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 White Plains, NY - More Jews attend services during the High Holiday season than any other time during the year, but in many instances, only synagogue members can purchase High Holiday tickets.
Responding to this need, the four Reconstructionist congregations in Westchester - Hebrew Congregation of Somers in Shenorock, Mishkan Ha'am in Hastings-on-Hudson, Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in White Plains, and Mvakshe Derekh in Scarsdale - along with the nine other Reconstructionist congregations in the New York metropolitan area, are setting aside seats for non-members who wish to attend High Holiday services at those synagogues. Called "Open Seats," the campaign is aimed at opening doors to Jewish participation and inclusion, a strong theme in Reconstructionist synagogues.
"The Reconstructionist movement, which strives to make Jewish tradition, theology, and spirituality relevant in modern times, has been on the forefront of Jewish outreach since its inception," said Hannah Greenstein, outreach coordinator for the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation of Metropolitan NY/NJ. "Its spirit and longtime practice of inclusion has made Reconstructionist Judaism an appealing home for interfaith and multiracial families and gay and lesbian Jews," she added. Greenstein organized the unique outreach program for the New York area's JRF affiliates. A website, www.highholidayopenseats.com, explains the program in detail.
The Hebrew Congregation of Somers' High Holiday services are held on Cypress Lane in Somers. High Holiday services and the first year of membership are free. For more information visit their website www.hebrewcongregationofsomers.org; to register for the High Holidays, email
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or call their office at 914-248-9532.
Mishkan Ha'am's service are held at the Park Hill Raquet Club at Van Cortland Park Avenue and Lakeside Drive in Yonkers and do not require advance registration. For more information visit their website www.mishkanhaam.org or call 914-478-4996.
Bet Am Shalom's High Holy Day services are held in a tent set amid their spacious grounds and gardens, located at 295 Soundview Avenue in White Plains. There are no tickets or assigned seating; donation amounts per person for each holiday are suggested but not required. Contact the synagogue for more information and to register: 914-946-8851 or
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Mvakshe Derekh's services are held at 133 Popham Road in Scarsdale. To register, call their office at (914) 725-3064. For more information about the congregation, visit their website: www.mvakshederekh.org.
To learn more about the Reconstructionist movement, visit the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation's website at www.jrf.org.
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