Jews across the world are gearing up for Rosh Hashanah, which starts the sunset of September 8, 2010, and is followed by Yom Kippur approximately 10 days later.
For many North American Jewish families, the High Holy Days are a time for attending synagogue and celebrating the holidays as a family. Many have already paid for their synagogue seats, but a growing number of families are finding that the 2010 recession and continuing financial crisis have made paying for religious services an impractical option. Instead, they are turning to free services or coming up with innovative options to work within their shrinking budgets.
Free Services Offered by Synagogues
This year, an increasing number of synagogues and Jewish community services will be offering "no-cost" synagogue services or discounts on tickets to the public. In addition to the free Orthodox services traditionally offered by Hasidic organizations such as Chabad, a number of Reform, Conservative and egalitarian communities are organizing programs at no cost to the public. The following are just a few of the organizations that are offering religious services without charge.
Ohel Ayalah, based in New York City, has been providing complimentary Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services since 2004. It offers services with a Progressive emphasis, and accepts reservations as well as walk ins. Ohel Ayalah receives its funding from UJA Federation of New York and a number of generous donors who are committed to the congregation’s free services.
Temple Ramat Zion in Northridge, California, has put out the call for individuals who wish to attend complimentary services at a Conservative synagogue. Their New Year celebrations just happen to coincide with their 50th anniversary and open house. Rosh Hashanah tickets are limited, must be reserved and picked up in person.
Synagogue Services for Young Adults
GesherCity Boston, in conjunction with the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts organizes a list of synagogues and other organizations that offer free High Holiday Services in the Boston area for 21- to 35-year olds. GesherCity Boston is easily accessed through the JewishBoston.org site and promotes religious services and other activities for young adults. Attendees have the opportunity to spend the holidays with a family from the community as well as to attend synagogue services.
Rosh Hashanah Under the Stars
Perhaps the most famous free High Holy Day services are those that are put on by the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, which holds its impressive Rosh Hashanah Under the Stars service each ariv Rosh Hashanah in Oregon Ridge Park. Seating is very informal: on the grass.
For security purposes, prior registration is necessary and can be done by visiting its website. In past years the service has attracted as many as 5,000 people, so come prepared for a relaxed setting and bring lawn chairs. There is handicapped access, and sign language interpretation is provided. The prayer book is also provided.
Free Orthodox Services
For those who prefer to pray in a more traditional setting, Chabad Lubavitch offers free services both on most university campuses and at its other metropolitan locations. Services are Orthodox, meaning men and women generally sit separately divided by a mechitza, although campus services are generally more relaxed.
It is worth noting that most synagogues in North America observe a sliding payment scale and will discuss reduced fees for those who are having a difficult financial time due to the recession or other financial challenges. Synagogues charge the large fees that they do to offset the considerable cost of the services and other free events during the year. It is to their advantage to keep their membership from seeking alternative venues for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, so they are usually open to discussing reduced fees. Most synagogues maintain an open-door policy for members who need to discuss alternative or temporary arrangements.
Readers may also enjoy The Mitzvah to Hear the Shofar Blowing, Nontraditional High Holy Day Programs and Judaism's Ancient Hebrew Calendar.
Sources:
Chabad.org
Trz.org (Temple Ramat Zion)
Ohelayalah.org
JewishBoston.org
RHUnderTheStars.com
Bhcong.org
Jan Lee - Jan Lee has been writing for online and print publications for more than 20 years and have been published in five countries.
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