Yom Kippur services planned

Rabbis of Chabad of the Conejo invite all Jews, observant or non-observant, to attend Yom Kippur services beginning at 6:45 p.m. Sun., Sept. 15 with the Kol Nidre. Services continue at 9:30 a.m. Mon., Sept. 16, followed by the Yizkor memorial service at noon and the Neilah services at 5:30 p.m. The Yom Kippur fast will end at 7:45 p.m.

The traditional service is blended with contemporary and meaningful insights, making the Yom Kippur service a bond with the past and an inspiration for the future, according to Chabad. Insights into many of the prayers and customs will be explained during services.

Participation of attendees is a crucial component of Chabad’s observance of the Day of Atonement.

"Your prayers are just as important as those of the rabbi or cantor," said Rabbi Moshe D. Bryski, executive director of Chabad.

"We need the prayers of every Jew, no one excluded," Bryski said. "The more fully we demonstrate our essential unity by acting with love and friendship amongst ourselves, the more fully God’s love will be revealed to us."

Services will be at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza Hotel, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village as well as at Chabad of Westlake Village, 741 Lakefield Road, Ste. D, Westlake Village and at Los Robles Greens golf Course, 299 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Prayer books are Hebrew-English.

The Yizkor memorial service will be recited as well for victims of recent terrorist attacks in Israel.

For children there will be a junior congregation, conducted by educators and Rabbinical students, teaching them about the day’s significance through prayers, stories and songs and featuring contests and prizes.

For older children, a special teen Minyan will be offered at the Hyatt in a new program providing commentary and sermons geared directly to them.

The Yom Kippur fast culminates with the Shema Yisroel and other verses recited in unison and the final blowing of the shofar. Chabad’s tradition is to close off the Neilah (closing prayers of the High Holidays) with "tremendous singing and emotion in the Chassidic spirit." Refreshments will be served following the fast.

The Chabad tradition is to ensure that no Jew should ever feel left out of the holiday observances, especially on the holy day of Yom Kippur.

Whether a member of Chabad or not, affiliated or non-affiliated, all Jews in the community are welcome, and encouraged, to attend Chabad’s Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services.

For more information, please call Chabad at (818) 991-0991.