Smart Publicity and Messages of Empowerment Draw Greater Numbers To Chabad’s Rosh Hashana Services

BROOKLYN, NY — Wall Street bailouts, iPhones, and stratospheric gas prices are bringing more marginally affiliated Jews to Rosh Hashanah services say rabbis across the United States.

Tough times draw larger crowds to the synagogue on the High Holidays, and Chabad representatives are aiming to attract even more by answering the call of the times and publicizing their prayer services using images ripped straight from the headlines and pop culture.

Signs of the times are also apparent in the messages rabbis will be delivering during the holidays. Known as the Days of Awe, the Jewish High Holidays are a time for supplication and somber reflection—and maybe intimidating to the Jewish people who rarely attend synagogue services. Reaching out to them Chabad rabbis are sharing the Chasidic interpretation of the High Holy days, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and acceptance.

When the government announced its almost trillion dollar injection to failing finance firms, Chabad-Lubavitch of Greater Boynton, Florida, got the message loud and clear. It wasn’t only the fat cats who’d be suffering this fall.

“Although we certainly are not a recipient of this funding, we are hearing daily the mounting economic tribulations of each of our members,” said Rabbi Sholom Ciment the center’s director.

With economic news worsening, Chabad in Boynton implemented a “No Pay to Pray” program, where congregants can reserve High Holiday seats without a fee.

“There is always room for another Jew at Chabad, and we are re-making our floor plan to accommodate any Jew who finds their High Holiday attendance impeded by the economic crisis,” said Howard Cohen, chairman of Chabad’s High Holiday committee.

Article continued (Lubavitch.com)