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The program is the brainchild of Rabbi Eliyahu Birnbaum, Director of the Straus Seminary's Amiel Program. "In other countries, it is natural for Jews to attend synagogue on Yom Kippur, even if they rarely go at other times," he explains. "In Israel, however, synagogues are not all that appealing to people who are not 'regulars'. And yet it is inconceivable that Yom Kippur should be 'beyond the reach' of any Jew. The day belongs to everyone."

Launched three years ago with 20 prayer services, this year the program comprised no less than 140 services across the country. "This is not your regular synagogue service," explains Rabbi Birnbaum. "The atmosphere is much less formal. Services include explanations, discussions, singing and the opportunity to ask questions." The gatherings, which were held in neighborhood community centers as well as in secular kibbutzim and villages, demonstrated the guiding philosophy of the Joseph Straus Rabbinical Seminary while at the same time providing the aspiring rabbis with valuable hands-on experience in community leadership. "Interestingly," notes Rabbi Birnbaum, "it was not only the participants who enjoyed, learned and felt empowered. Many of the Amiel rabbis also felt as though they were participating in an important, historically crucial event. It truly was a meaningful Yom Kippur for everyone."

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