the traditional foods. Round Challah, apples n honey, gefilte fish and salads, brisket, farfel and noodle kugel, tzimmes and roasted vegetables. Vegetarian option available upon request.

 

Suggested donation: $15 pp (following Services).
Wednesday Evening, September 24 at 7:15 PM

L’Shana Tova,

Rabbi Yacov & Hindy Borenstein