Whether this is your first High Holidays in New York or your fourth, it can always be a little daunting to decide where to go to hear the final Rosh Hashana shofar blow or to atone for your sins on Kol Nidre. Here is a list of the best places to go to find the service that best fits you, no matter what your background or your affiliation is.
New York University’s Bronfman Center
Looking for a traditional, reform or conservative service? Then NYU’s Bronfman Center is your best bet. You might even meet some nice NYU students to share your apples and honey with. Location varies depending on which service you choose. For more information click here.
60 Washington Square South
Bronfman Center
325 E 6th St.
177 Sullivan St.
Tickets: Prices range between $90- $150 depending on the Service
Jewish Theological Seminary
Take a look at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), part of Columbia University. They are well known for having egalitarian, meaningful, and very spiritual services. Fun fact: due to renovations at the JTS campus services will be held in the Riverside Church!
For more information click here.
Riverside Church
Riverside Drive near 120th Street
Rosh Hashanah Tickets: Suggested donation $36 per person (includes all services).
Yom Kippur Tickets: Suggested donation $36 per person (includes all services).
Temple Beit Simchat Torah
If you’re looking for a LGBTQ community to share the shofar with then Temple Beit Simchat Torah is for you. They are built on a foundation of social action and welcomes members of the LGBTQ community. Tickets are free but non-members must register. Location does vary depending of the service. For more information click here.
71st W 23rd St.
11 Ave at 35th St.
Tickets: Free but non- members must register and a donation is appreciated
Temple Ohel Ayalah
Sometimes waking up on a Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur morning and knowing you have a long service ahead of you can be a drag but this synagogue wants to change that. Temple Ohel Ayalah offers a fun and hip service featuring prayers in English and Hebrew. They use new and exciting melodies to balance out some of the more traditional melodies you might be used to. It is recommended to reserve a ticket in advance but you can simply show up at the door. For more information click here.
15 E 27 St.
Tickets: Free but a donation is appreciated
The Bitter End
If you’re looking for a more upbeat and exciting service then this service by Sim Shalom Online Synagogue is the place for you. The service is held in the Greenwhich nightclub, The Bitter End and features a jazz quartet. The service might be accompanied by a saxophone but don’t worry, the service is led by a rabbi so you will still be able to hear the shofar!
For more information click here.
The Bitter End
147 Bleecker St
New York, NY
Tickets: Range between $45- $81
