Pasadena’s Jewish Community Embraces Tradition and Inclusivity for Yom Kippur

As the sun sets on Friday, Oct. 11, Pasadena’s Jewish community will begin observing Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, with services that blend ancient traditions and modern inclusivity. Two congregations, the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center (PJTC) and Chabad of Pasadena, are preparing to welcome diverse attendees for this solemn yet hopeful occasion.

The 26-hour observance, running from sundown on Oct. 11 to nightfall on Oct. 12, marks the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It falls 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, concluding a period known as the Ten Days of Repentance.

Both congregations will offer services in Hebrew and English, with explanations to help less familiar attendees follow along. The PJTC will host services at 1434 N. Altadena Dr., while Chabad of Pasadena will gather at 1090 Walnut Street.

Rabbi Chaim Hanoka, Executive Director of Chabad of Pasadena, emphasized the universal themes of Yom Kippur.

“We’re apologizing to our father in heaven to God for perhaps acting in a way which was untoward last year,” he said. “That, and resolving for the forthcoming year to be better people and asking for blessings that anybody would like anybody, whether they’re religious or secular, would like a blessing for health and for wealth and for family and the like.”

Chabad of Pasadena is known for its inclusive approach to the holiday.

“First and foremost, Chabad is well renowned as being nonjudgmental,” Rabbi Hanoka said. “So irrespective of a person’s religious observance, knowledge and the like, everybody’s invited to join our service as long as they can breathe.”

To make services accessible, Chabad offers guidance throughout.

Key elements of the observance include the Kol Nidre service, Shacharit, Yizkor memorial service, Ne’ilah, fasting, and concluding “break-the-fast” gatherings. PJTC will also offer additional activities like meditation and study sessions, as well as a family-friendly outdoor service.

Both congregations are taking steps to engage younger and less religious members. Rabbi Hanoka noted that the concept of atonement is universal and not age-dependent, focusing on relatable aspects like apologizing for mistakes and seeking blessings.

To help congregants prepare, Chabad of Pasadena offers instructional classes and disseminates materials through their website. The services include motivational sermons aimed at inspiring personal improvement.

For Chabad of Pasadena, reservations can be made at https://www.chabadpasadena.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/5617546/jewish/Reservations.htm.

Those interested in attending High Holy Day services at PJTC can register at https://www.pjtc.net/form/hhd-5785.

Pasadena’s Yom Kippur observances reflect a broader trend of religious institutions adapting ancient traditions to engage modern diverse communities. As congregants prepare for this day of reflection and renewal, local Jewish leaders hope the holiday’s messages of atonement and self-improvement will resonate with all attendees.