VANCOUVER, Canada — “Every Jew probably celebrates this day in some way,” says Rabbi Meir Kaplan of Chabad Centre of Vancouver Island.
Celebration of Faith
VANCOUVER, Canada — “Every Jew probably celebrates this day in some way,” says Rabbi Meir Kaplan of Chabad Centre of Vancouver Island.
And that goes for Jews who are not religiously observant at other times.
As an outreach movement, Chabad does not require people to be members or pay to attend services, says Kaplan. But many adherents wear white clothing to represent purity.
Yom Kippur services will take place this evening and all day Saturday at downtown Congregation Temple Emanu-el.
“It’s full, but it expands,” says Rabbi Harry Brechner.
Most attendees are members, and visitors will not be asked to purchase a ticket.
The Day of Atonement reflects God’s forgiveness for Jews who worshipped the golden calf after Moses was presented with the Torah’s 10 commandments.
The Day of Atonement asks people, even children, to seek forgiveness from those they have wronged, as well as from God.
“It’s a solemn day but it’s not a sad day. It’s a serious day. It’s a day of opportunity, not a day of mourning,” says Kaplan.
Victoria Chabad services will take place at 3031 Quadra St. at Finlayson. There will also be services at sunset today; at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow and sunset tomorrow at the annex of Quadra Elementary School.
For more information, call 595-7656 or visit www.chabadvi.org
