Can’t make it to synagogue on Rosh Hashanah? No problem.
Regardless of where you are in the world, as long as you have an internet connection you can participate in High Holiday services. This is a great option for those who don’t live near a synagogue or are home-bound. Streaming is generally free of charge, though some congregations ask for donations to help defray the cost. Because strict holiday observance precludes using electricity and computers on Jewish holidays, no Orthodox synagogues stream their services.
Here’s a selection of Rosh Hashanah streaming options:
East Coast (Eastern Daylight Time)
92nd Street Y (Nondenominational)
The 92nd Street Y in Manhattan is one of the United States’ oldest Jewish community centers. Services are led by Rabbi Elka Abrahamson and cantorial soloist Elana Arian.
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Brooklyn Heights Synagogue (Reform)
The Brooklyn Heights Synagogue describes itself as “welcoming, inclusive community dedicated to lifelong learning, to supporting each other and to caring for the world.” The congregation also streams Shabbat services and archives many previous ones.
Central Synagogue (Reform)
This 2,600-member congregation is one of the largest synagogues in North America. The synagogue streams its High Holidays services free on its website and on its Facebook page.
Lab/Shul (Nondenominational)
An “everybody friendly, artist-driven, God-optional, pop-up Jewish community,” Lab/Shul holiday services are led by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie and an ensemble of musicians and ritual leaders. Lab/Shul will be live streaming services from a theater in midtown Manhattan.
OurJewishCommunity.org (Nondenominational)
OurJewishCommunity.org is an online synagogue that will stream services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Park Avenue Synagogue (Conservative)
This 1,650-family Manhattan congregation’s vision includes practicing “a Judaism filled with love, literacy, reverence, compassion, and joy” and striving “to make our ancient tradition compelling and welcoming to contemporary Jewry and to serve as a light unto our fellow Jews and the nations.” Led by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove.
Temple Beth Am (Reform)
This Miami congregation is one of the largest synagogues in South Florida. It also streams Shabbat services, and archives all services back to August 2016. Led by Rabbi Jeremy Barras.
Temple Emanu-El (Reform)
Founded in 1845, Emanu-El was New York City’s first Reform congregation. Led by Rabbi Joshua Davidson.
Temple Sholom (Reform)
This Cincinnati synagogue says it welcomes “all people: seekers, interfaith families, and those in search of a spiritual home.”
Midwest (Central Daylight Time)
Congregation Sinai (Reform)
Located in Milwaukee’s North Shore area, Congregation Sinai describes itself as “intimate, vibrant and inclusive.” All High Holy Day services are streamed on the synagogue’s YouTube channel. Led by Rabbi David B. Cohen and Cantor Richard Newman.
Temple Beth-El San Antonio (Reform)
High Holiday services for this historic Texas congregation are broadcast and archived on a streaming site and on Facebook Live; Shabbat services are also regularly broadcast and archived on the streaming site. Find the schedule here. Led by Rabbi Mara Nathan, an assistant rabbi and a cantor.
West Coast (Pacific Daylight Time)
Congregation Beth Israel (Reform)
Founded in 1858, Beth Israel has a long history in Portland, Oregon. The congregation regularly streams its services and is led by Led by Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana.
Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills (Reform)
Temple Emanuel describes itself as “one of Southern California’s premier Reform Jewish congregations and synagogues.” The congregation also streams Shabbat services and archives past ones. Find a schedule of services here. Led by Senior Rabbi Jonathan Aaron.
