In an attempt to make the synagogue experience more enjoyable and less confusing Chabad of NW Metro Denver has put together a la carte High Holiday services. Using a graphically appealing card the High Holiday services are presented menu style accompanied with a brief description and recommendation of each segment of the service.

The idea behind this novel approach is to allow participants to make an informed decision about which synagogue services they would like to attend, according to Rabbi Benjy Brackman, spiritual leader of Chabad of NW Metro Denver in Westminster. “All too often people receive a card in the mail inviting them to the High Holiday services only to get to synagogue and find that they have signed up to an eight hour long service, with no exit strategy. They either sit patiently or impatiently till the end, or try and sneak out without the rabbi noticing”.

A la carte High Holiday services changes that. With cute short blurbs – by Chabad.org writer Rabbi Tzvi Freeman – describing the various services, the participant knows beforehand the meaning behind the service and the exact timings of each one.

The menu for Rosh Hashanah morning service reads as follows:

Morning Menu and Appetizer: 9 –10:30 pm

Description: Start your day in inner contemplation gently peppered with the inspiring words of King David’s psalms, all delicately wrapped around the Hear O Israel meditation. Continue with a course of Total Awe for the Silent Prayer.

Use this time for reflection and contemplation. Read whatever works for you from the prayer book, but don’t miss saying Hear O Israel with the community.

Recommendation

Duration: 1:5 hours Rating: Even higher

“A la carte High Holiday services has been a real hit,” says Brackman. “Many people have RSVP’d who we have never heard from before saying they look forward to attending the services this High Holidays”.

Ms. Joan Siegel of Westminster says, “Who wouldn’t want to come to services? The menu card shows that the synagogue has really gone out of its way to make the congregants feel welcome and comfortable during the High Holidays”.

To view the entire High Holiday menu visit www.theChabadHouse.com/menu

Chabad of NW Metro Denver’s Rosh Hashanah services will be held at the spacious community room at Keystone Place at Legacy Ridge – a brand new independent living facility located at 11150 Irving Drive in Westminster September 8-10. Yom Kippur services September 17 & 18, will be held at the Spring Hill Suites on 6845 W. 103rd Ave. in Westminster directly off Church Ranch Blvd.

A festive, community New Year dinner will be held at Keystone Place on Wednesday evening September 8th. This is an opportunity to join family and friends for an evening of Jewish song and culinary delights in the spirit and warmth of the New Year.

Gourmet luncheons will follow the Rosh Hashanah services to refresh you when the praying is over as well as a short brunch before the blowing of the Shofar. For Yom Kippur we will be offering a pre-fast dinner and break-the-fast buffet.

At Chabad no prior knowledge is necessary to experience our inspiring and meaningful High Holiday services to the full. Be an active participant as we pray from English-Hebrew prayer books, sing, and talk about the meaning of the age old words. A special kids interactive program will be organized for your children to enjoy.

As always our “NO FEES FOR SEATS – DON’T PAY TO PRAY” policy allows everyone to feel comfortable in our community regardless of background, affiliation, or financial status.

To book your no-cost High Holiday seat click here or call 303.429.5177.