Contact: Union for Reform Judaism, 212.650.4227, ESGrotta@urj.org

Mark Rubenstein, execdir@tourosynagogue.com 

Rabbi Robert Lowey,RLoewy@aol.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPECIAL HIGH HOLY DAY WORSHIP FOR NEW ORLEANS EVACUEES

Worship Begins at 8 p.m. Monday, October 3, at Rice University

The Jewish community of Greater New Orleans that is now making Houston its home is invited to special Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services at Rice University that will include special prayers and meditations focusing on the storm’s aftermath. The community is invited to worship at other times at synagogues throughout the Greater Houston area, although a special service will be held at the close of the holidays.

Rabbi Andrew Busch, spiritual leader of Touro Synagogue in New Orleans, said evacuees, many of whom have lost their homes, need to be able to gather as a community.

“During the evening worship, New Orleans Jews will be able to connect with each other and our whole community,” he said. “Sharing daytime services with the Houston community allows us to express our gratitude for the way we have been embraced here."

Similar arrangements are being made for the New Orleans community in Baton Rouge.

The joint worship is a result of the collaboration of the clergy of the New Orleans congregations, which will alternate between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where similar worship is planned. The Union for Reform Judaism, the umbrella organization for all Reform synagogues in North America, is underwriting the cost of renting Stude Concert Hall in Alice Pratt Brown Hall and has arranged for the delivery of prayer books and other essential items for the service.

The special Houston worship schedule is as follow:

Rosh Hashanah - Monday, October 3

Evening Service led by Rabbi Robert Loewy and Cantorial Soloist Victoria May, Gates of Prayer

8 p.m., Rice University’s Stude Concert Hall in Alice Pratt Brown Hall

Yom Kippur -Wednesday, October 12

Kol Nidre Service led by Rabbi Andrew Busch and Cantor Seth Warner, Touro Synagogue

8 p.m., Rice University’s Stude Concert Hall in Alice Pratt Brown Hall

Thursday, October 13

Yizkor and Neilah Services  led by Rabbi Andrew Busch and Cantor Seth Warner, Touro Synagogue

4:30 p.m., Congregation Beth Israel 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd.

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