Web site directs Jews to nearest prayer service

September 19, 2004

NEW YORK -- Jewish travelers away from home for the solemn holy day of Yom Kippur can find a place to attend prayer services almost anywhere in the world -- from Kinshasa, Congo, to Chiang Mai, Thailand -- by logging on to www.chabad.org and clicking on ''High Holiday Events.''

The services are run by rabbis from the ultra-Orthodox Lubavitcher organization, but they are open to Jews of all levels of observance. Prayer services will be held beginning at sundown Sept. 24 and during the day Sept. 25.

Traditionally, Jews fast on Yom Kippur, which is considered a day of atonement; travelers are also invited to join in a communal meal to break the fast at sundown Sept. 25.

Locations range from hotels and hostels to ''Chabad Houses,'' which are centers set up and staffed by Lubavitchers around the world from college towns and suburban communities to urban centers and remote outposts.

The Web site also offers information on celebrating other Jewish holidays as they occur throughout the year, including Hanukkah celebrations in December and Passover seders in the spring.


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