Free Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Services

Just before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year
and one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar, there are still many Jews who have no plans to attend synagogue services.

Some of these Jews are not affiliated with a synagogue; others will be travelling on business; and a sizable percentage simply don't feel comfortable in a synagogue
setting. Another alarming issue, particularly in light of today's flailing economy, is that many cannot afford the cost of services.

Whatever the case is, many of these would-be worshippers are feeling the pangs associated
with being left out of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar.

Chabad of Brandon, the local branch of the largest Jewish outreach organization in the world, is presenting its own High Holiday services option, providing free Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in a warm and inclusive setting.

Chabad's services are user-friendly, making them enjoyable and meaningful for both the beginner
and the advanced. Song, commentary and the use of English-Hebrew prayerbooks enable those
of all levels to become active participants in the services.

"According to Jewish tradition, on the Jewish New Year, the doors of Heaven are open. G-d accepts prayers from everyone," said Lubavitch Rabbi Mendel Rubashkin, who is hosting free services in Brandon. "The least we can do is open our doors as well, to the entire community."

Rubashkin continued, "The Lubavitcher Rebbe, insisted
that Judaism is accessible to all Jews. During the Jewish High Holidays, accessibility can translate into different
factors for different people, such as a non-judgmental 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."

Rosh Hashanah begins this year after sundown on Sept. 28 and extends until nightfall on Sept. 30. Yom Kippur begins this year after sundown on the eve of Oct. 7 and extends until nightfall on Oct. 8.

Chabad of Brandon will be holding Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services this year at Chabad Jewish Center, 3005 Waylon Lane, Valrico.

For a complete listing of dates and times and/or to reserve a space, visit www.chabadbrandon.org/highholiday or call 813-657-9393.