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As the High Holidays approach, Jews across Washington Heights in northern Manhattan prepare to gather for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a long-time resident, we invite you to join us at Hebrew Tabernacle for High Holiday services in 2024. Our services have no cost or suggested donation, but do require a reservation.

High Holiday Services at Hebrew Tabernacle

S’lichot Service: Saturday, September 28th
Rosh Hashanah Eve: Wednesday, October 2nd
Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Thursday, October 3rd
Rosh Hashanah Day 2: Friday, October 4th
Yom Kippur Eve (Kol Nidre): Friday, October 11th
Yom Kippur: Saturday, October 12th

Hebrew Tabernacle welcomes all members of the Washington Heights Jewish community to join us at this sacred time of year. Whether you’re attending for the joyous blasts of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, or a quiet moment of reflection during Yizkor, our congregation offers a welcoming space for all.

Children’s Programming

Our youth and family programs are designed to engage children in the spirit of the holidays, with special activities for all age groups. Join us for a festive lunch on Thursday, October 3rd at 1pm. Take your children to Bennett Park afterward to play and hear the shofars sound at 3pm. On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, join us for a Tot Hashanah service at 9:30am on Friday, October 4th. On Yom Kippur, the day begins with a Tot service at 9:30am on Saturday October 12th. For older children, a youth service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, October 12th. Pre-registation for tot and youth services is encouraged but not required.

Accessible and Inclusive Services

At Hebrew Tabernacle, we are committed to making the High Holidays accessible to everyone. We encourage you to reach out to our administrative office in advance to discuss any needs that you may have in order to ensure the best possible experience during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to participate in a way that is meaningful and comfortable for them.

Experience the High Holidays in Washington Heights

Whether you are looking for a place to pray, reflect, or connect with others, Hebrew Tabernacle offers a welcoming and inclusive environment.  All services take place at 551 Fort Washington Avenue in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Our congregation is a proud member of the Union for Reform Judaism. Services will be led by Rabbi Paula Feldstein and Cantor Josee Wolff. To learn more about our services and to register for the High Holidays, please visit our High Holiday page.

The High Holidays—Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—are a time for reflection, renewal, and an opportunity to reconnect with community. However, the cost of a high holiday ticket is a barrier for many. Fortunately, several synagogues across New York City offer free or donation-based High Holiday services, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate.

At Hebrew Tabernacle, we believe that High Holiday services should be open to all. We are proud to offer these services without cost or a suggested donation. We warmly invite you to join our inclusive community this holiday season. Please note that reservations are required.

Our Free High Holiday Services at Hebrew Tabernacle:

S’lichot Service – Saturday, September 28th
Rosh Hashanah Eve – Wednesday,October 2nd
Rosh Hashanah Day 1 – Thursday, October 3rd
Rosh Hashanah Day 2 – Friday, October 4th
Yom Kippur Eve (Kol Nidre) – Friday, October 11th
Yom Kippur – Saturday, October 12th

All services take place at 551 Fort Washington Avenue in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Our congregation is a proud member of the Union for Reform Judaism. Services will be led by Rabbi Paula Feldstein and Cantor Josee Wolff. To learn more and make a reservation, click here.

Other Synagogues Offering Free High Holiday Services in NYC (2024):

In addition to our services at Hebrew Tabernacle, there are several other congregations in NYC that provide free or low-cost services during the High Holidays. Here are a few options:

Riverdale Temple
This Reform synagogue in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx opens its doors to non-members, but only for select services during the high holidays. These include Selichot, a family service on Rosh Hashanah I, and Rosh Hashanah II, among others.

Bies Community
Located in Washington Heights on the same block at Hebrew Taberbacle, Beis is a “intentional, inclusive, innovative Orthodox Jewish community,” according to their website. Beis does not have a membership and does not charge for its services.

Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST)
CBST will hold its Rosh Hashanah services at Masonic Hall and its Yom Kippur services at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. High holiday services are free at this LGBTQ+ synagogue, which welcomes “people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.”

SAJ: Judaism That Stands for All
A member of Reconstructing Judaism, SAJ was founded in 1922 and is located on the Upper East Side. Because in-person space is limited, high holiday services are “multi-access,” which means they are also online. Attending either modality require a donation of some amount.

Kolot Chayeinu
In Brooklyn, the progressive synagogue Kolot Chayeinu opens its doors to all without charge during the high holidays. Advance registration is required to attend services.

We hope this guide helps you find a welcoming space to observe the High Holidays in NYC this year. Wherever you decide to attend, may your experience filled with sweetness and communal connection. If you have any questions about our services at Hebrew Tabernacle, feel free to reach out—we look forward to celebrating the High Holidays with you!