Thank G-d for Chabad!

[Torah613]

Ok don't go throwing the stones just yet. Let me explain.

I just got off the phone witht hte Chabad Rabbi an hour ago. It was the culminating conversation in what had been a daylong process. I first called my Shul (unaffiliated but reconstructionist for all intents and purposes with a deliberate Orthodox lean) and they were sold out of tickets. I then called every shul within 50 miles that I could think of, and they too were sold out of tickets.

Finally, I called the Chabad house. I normally avoid services there as it caters primarily to university students. I've never had the pleasure of attending their High Holiday services.

Well in the course of this conversation two very miraculous things happened. 1. The Chabad Rabbi was in and picked up on the 2nd ring. Usually he is very busy, as are all Chabad Rabbis, and it can take a bit of time to get in touch with them. 2. They have plenty of seating (they rent the entirety of the largest union on campus expressly for the purpose) and there is no charge! I cannot tell you what a relief this is, as I am officially among america's working poor. I was going to have to cut quite a few corners to be able to purchase the tickets, but I simply cannot live without the services.

Now the piece de resistance will be if HaSheem keeps my bloodsugar in check so that I can keep the fast. Last year I was ordered by the Rabbi to break the fast (on the brink of passing out) at about 1pm.

Even if that does not come to pass, all I can say is Baruch HaSheem! that and perhaps this is yet another sign that I should pursue a more Orthodox approach in my Teshuvah process.

Wishing all a heartfelt Shana Tova!
Yochanan

[Torah613]

ps: they have a really cool website with the weekly Parshah and whatnot. If any of y'all are in the Lawrence/KC area and happen to go to services there, please feel free to let me know so we can chat. www.jewishku.org (http://www.jewishku.org)

PPS: what can I expect from a chasidic service? I've never gone so Orthodox for the High Holidays before.

[Talmidah]

That's great!! Every Chabad I'm familiar with does not charge for high holy day services. You will LOVE it!!!
I've got to run as I'm leaving work, but I'll be back after shabbos and I'll email you!

Shabbat Shalom!

[Torah613]

Looking forward to your insights.

I must go as well to finish preparing my poor sabbath meal. Good Shabbas everyone!

Yochanan

[visionary]

Please do tell us your experience with this.

[Torah613]

my experience with the meal or the services?

I'm making baked zitti (the Kosher version of course) with sundried tomatoes and portabello mushrooms, along with an avocado salad (they were on sale) influenced by the traditional greek village salad, and a nice vintage (erm June) bottle of Meneshevitz.

Yochanan

[visionary]

my experience with the meal or the services?

I'm making baked zitti (the Kosher version of course) with sundried tomatoes and portabello mushrooms, along with an avocado salad (they were on sale) influenced by the traditional greek village salad, and a nice vintage (erm June) bottle of Meneshevitz.

YochananYou make my mouth water... that sounded so good.

[HadassahSukkot]

sounds cool!

[TheRabbi]

What's zitti?

[ContraMundum]

Chabad has been very good to my family, some of which live in remote areas. I respect them immensely. (Can't agree with the whole reincarnation thing though that many of them believe.)

[visionary]

What's zitti?Baked Ziti


1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
8 ounces mozzarella cheese
2 cups cottage cheese
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper

Baked in oven 1 hr at 350

or some variation of that.

[christianmomof3]

Every shul in our area charges money for tickets to services. Lots of money. And most ask you to purchase tickets months ahead of time.
What is with that anyway?
Especially for Yom Kippur - reminds me of paid indulgences.
Do Christian churches that have services for Christmas and Easter charge people money to go to them and make them buy tickets?

Here are the prices at the Chabad near me:

Seats for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur are $125 per person.
Teenagers and full-time students are $65 per person.

Children under Bar & Bat Mitzvah age are $36 per child. This fee includes childcare services and junior congregation
A letter of confirmation and a more detailed schedule of all the Holiday services and children's programs will follow shortly. Looking forward to seeing you on the High Holidays.
No one will be turned away because of inability to pay. Please call our office to make arrangements.

Um - $125? :eek:

[Talmidah]

This is the time when synagogues raise the majority of their funds for the year. Like I mentioned, I've never seen here a Chabad who charges. But of synagogues that charge for tickets, I've never, ever seen anyone turned away who couldn't afford it. A quick call to the office saying "I'd like to attend high holy days services and can't afford a ticket" would be all it takes. Tickets are always given to members at no charge. I can see how it would seem strange when you are not used to it, but it is basically a donation to the synagogue. Most Christians faithfully tithe to their church and give extra offerings on top of that. While synagogues may charge a membership fee (Chabad doesn't, at least not the ones around here), it is small and comes no where near what the typical family would tithe in a Christian church. Many synagogues are operating on very little money while trying to provide very needed services to the community. Sadly, too many Jews are indeed high holy day Jews and only show up at this time or a bar mitzvah or wedding. Its too bad the shuls are not full all year long like they are on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

[Bananna]

Now the piece de resistance will be if HaSheem keeps my bloodsugar in check so that I can keep the fast. Last year I was ordered by the Rabbi to break the fast (on the brink of passing out) at about 1pm.

Even if that does not come to pass, all I can say is Baruch HaSheem! that and perhaps this is yet another sign that I should pursue a more Orthodox approach in my Teshuvah process.

Wishing all a heartfelt Shana Tova!
Yochanan

You may want to learn to fast on a regular basis so you can learn what works for you. What you eat before and after a fast is very important with blood sugar problems.

You may want to investigate Tryptophan, cinnamon, and information on amino acids.

I have a friend that always uses the glucose drink for diabetics to fast on. I also know the elder at our congregation was healed completely of diabetes after fasting through Yom Kippur.

May God bless you and your body with total healing.

bananna

[ContraMundum]

Do Christian churches that have services for Christmas and Easter charge people money to go to them and make them buy tickets?

I hope not!

Here are the prices at the Chabad near me:

Um - $125? :eek:

That's cheap! It's double that near me.

[Bananna]

Charging for tickets I guess means fewer people and better speakers???

Seems to me that it should be free. At present Messianic congregations around here are free. Not sure about the synagogues.
bananna

[Talmidah]

Seems to me that it should be free. At present Messianic congregations around here are free. Not sure about the synagogues.
banannaYou also won't see a collection plate being passed around during services at a synagogue.

[Bananna]

You also won't see a collection plate being passed around during services at a synagogue.

Yes and you won't in any synagogue or Messianic Schul either. Never pass one on or off of sabbath days. Our particular congregation pays for books for class if you can't afford them... without being asked. We avoid money exchange on Sabbath.

Bananna

[GerTzedek]

It's just a different way of doing things. My church's culture was very similar in this way, so it's easy for me to "get it." For example, my church would charge for CCD (the equivilent of Sunday School). I was a single mom working part time -- a simple chat with the head of the religious education department waved the fee. Same thing regarding the fee for the Tribunal when I filed for the annulment -- the cost of the Tribunal is STEEP, but was completely waved for me. It's just a cultural difference. When you are INSIDE the culture, you know how to get along. It's not like religious people are heartless or anything.

[christianmomof3]

You also won't see a collection plate being passed around during services at a synagogue.
Our church does not have a collection plate. Just a box at the back of the room with envelopes and a slot to put them in if one so chooses.

[Talmidah]

Our church does not have a collection plate. Just a box at the back of the room with envelopes and a slot to put them in if one so chooses.
That's how it was at the Calvary Chapel I used to belong to. At other churches I went to, the offering was collected each week.

[ChavaK]

This is the time when synagogues raise the majority of their funds for the year. Like I mentioned, I've never seen here a Chabad who charges. But of synagogues that charge for tickets, I've never, ever seen anyone turned away who couldn't afford it. A quick call to the office saying "I'd like to attend high holy days services and can't afford a ticket" would be all it takes. Tickets are always given to members at no charge. I can see how it would seem strange when you are not used to it, but it is basically a donation to the synagogue. Most Christians faithfully tithe to their church and give extra offerings on top of that. While synagogues may charge a membership fee (Chabad doesn't, at least not the ones around here), it is small and comes no where near what the typical family would tithe in a Christian church. Many synagogues are operating on very little money while trying to provide very needed services to the community. Sadly, too many Jews are indeed high holy day Jews and only show up at this time or a bar mitzvah or wedding. Its too bad the shuls are not full all year long like they are on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

Another sad fact these days is that many shuls
now hire security to guard them during the
HHD. Our shul spends several thousand dollars on
this, and I know at least two other shuls that
do likewise in the area. We have to pay the police
for them to sit out front in their car and watch
things...and it doesn't come cheap. Our shul
does not charge for RH or YK either, but we
really appreciate it when someone makes a
donation to cover these costs....

[GerTzedek]

Another sad fact these days is that many shuls
now hire security to guard them during the
HHD. Our shul spends several thousand dollars on
this, and I know at least two other shuls that
do likewise in the area. We have to pay the police
for them to sit out front in their car and watch
things...and it doesn't come cheap. Our shul
does not charge for RH or YK either, but we
really appreciate it when someone makes a
donation to cover these costs....
That is SO true!!!! At Young Israel this afternoon, when my friend and I arrived for our usual shabbat afternoon class, there was a notice on the door explaining how everyone who had purchased seats would be mailed a pass. The main entrance would be locked, and everyone was to come in the back door, which would be guarded.

How AWFUL is that?????? :(

[ChavaK]

That is SO true!!!! At Young Israel this afternoon, when my friend and I arrived for our usual shabbat afternoon class, there was a notice on the door explaining how everyone who had purchased seats would be mailed a pass. The main entrance would be locked, and everyone was to come in the back door, which would be guarded.

How AWFUL is that?????? :(

It's getting to be the routine. Our JCC has a security
guard now....the Federation and one other shul in
town has locked doors and video cameras that
you must pass inspection on before being admitted...
At our shul for HHD we have members taking turns
doing "guard duty" to the room where we hold
services...in case someone gets by the police.
it is only going to get worse I fear.

[ChavaK]

Everyone who purchased seats would be mailed a pass.


I hope they have an eruv....;)

[GerTzedek]

I hope they have an eruv....

Duh! :D :D :D

[TheRabbi]

My shul is $180 for the year and this includes seats for the HHD + up to 2 guests.

If you guys are freaked out by shul dues, I guess you've never seen the Sephardim auctioning off aliyos to the Torah.

[TheRabbi]

Seats at the Belz shul can go for up to $40,000.

[christianmomof3]

My shul is $180 for the year and this includes seats for the HHD + up to 2 guests.

If you guys are freaked out by shul dues, I guess you've never seen the Sephardim auctioning off aliyos to the Torah.
Many of the synagogues have their high holy days services only open to paid members of their congregation here. I am not sure what dues are at the various ones.

What is the Sephardim auctioning off aliyos to the Torah?:confused:

[Torah613]

You make my mouth water... that sounded so good.
there are some advantages to training as a professional. ;)

Truthfully though, it comes from my lifetime as a foodie. Throughout the week I subsist on a strict diet to keep my bloodsugar levels in check, as well as other health problems. But on Shabbas, as well as the holidays, it seems fitting to me to make a meal that I would actually want to eat, such as above mentioned meal, that does not necessarily abide by my dietary regimin.

Yochanan

[Talmidah]

there are some advantages to training as a professional. ;)

Truthfully though, it comes from my lifetime as a foodie. Throughout the week I subsist on a strict diet to keep my bloodsugar levels in check, as well as other health problems. But on Shabbas, as well as the holidays, it seems fitting to me to make a meal that I would actually want to eat, such as above mentioned meal, that does not necessarily abide by my dietary regimin.

Yochanan
That is definitely the way to do it! Professional training, huh? So whenever I'm over wherever you are, my family will look forward to shabbos with you! :P

[Torah613]

CMof3:

An Aliyah is when a jewish man is called up to read the blessings over the Torah. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony is essentially marking the first time said man is called up to do so.

The Aliyah is done according to ones Hebrew name.

yochanan

[Torah613]

Talmidah, you and your family are most welcome! just keep in mind I can't afford electric timers, so the lights get turned on before Shabbas and don't get turned off until after. (doesn't really bother me as I work nights and am used to sleeping during the day).

Yochanan

[Torah613]

Rabbi:

Ziti, as CMof3 explained is an Italian pasta. Its most famous form is Baked. I make mine with Portabella Mushrooms, Sun dried tomatoes, and asparagus spears all sauteed in Kosher wine. Once this is done add some diced fresh tomatoes seasoned with a variety of Italian herbs (my secret blend--really I just can't remember off hand how I make it as I make it in bulk) and cover with a soy cheese version of mozarella (as Kosher Cheese is unavailable in this part of hte country).

Yochanan

[Talmidah]

Talmidah, you and your family are most welcome! just keep in mind I can't afford electric timers, so the lights get turned on before Shabbas and don't get turned off until after. (doesn't really bother me as I work nights and am used to sleeping during the day).

YochananWe don't do timers either. We turn on or off whatever lights are to remain on or off and then put covers over the switches so guests or kids don't accidentally flip them. :)

Has it been difficult for you to transition into being shomer shabbat?

[visionary]

Rabbi:

Ziti, as CMof3 explained is an Italian pasta. Its most famous form is Baked. I make mine with Portabella Mushrooms, Sun dried tomatoes, and asparagus spears all sauteed in Kosher wine. Once this is done add some diced fresh tomatoes seasoned with a variety of Italian herbs (my secret blend--really I just can't remember off hand how I make it as I make it in bulk) and cover with a soy cheese version of mozarella (as Kosher Cheese is unavailable in this part of hte country).

YochananOh, does my mouth water just reading the discription... now you have gone and made me hungry...

[ChavaK]

just keep in mind I can't afford electric timers, so the lights get turned on before Shabbas and don't get turned off until after.
Yochanan

At the cost of electricity these days, seems like
it would be cheaper to buy the timers than to
pay for the lights to stay on all shabbas.....;)

[Talmidah]

At the cost of electricity these days, seems like
it would be cheaper to buy the timers than to
pay for the lights to stay on all shabbas.....;)You can get timers for lamps really cheap at places like Walmart or Home Depot. We just have never gotten around to doing that. We have a kosher lamp that works well (doesn't cut down on electricity though) for the kids room and other than that, just the restroom and dining room light stays on. I should get one for the dining room though.

[TheRabbi]

[quote=christianmomof3[/quote]
When the Torah is read in public, the reading is divided into sections. Before each segment is read, someone from the congregation will be honored by being called up to bless God for giving us the Torah.This is called aliyah(going up).

When the time comes to read the Torah, the Sephardim (Jews of the Middle Eastern and Spanish communities) will oftern hold auctions for the honor of being called up to the Torah. I've seen them go for as little as $2 dollars in Israel. But the Syrian Jews in NY can get tens of thousands for an Aliyah.

Many Ashkenazim find this practice to be strange and unsettling. But they did do it in Parts of eastern Europe and I was told that they did it on Purim last year in one of the Ashkenazi shuls in my neighborhood (as a way to have fun more than anything).

[ChazakEmunah]

Ok don't go throwing the stones just yet. Let me explain.

I just got off the phone witht hte Chabad Rabbi an hour ago. It was the culminating conversation in what had been a daylong process. I first called my Shul (unaffiliated but reconstructionist for all intents and purposes with a deliberate Orthodox lean) and they were sold out of tickets. I then called every shul within 50 miles that I could think of, and they too were sold out of tickets.

Finally, I called the Chabad house. I normally avoid services there as it caters primarily to university students. I've never had the pleasure of attending their High Holiday services.

Well in the course of this conversation two very miraculous things happened. 1. The Chabad Rabbi was in and picked up on the 2nd ring. Usually he is very busy, as are all Chabad Rabbis, and it can take a bit of time to get in touch with them. 2. They have plenty of seating (they rent the entirety of the largest union on campus expressly for the purpose) and there is no charge! I cannot tell you what a relief this is, as I am officially among america's working poor. I was going to have to cut quite a few corners to be able to purchase the tickets, but I simply cannot live without the services.

Now the piece de resistance will be if HaSheem keeps my bloodsugar in check so that I can keep the fast. Last year I was ordered by the Rabbi to break the fast (on the brink of passing out) at about 1pm.

Even if that does not come to pass, all I can say is Baruch HaSheem! that and perhaps this is yet another sign that I should pursue a more Orthodox approach in my Teshuvah process.

Wishing all a heartfelt Shana Tova!
Yochanan
Baruch HaShem! I'm glad to hear it. Chabad is one of the few places one can attend for free with no strings attached. I've been attending there for a while now and no one has so much as suggested even paying to become a member (Of course I do make it a point to donate).

[christianmomof3]

When the Torah is read in public, the reading is divided into sections. Before each segment is read, someone from the congregation will be honored by being called up to bless God for giving us the Torah.This is called aliyah(going up).

When the time comes to read the Torah, the Sephardim (Jews of the Middle Eastern and Spanish communities) will oftern hold auctions for the honor of being called up to the Torah. I've seen them go for as little as $2 dollars in Israel. But the Syrian Jews in NY can get tens of thousands for an Aliyah.

Many Ashkenazim find this practice to be strange and unsettling. But they did do it in Parts of eastern Europe and I was told that they did it on Purim last year in one of the Ashkenazi shuls in my neighborhood (as a way to have fun more than anything).
Thank you for the explanation. I have never heard of that before.

[ChavaK]

My shul is $180 for the year and this includes seats for the HHD + up to 2 guests.

If you guys are freaked out by shul dues, I guess you've never seen the Sephardim auctioning off aliyos to the Torah.

We do that at our Ashkenazi shul too...it definitely
does freak out people! But it is a fund raiser and
also a way to honor people...nobody bids on it
for themselves, always to give to someone else.

[ChavaK]

You can get timers for lamps really cheap at places like Walmart or Home Depot. We just have never gotten around to doing that. We have a kosher lamp that works well (doesn't cut down on electricity though) for the kids room and other than that, just the restroom and dining room light stays on. I should get one for the dining room though.

I got really nice, really cheap timers at Target...
however we are kind of backwards. We have them
set to stay on all night in the bedroom so we can
read...thought about the kosher lamps but they
don't turn off during the day, and having the
light on doesn't bother us at all.

[Talmidah]

I got really nice, really cheap timers at Target...
however we are kind of backwards. We have them
set to stay on all night in the bedroom so we can
read...thought about the kosher lamps but they
don't turn off during the day, and having the
light on doesn't bother us at all.That is a good idea! We usually read until late in the dining room and then go to bed in a nice dark room. The kosher lamp really wouldn't be that good for reading anyway, especially at times where two people would like to read and are not right next to each other. The light is focused only one way and you have to be pretty close to it for reading. But it is perfect for the kids room or for a guest room since you can make it go very dim (or completely dark).

[visionary]

That is a good idea! We usually read until late in the dining room and then go to bed in a nice dark room. The kosher lamp really wouldn't be that good for reading anyway, especially at times where two people would like to read and are not right next to each other. The light is focused only one way and you have to be pretty close to it for reading. But it is perfect for the kids room or for a guest room since you can make it go very dim (or completely dark).I have one of those touch lamps...would that work?

[Talmidah]

I have one of those touch lamps...would that work?No, it wouldn't work. The kosher lamp is made so that you don't transgress the laws of shabbat. You don't turn it off until after shabbat nor are you changing the amount of light that the bulb puts out.

[ChazakEmunah]

I got really nice, really cheap timers at Target...
however we are kind of backwards. We have them
set to stay on all night in the bedroom so we can
read...thought about the kosher lamps but they
don't turn off during the day, and having the
light on doesn't bother us at all.
My wife likes to sleep in complete darkness so that doesn't work really well for us. I have some timers that I picked up pretty cheaply from Albertsons that work for us. I've looked into getting the kosher lamp, but ultimately just decided on the timers.

[Torah613]

what is this kosher lamp you speak of, and where can it be purchased. BTW, in this most farflung stretch of the diaspora, there aren't timers available at walmart. haven't checked the other places though, and sometime in the future will make it a point to ask a rabbi in the area.

Talmidah, I have found it difficult but rewarding as well. I must admit I'm not 100% there yet. Something about that selfsame professional training makes me balk at the idea of leaving the dishes until after shabbas. After all, would HaSheem want us to get sick? There are other areas which I havent' been able to fulfill such as driving due to safety concerns (its just not safe to be walking in my neighborhood after dark, and besides that the closest shul is 30 miles away). but overall it is hard but rewarding.

Visionary, food is a gift from HaSheem, as is the ability to prepare it. Gourmet cooking, as all other artforms, is an even rarer gift. But noone would know if they had it, unless they tried--so get cooking!

Yochanan

[christianmomof3]

what is this kosher lamp you speak of, and where can it be purchased.
I wondered about that too and this is what I found:
http://www.kosherimage.com/product-ckl2.html

[ChavaK]

That is a good idea! We usually read until late in the dining room and then go to bed in a nice dark room.
I stay up really late reading, and it's a lot more
comfortable doing it in bed rather at the dining
table...plus since I have frequent insomnia it
gives me something to do when I can't get to sleep.
Fortunately sleeping with the lights on in the
bedroom doesn't disturb us...

The kosher lamp really wouldn't be that good for reading anyway, especially at times where two people would like to read and are not right next to each other. The light is focused only one way and you have to be pretty close to it for reading. But it is perfect for the kids room or for a guest room since you can make it go very dim (or completely dark).
I wondered how much light it put out...I've only seen
one house that had it and it didn't seem light there
was much light out put...plus we would have to
have two, one for each side of the bed. Timers
are cheaper....

[ChavaK]

BTW, in this most farflung stretch of the diaspora, there aren't timers available at walmart.
Yochanan

What, no timers at WM? I bought one there but
decided I liked the ones at Target better.
Did you ask if they have timers?

[Torah613]

In truth no, I just searched for them. I work nights and get off somewhers around 4am, so i often go to walmart to let off a bit of steam by walking around before going home and davening and going to bed.

Unfortunately at those hours few assosciates are available.

Anyways, back to the main topic of this thread, I'm currently reading a book by one Sue Fiskhoff about Chabad entitled "The Rebbe's Army." So far it is very inspiring. I can say that after a few chapters, some of my reservations about Chabad (mainly concerning the cult of a Tzaddik) are, while still being present, are diminishing. If I had had the pleasure of meeting a man like the Rebbe, perhaps I too would today count myself a member of the Chasidim.

Yochanan

[Torah613]

ok to be honest, my initial experience was both the most sublime service I've ever attended and also the must depressing.

1. I loved the energy with which the two rabbi's prayed. I loved the way the Rabbi explained specifically Orthodox customs such as the seperation of hte sexes. I loved that the rabbi explained some of hte more obscure prayers. I loved that hthe rabbi threw in a good dose of anecdotes. Overall the Rabbi was a wonderfully friendly and approachable man. Also I was touched that hte Rebetzin took several hours to prepare a full 5 course meal for over a hundred (at no charge no less). I know what kind of energy that takes.

2. I was appalled at the startling lack of formality. I was appalled at how shortened the service was. In all, explanations included, it lasted less than 45 minutes. I was appalled at how quickly the Rabbi went through what prayers that were kept (just the bare bones minimum). Mostly I was appalled at how raucous the service was. It seemed at times more like a meet and greet than an actual liturgy.

all in all, I can't wait to go back for Yom Kippur! I may not like all they do, but here are people who are willing to suffer hardship and do all that they do just to bring a little bit more Yiddishkiet to those who don't have it.

Yochanan