Record Rosh Hashanah service in Cairns
140 Jews of all backgrounds come together at the Pacific International Hotel Cairns to celebrate the Jewish New Year.
Reabbi Ari, Mushkie and Devorah Rubin
Joining some of the regulars from the community were tourists from all over the world and some new faces who had not known of the existence of Chabad RARA of North Queensland.
This number was a huge record for the small Jewish Community in Cairns. Chabad RARA is dedicated to removing entry barriers and ensuring that all who wish to participate in a meaningful celebration of the Jewish New Year may do so.
By providing free Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in a warm and inclusive setting, Chabad RARA of North Queensland hopes to accommodate those who may otherwise not be celebrating the holiday. Chabad’s “user-friendly” services make for an enjoyable and meaningful experience for both the beginner and the advanced. Song, commentary and the use of English-Hebrew prayer-books invite individuals of all levels to become active participants in the service.
“According to Jewish tradition, the gates of Heaven are open on the New Year, and G-d accepts prayers from everyone,” said Rabbi Ari Rubin , of Chabad RARA “That serves as our inspiration to keep our doors open as well to the entire community.”
Ari continued, “The Lubavitcher Rebbe–Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory–insisted that Judaism be made accessible to all Jews. During the High Holidays, accessibility can translate into different factors for different people, such as a nonjudgmental atmosphere, affordability of the services or the ability for a beginner to follow along. Our goal is to lower the barriers of entry, and encourage each and every Jew to actively participate in these most holy and introspective days.”
This year brings added significance as the Jewish world marks 50 years since the Rebbe initiated the Mitzvah Campaigns, a historic undertaking that took Jewish observance to the streets.
For decades, Chabad-Lubavitch–an international Jewish organization that firmly believes Jewish traditions and customs are the birthright of every Jew, and that every Jew should have access to them–has made High Holiday services available free of charge, a model other synagogues and organizations around the world are aiming to replicate.
The services will continue for Yom Kippur, which begins this year at sundown on Friday, September 29 and extends until nightfall on Saturday, September 30.
For more information about Ari’s services or to reserve a space, visit chabadnorthqueensland.com.
