Rabbi Dovid Flinkenstein, co-director of Chabad of Wilmette, blows the shofar in the main sanctuary of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning.
WILMETTE – Powerful blasts will echo throughout Wilmette as Chabad Rabbis Dovid Flinkenstein & Moshe Teldon will blow the shofar, a ram’s horn, for Jews across town to celebrate the Jewish New Year.
The shofar is the central symbol of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, which is celebrated every fall. Many synagogues blast the shofar every day for a month leading up to the holiday, culminating with a sequence of 100 blasts during the Rosh Hashanah services –this year on September 21 and 22.
In order to include Jews who cannot make it to synagogue, Rabbi Flinkenstein will blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah afternoon, September 21, at 5:00 pm at the Keay Nature Learning Center, located at the corner of Hibbard Rd. and Skokie Blvd. Rabbi Teldon will also blow the shofar at the Mather Place at 4:00 pm for Jewish residents there. All are invited to hear this powerful performance to herald in the New Year and fulfill one of Rosh Hashana’s most important observances.
“The blast of the shofar is a powerful call to action, and the opening act to one of the happiest times of a new year,” said Rabbi Flinkenstein. “Wherever Jews are in Wilmette, I invite them to witness this meaningful alert to the season!”
This year brings added significance as the world marks 50 years since the Rebbe–Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson—considered one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century, initiated the worldwide Mitzvah Campaigns, a historic undertaking that took Jewish observance to the streets.
The Shofar blowing is one of many Chabad Holiday programs, which give Jews the opportunity to learn the significance of Jewish holiday rituals and perform them with their families.
“Wherever our family is, we make sure to hear the shofar and get excited for the year to come,” said Jason Ehrenstein. “The shofar reminds us that while we should take the new year to improve ourselves and our community, we also have plenty of reason to celebrate what we have.”
If you or a loved one is shut-in and unable to attend services, please contact the Chabad office at 847.251.7707 or email info@chabadwilmette.com, and Chabad will make their best effort to send someone over on the holiday to sound the shofar.
About Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is observed this year on the eve of September 20 through September 22. Literally meaning “head of the year,” the two-day holiday commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday. For more information about Rosh Hashanah, visit www.ChabadWilmette.com/HighHolidays.
Submitted by Fraida-Cameron Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning. The center offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. For more information, contact the Chabad Center at 847.251.7707 or email info@chabadwilmette.com.