On the local Miami radio station there are ad spots for free Jewish High Holy Day services, in order for all Jews to be able to celebrate. I, being a recovered Catholic raised in South Carolina, was not aware there was a charge, or membership fee, or something to make it “not free” such that advertising it like this was needed. I thought that since the High Holy Days are approaching, someone in the know may help not only answer this and explain what “not free” was, but provide an opportunity to explain what these days mean, at least to those of us who are ignernt. Or is this just a Miami thing?
[bad ethnic joke]
Well that’s why it’s free–to attract Jews.
[/bad ethnic joke]
Seriously though, I’m not really a synogogue-goer so I’m not sure what is meant by “services.” If it’s just ceremony and prayer, then it would be very strange if there was a fee. If, however, this was held by a rabbi and was more of an all-day (or longer) thing, there might well be food, drinks, etc. which means that someone will have to pay for it. If the rabbi does not have enough money, he might ask everyone to pay a small amount to cover the expenses. In my experience, it happens both ways, though it’s more usual for it to be free.
Synagogues need the money.
Many Jews only go to synagogue on the High Holy days. The synagogues still have all kinds of expenses. Ideally, there would be enough members in the congregation paying dues to cover the expenses. Most of the time, there aren’t. Passing a collection plate on the sabbath won’t work. You’re not allowed to carry money on the sabbath. There are daily services but most places can barely get the minimum 10 people needed for a quorum to attend. But 2 days out of the year the temple is packed(Rosh Hoshannah is actually 2 days. But in my experience many folks skip the second day.). So they charge.
So how does that work? Is there someone at the door with a cash box, do you buy a ticket in advance…?
You buy tickets in advance.
[old joke]
A man rushes up to a synagogue and tries to enter.
“Ya got a ticket?”
“What? No. I’m not even Jewish.”
“Then what do ya need to go inside for?”
“I work for Mr Silverberg. I was supposed to get the key to the store from him yesterday. But, we forgot. I need the key to open the store. I just need to go inside and get the key from him.”
“Alright, you can go in. But I better not catch you praying.”