“They can’t afford to pay to pray with friends and family.”
That statement was part of a conversation a Jewish Family Services spiritual care volunteer recently recounted to Jewish Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick. People often ask Rabbi Rudnick or a JFS volunteer where they can attend services if they are unaffiliated. The question comes up more often as the High Holidays approach, which begin this year the evening of Sept. 29.
“In general I say you would be welcome at any congregation,” said Rabbi Rudnick in a recent conversation with The Chronicle. “But it gets trickier for the holidays.”
Some congregations continue to open their doors to the community for the High Holidays, such as Congregation Kol Ami, New Reform Temple (NRT), Chabad, Temple Sinai and Temple Israel.
“As rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami, I and we always look forward to welcoming new people into our community, whether for the Yamim Noraim — the Days of Awe — or anytime during the year,” Rabbi Doug Alpert said, adding that reservations were not needed for Kol Ami services.
Free or not, Rabbi Rudnick explains that in most cases it doesn’t work out well to just “show up.”
“Security has changed pretty dramatically over a relatively short period of time,” he said. “It can clash with someone’s feeling of ‘I thought the Jewish community was there for me whenever.’ This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not, but the reality has changed.”
This is one of the reasons almost every congregation in town requests prior arrangements be made for the High Holidays.
“In order to continue to provide security to our members and guests, no one will be admitted to High Holy Day services without a ticket,” noted an NRT representative.
At NRT, a person must schedule an appointment and come to the synagogue office prior to the High Holy Days to obtain tickets. The free tickets will not be mailed and “donations are encouraged.”
Though Temple Sinai doesn’t charge for the High Holidays or require RSVPs, reservations are requested and donations are appreciated, President Larry Gelb said.
Those considering attending Temple Israel should make a donation via the congregation’s website, templeisraelkc.org, before the start of the holidays.
“Temple leadership will evaluate ability to pay issues on an individual basis,” a Temple Israel spokesperson said. “Contact TI President Gary Minsey at or Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn at to initiate discussion about those special circumstances.”
Chabad welcomes all members of the Jewish community to any of its services, whether on Shabbat or a holiday.
“As a matter of fact, we would take issue with the word unaffiliated,” Rabbi Mendy Wineberg said. “Every Jew is affiliated with our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and our foremothers Sara, Rivka, Rachel and Leah. Through them they are affiliated with all Jews throughout the generations.”
Here again RSVPs are appreciated but not required.
“We take security very seriously, and there are procedures in place to properly vet attendees from even before they walk in the door,” Rabbi Wineberg said.
Congregation BIAV welcomes visitors and prospective members during the High Holiday season as well as throughout the year. BIAV’s President Jonathan Schwartzbard told The Chronicle individuals or families considering attending services at BIAV during the holidays should RSVP to the office in advance.
“We look forward to sharing meaningful High Holiday services with you,” Schwartzbard said.
The larger congregations tend to charge at least a modest fee for the holidays. It’s the busiest time of year for the congregations and, as Rabbi Rudnick often explains to people, they “are trying to plan the seating and make sure that people who are members of the congregation are accommodated.”
“That can feel, sometimes, exclusive, or not inclusive,” he said. “I don’t believe that’s the intention, but it could come off like that. So when I have these conversations, I encourage these people to call the congregation, or congregations, that they think they might like to go to.”
The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah requires tickets and advanced accommodations for many of its adult services but opens up its family service on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur — featuring the Mesner puppets — to the community. The 45-minute service is geared toward children ages infant to 7. Parents, grandparents and friends are welcome to join. No registration is required. Because of the renovations taking place at its building, these services will be held at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.
Through his contact with fellow rabbis in the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, Rabbi Rudnick said, he’s been told by his colleagues “We don’t want to turn away anybody because of money.”
Congregation Ohev Sholom’s policy is similar to other congregations in the area.
“Reduced price or complimentary tickets are available to those with limited financial resources based upon a confidential conversation with the synagogue’s executive director,” Executive Director Steve Berman explained.
Besides Ohev, others requiring tickets, advanced arrangements or both to attend High Holiday services are congregations Beth Torah, B’nai Jehudah, Beth Shalom and Kehilath Israel. Some provide tickets for active members of the military and students.
“Our congregation offers many opportunities during the Holy Days to welcome both our members and non-members, so I know we have a place for you in our midst,” Beth Torah Rabbi Javier Cattapan said. “I encourage everyone to attend the services of their preference seeking the feeling of return and renewal to which that teshuva invites us. I pray that may you find it. As we begin a new year, it is my prayer that each one of us may find that place of homecoming, both physically and spiritually. May your teshuva be wholesome and lasting — well, at least until the next new year. L’shanah tovah!”
Phone numbers and websites for all local congregations can be found in the Directory of Congregations located on page 12 of the KCJC.