High Holy Day FAQs: 5787

What are the differences between services held at the BJ Sanctuary and those at the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew (SPSA – 86th Street & West End Avenue)?

Both locations offer the same deeply meaningful and musically vibrant services led by our spiritual leadership team consisting of Rabbis Felicia Sol, Becca Weintraub, and Alex Braver, Hazzan Ari Priven, and others. The only difference is the physical setting. Some members prefer SPSA, while others favor the BJ Sanctuary. One location is not more important than the other, and in fact many longtime members prefer SPSA for a variety of reasons. Our spiritual leaders rotate between locations to ensure a consistent experience.

Can I choose my preferred service location during registration?

Yes, during registration, you can select your preferred service location, subject to availability. We encourage early membership renewal and registration to secure your desired service location.

What happens if I arrive late to a service?

Arriving late may result in being redirected to an alternate location if your chosen venue has reached capacity. To ensure seating at your preferred location, please arrive early.

Can someone save a seat for me?

Seats may be saved for others until 10:00 AM for morning services and until the service begins for evening services. After these times, saved seats will be released to accommodate other members.

What is an entrance card, and how do I use it?

An entrance card serves as your access pass to High Holy Day services. It confirms your registration and helps expedite entry. Please present it upon arrival at your selected service location.

Will entrance cards be mailed or emailed?

This year, we will not be mailing entrance cards.

• A physical entrance card by mail for your convenience. This card contains your individual QR code but does not list the specific services you are registered for. (For those who renewed by September 2, entrance cards were mailed. There will be one more mailing before Yom Kippur.)
• Your printable entrance card will be available to download in the confirmation email you will receive immediately after registering for services.  It will contain your individual QR code, and a list of the specific services and locations for which you are registered. (If you update your registration after printing your entrance card, you are welcome to print a new one with your schedule, but the original QR code will still work).

What is the Kol Nidre Partnership Appeal?

While membership dues and tuition fees cover part of our expenses, they only go so far. BJ already subsidizes many programs, helping bridge the cost between fees and expenses. The Kol Nidre Appeal supports BJ’s essential infrastructure, staffing, and security, which ensure we can continue to offer the transformative experiences we all cherish in a safe environment.

Our annual fundraising campaign, which begins on Kol Nidre, helps sustain BJ’s wide array of programming and experiences—everything from regular Shabbat dinners and High Holy Day services to social justice initiatives, retreats and trips, and lifelong learning opportunities. The Kol Nidre Partnership Appeal enables BJ to remain a vibrant hub for Jewish life and a community that inspires us all.

Will High Holy Day services be available via livestream?

Yes, all adult services will be available online via livestream. In most cases, this will be the service taking place in the BJ Sanctuary. On the second morning of Rosh Hashanah, when the only adult service will be held at SPSA, that service will be livestreamed instead. Family services and the mindfulness service on the second day of Rosh Hashanah will also be available via livestream.

BJ members do not need to register to join the High Holy Day livestream. You will receive instructions on how to join High Holy Day services ahead of each holiday—access is included with your membership, no separate registration process or fee is required.

Non-members are welcome to join the BJ community online to usher in the new year through our High Holy Day livestream for a modest fee. You can choose a level of support that feels right for you to help cover the costs of providing the high-quality, accessible online experience our global community has come to cherish.

Will I still be able to watch the livestream after the service is over?

Yes! Each livestream link will remain active even after the service concludes. You can join live, tune in later if you’re in a different time zone, or rewatch a moment that moved you. Whether it’s the next day or next month, the spiritual doors stay open.

What should I do if I don’t have a mahzor at home?

Members can borrow a hard copy of the mahzor by reserving one in advance and picking it up in person. Coming soon.

Check rabookstore.org to find out how to purchase a digital copy of Mahzor Lev Shalem from the Rabbinical Assembly, and whether hard copies are also available.

Be sure to also download BJ’s Mahzor Supplement for additional texts used during High Holy Day services that aren’t found in the mahzor.

Are there services tailored for families with children?

Yes, BJ offers a range of services designed for families with children of various ages, including early childhood, a new elementary-aged service, and our traditional family service led by Rabbi Becca Weintraub, Rabbi Anne Ebersman, and the BJ teens.

Are children welcome at 88th Street and SPSA?

Of course! Children and families are welcome in any services we offer, though most families choose the family-specific offerings.

Are there any new family services or offerings this year?

In response to community feedback and after last year’s great success, we are continuing with our family services for children in early elementary school. This helps create age-appropriate, spiritually meaningful experiences and ensure ample space for all across all services.

Will there be a mask-required seating section at services?

Yes, a limited number of seats will be designated as mask-required sections at all adult services. An usher or volunteer can direct you. Please arrive early if you wish to sit in this section.

What accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities?

BJ has a reserved section for those with special access requirements. There is a section of the High Holy Day registration form dedicated to indicating any requirements.

How can I volunteer as an usher or greeter during the High Holy Days?

During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to indicate your interest in volunteering. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for all attendees, we are grateful for your consideration!