HIgh Holidays

High Holidays will be traditional at the Chabad of Plano

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The public is invited

Pull Quote: The Rabbi goes on to say, “It is an honor that what we do is judged by God. We see it as though it is important to him what we do.”

By Felicia Whatley

 

Rabbi Menachem Block from the Chabad of Plano at 3904 West Park Blvd. will be hosting the Jewish High Holiday celebrations for Rosh Hashanah Wednesday, Sept.4 and Yom Kipper Sept. 13 beginning at sunset.

“We celebrate Rosh Hashanah because the commandments in the Torah (bible) tells us to. Every Jew makes the best effort to observe the commandment,” said Rabbi Block who serves as executive director and Spiritual Leader of Chabad of Plano and Collin Country.  He and his wife Rivkah established a local Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue in 1992 here.

The two big High Holidays are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipper.

Rosh Hashanah is the day in Jewish history where Adam and Eve were created. It was decided by God that day would be the head of the year. When God blessed it and gave life one year had passed.

“Every year people are judged as what kind of year it will be. The blessing is all life. The world is judged globally,” said Block.

The Rabbi explains that like the brain gives the organs direction, this new day is like the director of the rest of the year.

“God decides what will happen to the world for the next coming year.  You may not get your sign in bonus or other such incentives, but life will prevail every year,” he said.

Many people fear judgment, but to many Jews it is perceived as a good thing.

The Rabbi goes on to say, “It is an honor that what we do is judged by God. We see it as though it is important to him what we do.”

Traditionally Yom Kipper is the day Jews ask God for forgiveness.

“The day is extended for forgiveness, regret, and remorse of the past,” said Block.

By keeping the faith of the teachings in the Torah, the Jews keep the traditions of their people by observing the fasting, then eating and praying.

Mrs. Rivka Block says the High Holiday services will be “uplifting with modern and soulful melodies with ongoing explanations of the prayers and sermons. We will be using easy to follow services with an English translated prayer book.”

Though the congregation is Orthodox, the services are intended to be “enjoyable and relevant for Jews of all backgrounds,” she said.

The Chazan leader will be Rabbi Shlomie Rabin. He has many years of experience leading High Holiday services and currently serves as the Cantor on Shabbos at Chabad of Midtown Manhattan. 

“Rabin has a clear tenor voice that is pleasant and easy to listen to.  He will chant the traditional tunes modified to include influences and hints of contemporary style,” said Block.

“The service is open to the public. If you can’t afford it, come without paying,” he said.

For more information please call 972-596-8270 or email connect@chabadplano.org