Inclusive No-Cost Holiday Services Available to All in the Longwood, Lake Mary and Sanford area
By Rabbi Yanky Majesky
As the Jewish High Holiday season approaches, we want to ensure that every member of the Jewish community has a place to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, regardless of financial circumstances or synagogue affiliation.
Free services begin with Rosh Hashanah at sunset on Monday, Sept. 22 to 24 at Lake Mary Events Center, continuing through Yom Kippur on Oct. 1 to 2 at the Heathrow Country Club.
Register at www.JewishNorthOrlando.com/HighHolidays2025
"Judaism should be accessible and welcoming to all Jews regardless of background or financial situation. We strive to create a nonjudgmental atmosphere where beginners feel comfortable and everyone can participate meaningfully." -Rabbi Yanky Majesky
Chabad-Lubavitch has championed accessible Judaism for decades, making High Holiday services available free of charge---a model that synagogues and organizations worldwide have begun to embrace. Chabad's services will include traditional melodies, spirited singing by world renowned cantor Levi Kaplan, engaging holiday sermons, bilingual prayer books, contemporary prayer explanations and guidance for those unfamiliar with synagogue customs.
“Our programs are designed to be welcoming and uplifting for everyone - whether you’re experiencing Jewish tradition for the very first time or have celebrated it your whole life,” shares Rabbi Majesky. “When people feel truly included, they’re able to discover just how meaningful, beautiful, and relevant these timeless traditions still are today.”
For service times, locations, or to reserve space, please visit www.JewishNorthOrlando.com/HighHolidays2025 or call 407-636-5994
•About Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah, begins at sundown Monday, Sept. 22 and continues through nightfall Wednesday, Sept. 24. The two-day celebration marks the beginning of the Jewish year 5786 and the High Holiday season. Central traditions include hearing the shofar (ram's horn), sharing festive meals with symbolic foods like apples and honey and prayers for a year of blessing and peace.
About Yom Kippur: Known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is observed this year from sundown Wednesday, Oct.1 through nightfall Thursday, Oct. 2. The holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur it's a time for introspection, prayer and seeking forgiveness for sins from the past year. Observed just 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, the day is marked by fasting, extended synagogue services, and the Yizkor memorial prayer honoring departed loved ones. For more info about the Jewish High Holidays, please visit Chabad.org/HighHolidays.
About Chabad Lubavitch of North Orlando: Established in 2009,Chabad serves the Jewish community of North Orlando with educational programs, holiday celebrations, and social services for individuals and families of all backgrounds and affiliations. Co-directed by Rabbi Yanky and Chanshy Majesky, Chabad Lubavitch is part of the worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch movement. For more information, visit Jewishnorthorlando.com or call 407-636-5994.
