With concern over attending a traditional service, Chabad of the East Valley found a creative way of bringing the spirit of the Jewish High Holidays to the open space of Desert Breeze Park.
Members of the Jewish community came together in a social distancing environment and participated in what is described as a short yet uplifting High Holiday experience Sept. 20.
Rabbi Mendy Deitsch said the event celebrated the traditional blowing of the shofar, a simple hallowed-out ram’s horn that has been the traditional symbol of the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the new Jewish year, for thousands of years.
Dietsch noted that, according to ancient prescription, one must hear the blasts directly from the shofar itself. No medium will do — not a microphone, not CNN, not even a slight echo.
“Intrinsically, the Shofar is not just a sound. It is a cry. A prayer. A soul-awakening, personal, meditative and rousing experience,” Dietsch said. “Hearing the sound of the shofar is the main commandment associated with celebrating the holiday.”
Social distancing guidelines and mask requirements were in place.
Information: chabadcenter.com
