Chabad of Cary is unlike congregations many of us have attended in the past.  At Chabad of Cary attendance is active rather than passive, with levels of involvement and participation that are striking.  The warmth of the inviting, welcoming atmosphere is palpable.  There is a word in Yiddish that is appropriate.  “Hamish” connotes a down-home atmosphere that is relaxed and unpretentious.

On Shabbat, lively discussions take the place of sermons.  We enjoy a good laugh.  We express the joy of Jewish souls in dance and song.  We break bread, share toasts of “L’Chaim” and take great pleasure in shared fellowship in a family atmosphere.

We began less than ten years ago with Rabbi Aaron and Rebbetzin Leah leading holiday programs in a Cary living room, and soon grew to the critical mass that allowed us to rent a meeting place and hold weekly Shabbat services.  It was not long before we grew to need a larger home.  This led us to our current meeting place on Reedy Creek Road, and we continue to grow.

In 2010 the Chabad of Cary community was enhanced as we welcomed a second Lubavitch couple, Rabbi Yisroel and Rebbetzin Chana, anticipating more development.
 

Early in our growth we began exploring the question, "Who Are We, Anyway?"
After some soul searching, agreement emerged around the name Chabad of Cary Learning Center, with the theme Inspiration for Life.  “Learning Center” has an active connotation.  Intellectual curiosity and the search for deeper meaning relevant to modern life are central to so much of what Chabad of Cary is about.
The phrase, “Inspiration for Life” was chosen as it can be interpreted both as inspiration for leading life every day and as inspiration to last a lifetime.

Chabad of Cary is not really a shul in the commonly used sense, though there are services.  Everyone is welcome regardless of level of observance.  There is no formal membership.  There is no dues structure, though donations are always welcome (and certainly needed!).  Adherence to ritual is not required.  But observance of ritual is explained and given relevance.  Knowledge of Hebrew is not required, either. G-d understands all languages.  We pray aloud in Hebrew, with some English.  Hebrew prayers with which you may not be familiar will be picked up quickly.  Prayer books are in Hebrew with either English or Russian translations.  Learning and discussion are in English.  Of course, individual worship is in any language.

Chabad of Cary must be experienced to be appreciated.  Consider this your invitation.