Chabad answers call to hold services for Rosh Hashana

The sound of a shofar, the symbolic ram’s horn trumpet, will return to Mesa this month as a Jewish-education group observes the High Holy Days in the city for the first time in years.

Chabad of Arizona will hold Rosh Hashana services, marking the Jewish New Year, Friday through Sept. 24 at the Mesa Convention Center.

Chabad officials said Mesa is a growing community, and residents responded enthusiastically when asked if they were interested in bringing the organization to the city.

Chabad received numerous calls and e-mails after sending out more than 5,000 mailings promoting the Rosh Hashana services to area residents, Rabbi Laibel Blotner said.

“Mesa is Arizona’s third-largest city,” said Blotner, who will conduct Chabad’s services in the city. “And there’s currently not one Jewish house of worship . . . anything that, really, Jews can identify with.”

The services are likely the first to be held in Mesa since Temple Beth Sholom moved to Chandler in 2000.

“We’re looking at the prospects of opening a Chabad center in Mesa,” Blotner said. “After Yom Kippur, when the high holidays are over, we’ll sit down with the people who are interested and make a serious evaluation of which way to go.”

A Mesa center could offer Saturday and holiday services, as well as lectures and programs for children and teens, he said.

Rosh Hashana services also are being held by other groups in Ahwatukee, Chandler, Sun Lakes and Tempe. At Mesa’s final service of the weekend, the shofar will be blown.

“The sound is supposed to be sort of a wake-up call for the Jewish people for the new year,” Blotner said. “The cry is supposed to be a piercing cry that penetrates the heart and soul and tells us, ‘Wake up. The new year is here. It’s time to improve our lives.’ ”

Chabad is offering the Mesa services with prayers in Hebrew and English free of charge, and group membership is not required of participants.

Blotner said his wife, Gitty, would also conduct children’s services during morning observances.

“Kids need to be constantly occupied,” Blotner said. “I don’t think sitting with the prayer book the whole time will do it.”

The children’s services will include songs, refreshments and arts and crafts.