Unveiling the Deeper Significance of High Holiday Traditions at Chabad of Charlotte

September 2023

By Rabbi Levi Cohen

The High Holidays, also known as "The Days of Awe," mark a momentous and deeply spiritual time on the Jewish calendar. At Ohr HaTorah, we celebrate these extraordinary days with warmth, inclusivity, and a profound sense of community, offering a welcoming home for all to embark on a soulful sojourn together. We begin with a community dinner on Rosh Hashanah Eve, celebrating a new year as one and committing to strengthen one another for the upcoming year. From Rosh Hashanah, a day when we accept G-d's sovereignty, to Yom Kippur, a day of atonement, Ohr HaTorah provides a place where everyone can participate, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience.

One of the most powerful moments during the Rosh Hashanah service is the blowing of the shofar. The symbol brings us back to the Akeida, the binding of Isaac, and calls back through all the generations of our people, reminding us of the giants in our roots. It’s also a trumpet call to our renewed coronation of G-d as the ruler of the universe. The sound of the ancient ram's horn resonates through the sanctuary, evoking a deep connection to our heritage and spirituality. It's a time of introspection, reminding us of our spiritual journey and urging us to strive for growth in our Judaism for the year ahead. The shofar's cry becomes a wake-up call, inviting us to turn inward and reconnect with our true selves. At Ohr HaTorah, the shofar service is a moment of unity and reflection. Young and old, newcomers and regular attendees, all stand together, united in this transformative experience.

Beyond the rituals, at Ohr HaTorah the magic of the High Holidays is felt through meaningful stories and lessons. Rabbi Yossi Groner's eloquence and insights enrich our understanding of the sacred occasion. As Rabbi Binyomin Weiss prepares to begin the cantorial melody of “U’Netane Tokef,” “We shall ascribe holiness to this day,” we learn the story of its martyred composer, Rabbi Amnon of Mainz, who sacrificed his life for our sacred Torah.

Another consistent theme of these days of awe is that of teshuva, often mistranslated as repentance. Teshuva actually means return, to reawaken our soul’s natural connection with G-d, which can be concealed, but never broken. In fact, Chassidic thought teaches that when a Jew sins, or misses out on a mitzvah, they conceal the connection with G-d created by its observance. Only through teshuva do we connect to our creator on a plane so high that G-d forgives our mistakes, and our powerful intrinsic relationship shines through. This is felt throughout the holidays, but particularly on Yom Kippur, with each of the five prayers corresponding to a deeper layer of the soul.

No matter your age or level of familiarity with the traditions, Chabad of Charlotte invites you to participate. We have services and programs from infants to teens and even an adult beginner's service, since everyone deserves to feel that they belong. Our aim is to create an environment where everyone feels embraced and accepted, and leaves the holidays behind with more knowledge than when they began.

Join us at Ohr HaTorah this year and experience the power of the shofar's call, igniting a journey of introspection and transformation. Celebrate the High Holidays with us, harmonizing our hearts and souls, finding meaning and purpose in this sacred time. Discover the magic and depth of the Days of Awe, and make Ohr HaTorah your spiritual home during this soul-enriching season.

For more information or to become a part of this unforgettable High Holiday experience, visit our website at www.chabadnc.org or call our office at (704) 366-3984. Remember, everyone is welcome, and no one will be turned away. Embrace the soulful journey with Ohr HaTorah, and let this year's High Holidays be truly memorable for you and your loved ones.