When Lynnfield schools close this week for Yom Kippur, families will have a rare opportunity to experience the holiday together in a way that speaks to both children and adults. Chabad of Wakefield is hosting Yom Kippur services and programs on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, located behind MarketStreet.
A highlight of the day will be a family-friendly service on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 10:30–11 a.m., designed for children with their parents. Devora Brook will lead children in exploring the meaning of Yom Kippur through engaging stories, holiday-themed games, and a raffle. Each participant will go home with a goodie bag and snack.
“This program makes the holiday come alive for children,” said Devora Brook. “It gives them a way to connect with the themes of Yom Kippur while parents know their kids are engaged, happy, and included.”
Parents are welcome to join their children for this short, interactive program, or to spend those 30 minutes in the main traditional service, which will be running at the same time. The traditional service begins Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. and includes prayers in Hebrew and English with explanations throughout. At 11 a.m., the community will pause for the moving Yizkor memorial service, when departed loved ones are remembered.
The holiday begins the evening before, on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m., with the solemn Kol Nidrei service. It concludes with the Neilah closing prayers on Thursday evening at 6 p.m., followed by a community break-fast.
“Yom Kippur is a day of unity, reflection, and renewal,” said Rabbi Sruly Brook, director of Chabad of Wakefield. “We want every person in the community to know that they have a place here, whether they’re joining us for a few minutes or for the full holiday experience.”
All services are offered at no cost, with no membership required. RSVPs are encouraged at JewishWakefield.com/services. For more information, call (781) 205-9593 or email info@JewishWakefield.com.
