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Welcome to the High Holiday Open Seats Campaign For more information about the Open Seats Campaign, please contact Hannah Greenstein, Outreach Coordinator for the JRF NY/NJ at 212-870-2484. For more information about Reconstructionist Judaism, please see
our website: The following is a list of our synagogues participating in the Open Seats Campaign. Included for each synagogue is a description of the prayer services and registration information. Note that some synagogues have set aside seats in their main services, and others have set aside seats in their family services. Synagogues In NYCWest End Synagogue
Location of Service:
Upper West Side, exact location will be given out with registration.
Service Description:
West End Synagogue extends a warm welcome to all, particularly those who wish to mark the High Holy Days with us. As a Reconstructionist congregation, we take pride in the diversity of our community and participatory nature of our services. We celebrate the High Holy Days with song and prayer, much of it drawn from Jewish tradition and much of it created by our own members. We strive to continue Rabbi Mordicai Kaplan's exploration of what it means to live in two civilizations - Jewish and American cultures - by reconstructing our traditions and striving to make Judaism vibrant and meaningful. No matter where a person is with his or her Judaism, there is a place at West End Synagogue.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
Tickets are $375 per adult. To register for these services, please call Lila at West End Synagogue, 212-579-0777 ex. 220 Society for the Advancement of Judaism
Location of Service:
15 West 86th Street (Between Columbus and Central Park West) NY, NY 10024
Service Description:
The SAJ Family Service brings meaning and connection to the High Holidays. Through prayer, song, story, discussion and activity, families experience the holidays in a way that is both thought-provoking and celebratory. This service is co-led by Rabbi Joy Levitt (Excecutive Director of the JCC in Manhattan ) and SAJ Educaton Director, Gidon Isaacs, with the participation of Rabbi Michael Strassfeld. The service is geared for children, ages 4 - 11 and their parents. The whole family will engage in the joy and spirit of the Jewish New Year!
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
Please contact Donna, synagogue administrator, at 212-724-7000, Each adult seat is $325 for non-members. There is no charge for children's seats.
To Learn More About Society for the Advancement of Judaism, Please Visit Their Website:
www.thesaj.org
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Synagogues In New JerseyBnai Keshet
Location of Service:
Central Presbyterian Church 46 Park Street (@Claremont Ave) Montclair, NJ Except the second day of Rosh Hashanah and afternoon services if it rains. These services will be at the synagogue: 99 South Fullerton Avenue (@Hawthorne Ave) Montclair, NJ 07042
Service Description:
Bnai Keshet is a vibrant Reconstructionist congregation that values both the individual backgrounds and beliefs of its diverse members and our shared historical traditions. Our High Holiday services, led jointly by our Rabbis and congregation members, are soulful and song-filled. All visitors are welcome to join us for prayer, study and lively discussion.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
10:30 - 11:30 AM Junior Congregation Services (3rd - 6th Grade) 4:15 PM Afternoon service at Edgemont Park (at Bnai Keshet if raining) 5:00 PM Tashlich at Egemont Park (at Bnai Keshet if raining)
9:30 AM Young Family Services (tots - 2nd Grade) 10:30 AM Junior Congregation Services (3rd - 6th Grade)
Yom Kippur:
10:30 AM Junior Congregation Services (3rd - 6th Grade) 5:00 PM Afternoon Service 6:00 PM Neilah (Concluding Service)
To Register:
Please call Fred at the office to register at (973) 746-4889. We request that non-members make a voluntary donation. The recommended amount is $200 per family for the complete High Holiday season. Congregation Beth Hatikvah
Location of Service:
36 Chatham Road Summit, NJ 07901-1314
Service Description:
We would be delighted to have you join us for the High Holiday services this year in our home in Summit, New Jersey. We have again planned a rich and varied program of worship and study, with engaging activities for young people as well. You’ll find a warm and spiritually uplifting environment, whether you come from a traditionally observant background or have come to Judaism recently. Our programming includes services on both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, with age-appropriate activities and services for young children through teenagers. Babysitting is available for the youngest children. Our diverse music, led by our own congregants, features both traditional as well as modern melodies, which accentuates our community experience. In addition to our services, we offer simultaneous alternative programming. These sessions cover Jewish themes and are led as discussions by congregant moderators. Finally, we end the services on Yom Kippur with our long-standing community Break-the-Fast.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Wednesday, October 1, 9:30 AM Regular Service
Yom Kippur:
2:30 PM Family Service 4:30 PM Afternoon Service, Yizkor (Remembrance Service)
6:30 PM Community Break-the-Fast
To Register:
Contact Andrea in our office at 908-277-0200 for information Reconstructionist Temple Beth Israel
Location of Service:
34 West Magnolia Avenue (off Maywood Avenue) Maywood, NJ 07607 (Easy access from Routes 17 and 4, near Paramus and Hackensack)
Service Description:
High Holiday services at RTBI offer a ritually satisfying experience infused with contemporary touches that invite full participation. For example, our Kol Nidre (Yom Kippur Evening) service is beautifully enhanced by a live cello piece, performed by our ritual chair and professional cellist, Diane Chaplin. We have tailored and trimmed our services to meet the needs and desires of our community, including alternate readings, torah study and lively discussion. We use the Kol Haneshama machzor (prayerbook).
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
Tickets are $150 for adults and $50 for teens. College Students have free admission with a valid ID. Family Services are free. To register, contact Caryn either by email, carynstarr@yahoo.com, or at the synagogue office 201-845-7550 extension 2.
To Learn More About Reconstructionist Temple Beth Israel, Please Visit Their Website:
www.rtbi-online.org Congregation Kehilat Shalom
Location of Service:
(Princeton Area) 253 Belle Mead-Griggstown Road Belle Mead NJ 08502
Service Description:
Congregation Kehilat Shalom is a welcoming Reconstructionist synagogue dedicated to serving the spiritual, educational, cultural, civic and social needs of a diverse congregation while maintaining a unique and vibrant Jewish presence in central New Jersey. Our synagogue has been serving the Jewish community in the greater Princeton area since 1982. Our dynamic and compassionate spiritual leader is Rabbi Susan L. Falk. Kate Fridkis, our lay cantor, joins Rabbi Falk in leading High Holiday and B'nai Mitzvah services with her beautiful musical expression. Our Synagogue offers Hebrew School (K-7), Post B'nei Mitzvah Program, Kehi-Loft, Adult Education Programs, a non-sectarian pre-school, Kindercapers and much more.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Children's Service, 10:30 AM A Family Tashlikh hike to Pike Creek, 4:15 PM Wednesday, October 1st, 9:30 AM
Yom Kippur:
Children's Service, 10:30 AM Yizkor (Remembrance) service, 1:00 PM Concluding Service, 6:00 PM Communal Break-the-fast, 7:15 PM
To Register:
Tickets are free. To register for tickets, visit our web site at www.ksnj.org or call the Temple office (908-359-0420).
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Synagogues On Long IslandKehillath Shalom
Location of Service:
A local church in Huntington Station, NY (further information given at registration)
Service Description:
Something Old ... Something New ... Something Kosher ... Something For All To Do! If you're searching for a captivating High Holiday service this year that has a little of that "something old, something new" feel to it, join Kehillath Shalom Synagogue in Huntington, Long Island, and we promise you won't be disappointed. You’ll find a warm and spiritually invigorating community that prides itself on making all who join us feel welcome. Rabbi Arthur Schwartz always provides thought-provoking commentary on the current state of Jewish affairs, while our delightful Cantor Deborah Zeitlen and our chorus keep us entertained with new versions of traditional songs and old favorites. There is also a separate children’s service that features musicians, puppets, laughs, along with a professional storyteller, plus an additional supervised teen service where older children will feel comfortable and accepted as they discuss relevant teen topics, viewpoints and concerns with their peers. It all adds up to a very refreshing and enjoyable experience for all as we welcome in the New Year! Please join us – non-members are always welcome.. L’Shana Tova!
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
Call the office at 631-367-4598. You can also fax in a request for a ticket order form at 631-367-3167. Or they can email at kehillathshalom@optonline.net. Tickets are $136 per seat. Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Emeth
Location of Service:
36 Franklin Avenue, Hewlett, NY 11557
Service Description:
High Holiday services at Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Emeth are a blend of tradition and creativity. We base our service on the traditional prayers that speak to every heart interspersed with readings and interpretations that are meaningful today; we also like to sing a lot! In our study periods we wrestle with issues that are on our minds today: identity, spirituality, making the world a better place for all people. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, everyone feels welcome at RCBE. Our services offer time for contemplation and time for discussion as well as an opportunity to connect with our community.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
Tickets for these services are $300. Hofstra University and Adelphi University students and residents of the 5 Towns Senior Center can attend free of charge. Free tickets are limited. To register, contact Rita Farber, Office Manager at 516-374-9220.
To Learn More About Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Emeth, Please Visit Their Website:
www.rcbe.org Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore
Location of Service:
1001 Plandome Road Plandome, NY 11030
Service Description:
We welcome you to join us for High Holiday family services. These are abbreviated programs for families with children held the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur. We offer a warm welcoming community and hope you will join us! Tickets must be picked up in advance at the synagogue office.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
Please contact Sharon or Sylvia in our synagogue office in our synagogue office at 516-627-6274. The tickets are free of charge.
To Learn More About Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, Please Visit Their Website:
www.rsns.org
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Synagogues In WestchesterBet Am Shalom Synagogue
Location of Service:
295 Soundview Avenue White Plains, NY 10606
Service Description:
The enormous tent on our wide back lawn that is used for High Holy Day services is emblematic of our welcoming attitude. Guests may attend the main service in the tent and/or the family service in our new sanctuary. There is no assigned seating and no tickets are required. We request a voluntary contribution but will turn no one away. Our services mix serious prayer, joyful singing, and thoughtful intellectual content. As led by our rabbi, Lester Bronstein, and his wife, Cantor Benjie Schiller, High Holy Day services at Bet Am Shalom are at once unusual and traditional. Shacharit (the early morning service) is led by congregants so the rabbi is free to lead young families in prayer; Torah and Haftorah portions are chanted entirely by our post b'nai mitzvah teens; a congregant choral group presents a musical program during Martyrology, and the d'vrei torah (sermons) throughout the Holidays are given both by our rabbi and by congregants. All the while, members are acutely aware of the glorious natural surroundings: when we pray outdoors, the beauty of Nature, or the work of God, is palpable. The commonality of purpose as we come together as a community, in contemplation and celebration of this most beautiful season, lifts us all. Our tent represents our community and its tradition of intimacy at its best. There is casualness to the scene, and yet the dignity that allows for reflection and depth of vision. Rain or shine, we are all together, like our ancestors were as they traveled in the desert. Join us as we welcome in a sweet new year.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
To register for these services, please call our office (914) 946-8851. Hebrew Congregation of Somers
Location of Service:
Cypress Drive Shenorock, NY 10587
Service Description:
HCS welcomes all first time visitors to join us for high holidays and remain with us for the year -- first year of synagogue membership is free! We have services first and second day of Rosh Hashanah, including a children's service from 10-11 AM both days. We walk as a community to a local lake for Tashlich at 1PM the second day of Rosh Hashanah. On Yom Kippur morning, we again have a Children’s Service from 10:00-11:00 AM in the Social Hall, in addition to our regular service. A group reading and discussion of the Book of Jonah takes place at 3:30 PM, followed by N’eilah (concluding service), at approximately 5:30 PM. Final sounding of the shofar is followed by a community break-fast, to which all are invited! We also invite guests to our Sukkah Frame Construction on Sunday, October 5 at 10 AM, and Sukkah Frame Decorating & "Bark Mitzvah" for the family canine on Sunday, October 12, 11:00 AM
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
Email info@hebrewcongregationofsomers.org or call the synagogue office at 914-248-9532 and leave a message. High Holiday tickets and first year of membership are free of charge.
To Learn More About Hebrew Congregation of Somers, Please Visit Their Website:
www.hebrewcongregationofsomers.org Mishkan Ha’am
Location of Service:
Park Hill Raquet Club Van Cortlandt Park Avenue at Lakeside Drive, Yonkers
Service Description:
Spend the High Holidays with Mishkan Ha'am, the Westchester/Riverdale Reconstructionist Group. Warm and welcoming High Holiday services led by Rabbi Ben Weiner. No Tickets or Advance Registration Required. We welcome seniors, singles, parents with children of all ages, gay and lesbian and interfaith households to share in the meaning, inspiration, song, and discussion.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
Call (914) 478-4996 Mvakshe Derekh
Location of Service:
133 Popham Road Scarsdale, NY 10583
Service Description:
Make our family your family. We are a warm and caring synagogue with a traditional yet contemporary approach to Judaism. Services, lively gatherings, art and music programs, thought-provoking discussions, adult education and social events are dynamic and uplifting. Our members delight in making newcomers feel right at home. We invite you to come see why this gem of a congregation continues to meet the needs of singles, couples, empty nesters and those who may wish to reconnect with Jewish life.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
Call the office at (914) 725-3064 or email through the website www.mvakshederkh.org. Tickets are $175 per person for holiday season.
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Synagogues In New PaltzKehillat Ahavat Achim
Location of Service:
8 Church Street New Paltz, NY 12561
Service Description:
Our service is a tradition-respectful, liberal service in accord with Reconstructionist attitudes, conducted by Rabbi Bill Strongin. Our mahzor (prayerbook) is Wings of Awe, a non-denominational prayerbook; with prayers, readings and new translations of haftarah in a supplement. Roughly half of the liturgy is in Hebrew, half in English. Full Torah readings and Yizkor (Remembrance service). Sermons at most services. Many prayers are sung together by the congregation or by congregational soloists. Apple-and-honey oneg following first Rosh Hashanah evening service. First Rosh Hashanah morning service followed (app.1pm) by tashlich at the Wallkill River, followed (app. 1:45pm) by a vegetarian potluck oneg in the community center, 30 North Chestnut Street.
Service Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah:
Yom Kippur:
To Register:
For further information, contact Abby Shor, Synagogue Administrator, at 255-9817, or e-mail at: npshul@hvc.rr.com. Registration is not required to attend services.
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Total Participating Synagogues: 14 For more information about the Open Seats Campaign, please contact Hannah Greenstein, Outreach Coordinator for the JRF NY/NJ at 212-870-2484. The Open Seats campaign was made possible due to a generous gift from the UJA-Federation.
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