High Holy Days 5785: FAQs

I am a member. When can I register for High Holy Day services?

High Holy Day registration is now open! We have sent invitations to register on a rolling basis, in order of your join/renewal date. As of the beginning of September, all members who have renewed have received invitations to register. High Holy Days registration will now be sent on a daily basis until Rosh Hashanah. If you think you have not received an invitation to register and should have, please email 5785@bj.org.

I am not a member. Can I attend High Holy Day services in person at BJ?

Full access to the High Holy Days at BJ is available exclusively to BJ members in good standing. We encourage you to become a BJ member to ensure access to High Holy Day services in person. With our sliding-scale dues, this option is affordable to all. Members are also welcome to bring their non-member guests by purchasing guest entrance cards, which will be available beginning September 3. We will email all members to let them know when guest entrance cards are available.

The following select in-person services are available to non-members. Please use the specific registration links below:

For any or all of the following, use this registration link:

  • Rosh Hashanah Evening Service (Second Day only)
  • Mindfulness Service for Rosh Hashanah
  • Early Childhood Service for Rosh Hashanah (First and Second Day) and Yom Kippur

For Aviv 20s and 30s services and meals, please use this link for more information and then select the option you prefer.

How many High Holy Day entrance cards do I get with my membership?

Members with individual memberships receive one entrance card. Those with family memberships receive entrance cards for two adults plus any other household members 26 years and under.

We are again utilizing the conference-style online registration system we have used for the past two years, based on tremendous success and member feedback. The system allows members to select the services they wish to join (subject to availability) for themselves and each household member.

When can I request guest entrance cards?

Registration for guests of members is now available. All current members were sent a link inviting them to purchase entrance cards for their guests. The fee for each guest entrance card is $400 for Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, or $600 for access to all High Holy Day services. With the exception of second night Rosh Hashanah, guest seating will only be available at SPSA, so if you want to sit with your guests, please register at SPSA. If you need this email resent, please email 5785@bj.org.

How can I access the livestream?

Registration is required for non-members to access the BJ High Holy Day livestream. For the first time, we are introducing a modest fee for non-members to help cover the rising costs of providing a high-quality and accessible online experience everyone in our global community has come to know.

BJ members in good standing will automatically be registered and receive access to the livestream at no charge, regardless of whether you are joining us in person for High Holy Day services.

I’m joining services via the Livestream. What should I do if I don’t have a mahzor at home?

You can purchase a digital copy of Mahzor Lev Shalem from the Rabbinical Assembly at rabookstore.org. (Hard copies are also available for pick-up only in New Jersey.)

In addition, limited hard copies will be available for loan to members in good standing. Reservations must be made in advance, and the hard copies must be picked up in person. Fill out this form to reserve your hard copy.

What does it mean to be a member in good standing?

To be a member in good standing, your account balance must be paid in full or on a payment plan. If you intend to send in a check, stock/wire transfer, or a contribution from a donor advised fund, please contact the Membership department about the timing of your payment. Read more information about the good-standing policy.

Will you need ushers and greeters?

Yes, we will need ushers and greeters to help create a warm communal energy at our services! If you are interested in this volunteer role, you will have the opportunity to indicate your interest when registering for services. We will contact you later in the summer when shift details are determined.

What do I need to bring with me when I arrive at services?

All current members will receive an entrance card in the mail, which must be presented upon arrival at services for entry.

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Email us at 5785@bj.org.