By Chabad of Charlotte Staff
High Holidays at Chabad: Spiritual Warmth Without Tickets
High Holiday services at Chabad are a cherished highlight of the Jewish calendar. Led by the soulful Rabbi Binyomin Weiss and his son-in-law, Rabbi Shimon Gorkin, the services are designed to uplift and inspire Jews of every background and level of observance. Rabbi Yossi Groner shares insights and reflections that help participants connect deeply with the timeless messages of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.
The ever-popular Rosh Ha- Shanah dinner returns with its warm atmosphere and delicious traditional cuisine, while Yom Kippur services— from Kol Nidrei through Ne’ ilah— offer powerful moments of introspection and renewal. The beloved community break-the-fast brings everyone together to close the
day in unity and joy. True to its values, Chabad of Charlotte never sells tickets for High Holiday services. As the motto proudly declares:“ No tickets. No problem. No kidding!”
Empowering Women Through New Programming
Chabad is launching a brandnew women’ s initiative this year, which will include intimate learning groups, social action projects, entertainment, speakers, and more. Women across the community are actively helping shape the vision and direction of this exciting endeavor. To get involved in planning or attending, call Chabad at( 704) 366-3984.
A Fresh Approach to Youth Engagement
There is renewed energy in Chabad’ s children’ s programming. With fresh leadership, an expanded team, and a growing committee of parents, new events and initiatives are being developed to engage young families and children in meaningful Jewish experiences. From Junior Congregation on Shabbat mornings to CKids, CTeen, and holiday events, the coming year promises connection and joy for every child and teen. For more information, contact Rabbi Shlomo Cohen or Rabbi Bentzion Groner at( 704) 366-3984.
Kosher Charlotte Expands Offerings
Kosher Charlotte is responding to popular demand by expanding the hours of its beloved Hapina Restaurant, located in the Atrium lobby of the Chabad House. This year also brings the launch of“ Kosher Night Out,” a new series of themed dinners featuring diverse kosher cuisine. These events will offer opportunities for both young families and adults of all ages to socialize and savor delicious meals together.
The Charlotte Jewish News- September 2025- Page 13 Religious Life
Looking Ahead to 5786: A Year of Growth, Connection, and Inspiration at Chabad of Charlotte
Jewish Learning Institute Offers New Courses
The Jewish Learning Institute( JLI) of Charlotte will offer four compelling courses in the coming year:
• The Kabbalah of Meaning: Discover Jewish wisdom on living a purposeful life.
• Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa: Explore surprising historical questions posed to rabbis through the ages.
• For All Humankind: Examine Judaism’ s universal values and how they contribute to a better society.
• Foundations of Freedom: A special summer course marking America’ s 250th anniversary, this course highlights the Jewish ethics that influenced the founding of the United States.
With so much in store, the year ahead at Chabad of Charlotte promises deep learning, joyful celebration, and meaningful connection. Whether you’ re a longtime participant or new to the community, now is the perfect time to get involved.
Chabad also plans several special speakers, multiple Shabbaton dinners, and new programs and offerings for Charlotte’ s Israeli community, led by Rabbi Sholom Ber Pevzner. In addition, Chabad is opening a new Hospitality Suite to accommodate travelers who would like to join Chabad of Charlotte and Congregation Ohr HaTorah, conveniently located within walking distance. This facility will be available to rent for weekdays, Shabbat, and holidays. More details coming soon!
To learn more about any of the above programs, call 704-366- 3984 or visit www. chabadnc. org.
Charlotte: A Welcoming Destination for Jewish Travelers
By Rabbi Shlomo Cohen
One of Judaism’ s most cherished values is hachnasat orchim— the mitzvah of hospitality. The Torah tells how our forefather, Abraham, interrupted a divine encounter with Hashem to welcome three passing guests. From this, the Talmud teaches that hosting others is even greater than receiving the Divine Presence. Abraham“ planted an Eshel,( אשל)” which the Sages explain as an acronym for Achila, Shtiya, Levaya— food, drink, and escort— showing that true hospitality is to care for every need of a traveler. Inspired by this legacy, Chabad of Charlotte has long embodied this tradition, now taking it to an exciting new level.
For decades, Chabad of Charlotte has welcomed visitors with Shabbat housing, kosher meals, daily minyanim, and heartfelt warmth. Now, with the opening of the Chabad Hospitality Suites, guests can enjoy a dedicated four-bedroom property— fully kosher-friendly, stocked with kosher snacks and essentials, and located within walking distance of both Chabad of Charlotte and Congregation Ohr HaTorah. Whether visiting for a simcha, a business trip, or a weekend getaway, travelers can feel at home while staying connected to Jewish life.
Chabad of Charlotte is the only place in the region offering daily morning, afternoon, and evening minyanim yearround. Guests can also enjoy fresh kosher meals from Kosher Charlotte Catering and Hapina Charlotte Restaurant, both conveniently located on the Chabad campus on Sardis Road. Many business travelers plan their trips around the convenience of Chabad of Charlotte’ s daily minyanim and the delicious kosher food options available. Chabad of Charlotte is also a frequent stop for travelers journeying between the Northeast and Florida, as well as between Atlanta and Baltimore or beyond.
To further enhance the experience, Chabad’ s Visitors Club offers tiered membership benefits, including complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee and snacks, pre-ordered breakfasts, and personalized concierge services. Full Shabbat packages— meals, lodging, books, and family-friendly entertainment— make visits effortless and uplifting.
For rates or reservations, visit www. chabadnc. org and click“ Shabbat Hospitality” under the Visitor tab, email rabbicohen @ chabadnc. org, or call 704-366- 3984.
Whether celebrating a bar mitzvah, hosting guests for a wedding, or simply passing through, the Chabad Hospitality Suites are ready to welcome you— just as Abraham welcomed his guests— with open arms.
Chabad of Charlotte extends a heartfelt thank-you to HR BLVD,
led by Hagay Rothchild, a local contractor that beautifully completed the construction at Chabad Hospitality Suites. Chabad also salutes Source Flooring, Pacific Interiors Inc., Protective Coating Solutions, Paul Jacobs, Tyler Boer, and Arthur Oudmayer, who invested their financial support and expertise— through products, services, and precious time— into making the dream of the Chabad Hospitality Suites a reality.