Special Rosh Hashanah Service in Montco

A Montgomery County, Pa. synagogue is marking a milestone this year by opening its doors to the community on Thursday for a Rosh Hashanah family service in an effort to attract more members.

KYW's Brad Segall reports reports that changing demographics and more Jewish families moving to outlying areas of Montgomery County led Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park to open a Blue Bell campus. That was five years ago and the satellite location is still going strong.

Rabbi Kevin Kleinman says the smaller synagogue has allowed them to think out of the box when it comes to attracting young families:

"Blue Bell has always been our laboratory for creative and energetic and new ideas, so things like having Shabbat at the zoo, having a chocolate Shabbat theme, having a Shabbat on a farm locally in Blue Bell."

They've also worked hard to create a place of worship for interfaith families and non-traditional couples and families. Thursday's service will be held at Blue Bell Country Club at 3:30 in the afternoon. Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Jewish New Year.