Why it pays to go to Shul.

From the AJC:

Celeb in synagogue

Congregation Beth Tefillah in Sandy Springs had a notable worshipper in the synagogue during Yom Kippur services on Saturday. Bob Dylan, in town for a show with Elvis Costello at Gwinnett Arena in Duluth, was quietly seated in the rear of the temple. According to Rabbi Yossi New, the iconic singer's people called in advance to ask if Dylan (who was born Robert Zimmerman) might join other attendees in observing the holiest holiday on the Jewish calendar.

The singer, donning a dark suit and head covering as is customary, took part in the service by doing a blessing over the Torah before quietly returning to his seat.

"He wanted to be treated just like any other congregant," explained New on Monday. "I'm very proud of the [congregation]. No one bothered him at all. He was allowed to pray like anyone else. His presence really highlighted that, in the eyes of God, we're all the same."

Former 99X "Morning X" co-host Jimmy Baron, a member of the Beth Tefillah congregation, found the experience "a little surreal." Said Baron: "A few people wished him 'Happy New Year' on the way out but otherwise he was just another guy there observing the holiday. I'm sure there were a few cases of neck strain."

Rabbi New was one of my teachers in middle school. Good move going to Chabad, Bobby - minimal chances of anyone taking a cell phone picture or asking for an autograph as might happen at some shuls. Glad to see that the kehillah behaved themselves.

I wonder what his Hebrew name is (for his aliyah callup).

HT to B-dot for finding this.