Looking to celebrate Rosh Hashanah on a budget? Well, you’re in luck as there are shuls throughout Greater Philadelphia offering various kinds of free services for the High Holidays.
Here’s a sampling of congregations across all denominations offering free tickets for the New Year. Beware of registration deadlines, as some may have passed. This is not a complete list, so keep checking local synagogue websites and the Jewish Exponent‘s events calendar.
Beth Chaim Reform Congregation
Beth Chaim invites you for its free High Holidays services. Erev Rosh Hashanah will be at 8 p.m. A family Rosh Hashanah service will take place at 9 a.m., followed by a community service at 10:30 a.m. 610-640-2147. 389 Conestoga Road, Malvern.
Beth David Reform Congregation
No tickets are required for Erev Rosh Hashanah at 8 p.m. Join Winnie‐the‐Pooh for a free tot service at 3:45 p.m., followed by tashlich at 4:30 p.m., both at Flat Rock Park on Sept. 30. 610-896-7485. 1130 Vaughan Lane, Gladwyne.
Services are free of charge, but for security purposes people are asked to complete a registration form at phillyshul.com/highholidays. Erev Rosh Hashanah is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday morning services are at 9 a.m., followed by Mincha services at 5:30 p.m. and evening services at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday morning services are at 9 a.m. 215-238-2100. 527 Lombard St., Philadelphia.
Intergenerational services geared for families with young kids and open to all ages are at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Services are free for families with children ages 10 and under. Registration is required. 610-667-1651. 1301 Hagys Ford Road, Penn Valley.
Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir~Heart of the City
No tickets are needed for services at this Reconstructionist shul, but registration is required for security purposes at leyvhair.org. Erev Rosh Hashanah is at 7 p.m., with first- and second-day Rosh Hashanah services at 10 a.m. All services are held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. 215-629-1995. 906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia.
Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron-Ezras Israel
The Little Shul in South Philly will offer free services for both days of the holiday. Shachris starts at 9 a.m., with the shofar sounding at 11 a.m. with Musaf followed by Oneg at 11:30 a.m. 215-839-6018. 2015 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia.
A meet-and-greet will be held on Rosh Hashanah at 1:30 p.m. for first-timers to the program before free services at 2 p.m. on Sept. 30. Guest speaker Akbar Hussain, a Bangladeshi immigrant, will share the story of his family’s journey to America and their new life in the country. It’s described as a new message to reflect on new beginnings. There is a suggested contribution of $50 per person, per program. 215-248-1550. Germantown Friends Meeting House, 47 W. Coulter St., Philadelphia.
The Northeast community center will offer free services led by Rabbi Robert Rymshaw for Erev Rosh Hashanah at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 and a Rosh Hashanah service at 9 a.m. followed by the shofar sounding at approximately 11 a.m. on Sept. 30. 215-698-7300. 10100 Jamison Ave., Philadelphia.
Join Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit and Rabbi Yael Levy for the High Holidays. Services are ticketless, but donations are requested. Erev Rosh Hashanah service will be 7 p.m. at Mishkan Shalom, 4101 Freeland Ave., Philadelphia. First-day Rosh Hashanah service will be held at 9 a.m. at Haverford School, 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford. Services return to the synagogue for second-day Rosh Hashanah service at 9 a.m. 215-508-0226.
The community is invited to a free Erev Rosh Hashanah at 6 p.m. including singing, davvenen, candlelighting and apples and honey. Free Rosh Hashanah services at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. A vegetarian/dairy potluck lunch follows each day. 215-849-922. 6757 Greene St., Philadelphia.
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel
Email contact@kenesethisrael.org to receive a complimentary tickets for a Rosh Hashanah tot service at 9 a.m. followed by a family service at 2 p.m. on Sept. 30. 215-887-8700. 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park.
The Center City synagogue will kick off the New Year with its annual RH² on Sept. 29. Erev Rosh Hashanah in Rittenhouse Square with a musical performance starts at 5 p.m., followed by a traditional family-friendly service at 6 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public. 215-735-5148.
Area Chabads
Several area chabads will be hosting free services, including Chabad Lubavitch of Chester County, Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center in Rydal, Chabad of Lafayette Hill, Chabad Lubavitch of Montgomery County, Chabad of the Main Line and Chabad of Penn Wynne.
eschucht@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0751
