Day of Atonement - Oct 3-4
Rabbi's Yom Kippur Message & Schedule
Yom Kippur is an iconic day on the Jewish calendar. It is a day of prayer and introspection, a day of fasting; an opportunity for us all to repent and ask G-d to atone for our sins. Yet there is a deeper meaning to the observance of this holy day, and as in previous years, we wish to share this inspiring message to set the tone for a meaningful and awe-inspiring day.
Every year, without fail, Yom Kippur comes around. It's as if G-d expects us to sin, that there will always be those transgressions for which we will have to make amends, and He therefore placed on the calendar an annual Day of Atonement for everyone. What's the point?
If G-d wanted perfection, He would have been perfectly happy sitting on His heavenly throne surrounded by angels or he might have created a man that can't sin. But G-d desired something more, something better than perfection. He created this world, and in it placed the most imperfect of beings - humans. G-d understands that we are not perfect, and He loves us for it.
G-d wants to see us striving to improve, persevering against all the obstacles of the world in which we live, and in which He placed us. Nothing G-d does is without reason, and the reason why we are here is to slip up; and to learn and grow from our mistakes.
Yom Kippur is a day given to us to celebrate, to rejoice over all those times that we fail at our mission here in this world, because those failings give us the opportunity to improve, and to grow stronger in our commitment.
I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very inspirational, uplifting and meaningful Yom Kippur. May you be sealed in the Book of Life for a year of good health, happiness, nachas, wealth and abundant success in all of your worthy endeavors.
I invite you and any of your friends and acquaintances to join us for all or any part of the services we will be conducting at the new Chabad Loft Space.
I will be delivering three sermons on Yom Kippur - Kol Nidre night; before Yizkor; and at Neilah. Many have the tradition of joining us for the final 90 minutes of Yom Kippur (6:00 PM on Saturday) to experience the unique Chabad Neilah filled with much singing, spirit and joy followed by a lavish buffet break-fast sponsored by the Ronny & Elana Malina.
Yom Kippur Schedule & Services
Friday Oct 3 - Eve of Yom Kippur
Shabbat Candle Lighting 6:17pm | Kol Nidrei 6:30pm
Saturday Oct 4 - Shabbat
Morning Services 10am | Children's Program 11am - 2pm| Yizkor Memorial Service 12:30pm |Mincha Afternoon Service 4:45pm | Neilah 6pm | Break-Fast Buffet 7:15pm Sponsored by Ronny & Elana Malina
Location
Chabad Heights Loft 664 Sterling Place. Off Franklin Ave
Wishing you and yours a Good Shabbos, an easy fast and a very meaningful Yom Kippur,
Rabbi Ari Kirschenbaum