FAQ

Livestreaming

What is the livestreaming service schedule for the High Holy Days?

The livestreaming schedule is available on our High Holy Days website.


How can the general public join Central for services virtually?

The general public may join us for all High Holy Day services which will be livestreamed on our general website, High Holy Day website, YouTube, Facebook, JBS (Jewish Broadcasting Service) and by call-in services.


Prayer Books & Ritual Offerings

What prayer books are being used for this year's High Holy Days?

Central’s Clergy has created unique prayer books to lead our High Holy Days worship services. There are four separate prayer books for this year's High Holy Days for S’lichot, Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, and our Family services. We are using the same prayers books as last year.


How do I access the prayer books?

  • Members: Prayer books will be available in-person at the venue for the duration of the High Holy Days. If you would like to order your own or are joining us virtually, we will include an order form in our weekly newsletters for hard copies of the Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur prayer books only. Please note that these are the same books used last year. To access the S’lichot or Family Service prayer book PDFs, visit our Livestreaming page
  • Neighbors: All Neighbors who are new to Central (as of last year’s High Holy Days) will automatically be sent the Machzors used for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. They will not have to submit an order form. 
  • General Public: The prayer books are available as free PDFs on our Livestreaming page. The PDFs are downloadable and printable. 

How can I print the prayer book PDF without a printer?

We recommend downloading the PDF and emailing it as an attachment to your local print center (Office Max, Staples, etc.) These establishments typically have a unique email address for you to send printable documents to. Contact your local printer to find out more information.


Tickets & Services

What are the requirements for members to receive tickets?

All members in good standing are automatically registered for services. Being in good standing means you have either paid your current membership dues, are on a payment plan, or have been in touch with the Membership department about your membership dues.


How do members receive tickets?

  • Central will be emailing tickets in September 9. The following Sunday, members can find a link to their tickets at the top of the Central Weekly newsletter, which is emailed out every Sunday.
  • Members without emails will be mailed physical tickets.

I am a member. Where do I go for services?

Your service schedule and location will be communicated to you this summer and will then be printed on your tickets which will be issued September 9. Please reach out to membership@censyn.org with any questions. 


Are all service locations fully accessible?

Yes. Accessibility details for all holiday service locations (Main Sanctuary, David Geffen Hall, and Beir Chapel) can be found on our Venues page.


How do Members order guest tickets?

  • Members will be emailed a form this summer to purchase guest tickets. Each member household is eligible to purchase up to 2 guest tickets. Please note your guest’s ticket will be sent to you, not your guest. 
  • If a member has any questions about purchasing guest tickets, please reach out to membership@censyn.org for assistance. 

How much are guest tickets for the Members-only services?

Tickets are required to attend any service (including free services).  

Erev Rosh HaShanah $125

Rosh HaShanah Main Service $125 

Rosh HaShanah Family Services $0 

Rosh HaShanah Day 2 - No tickets required

Kol Nidrei $125

Yom Kippur Morning $125 

Yom Kippur Afternoon (Yizkor) $0 

Yom Kippur Family Services $0 


How can the general public join Central for in-person services?

  • Central offers services for the general public called the Community Services. These are open to all who would like to attend and are held in Central’s Beir Chapel located in our Community House which is just down the street from the Main Sanctuary. Tickets are required and are available for purchase now.  
  • Those who are current members at another synagogue can attend Community Services with Reciprocity for free (see how below). 

How does Reciprocity work?

  • As a URJ (Union for Reform Judaism) affiliated synagogue, Central Synagogue is able to participate in outgoing and incoming reciprocity for anyone traveling during the High Holy Days. If you are a member in good standing at another congregation, you are qualified to receive a High Holy Day ticket through reciprocity.
  • Guests of current Central members will be assigned the same service schedule as your Central host through reciprocity.
  • Those who are not guests of current Central members but would like to attend in-person services through Reciprocity are accepted only for Community Services in Beir Chapel.
  • All must complete the URJ Reciprocity Request Form.
  • Tickets will be sent once Central’s Membership team processes the request.

Can I still obtain Reciprocity if my Home Congregation is Conservative or not URJ-affiliated?

Yes, but you must fill out this Domestic Courtesy Seating Request for Reciprocity Form. Email the completed form to membership@censyn.org or mail it to Central at 123 E 55th Street, New York City, NY 10022.


Remembrance during Yom Kippur

How are names of loved ones honored on Yom Kippur?

Members:  

  • Names of loved ones who have passed away in the last year will be read aloud during the Yom Kippur Yizkor service on October 12.  
  • Additional names submitted by members will be added to the Memory Book, a printed booklet available for members to pick up at services. 

General Public and Neighbors:  

  • Names submitted by the general public and Neighbors through this form will be added to The Book of Remembrance, a digital booklet which will be published online on October 11 (Kol Nidrei). During the Yom Kippur Yizkor service on October 12, a QR code will appear on-screen which links to The Book of Remembrance

How do we submit a name for remembrance?

Members:  

  • A submission form will be emailed later this summer for you to submit names to be added to the Memory Book. For members who do not have email, a card will be mailed out for you to write names on and send back to Central. 

General Public and Neighbors:  

  • The general public and Neighbors can use our online form to submit up to three names of immediate family members (who passed away between September 17, 2023 and October 3, 2024) to be added to The Book of Remembrance. Please note that a contribution to Central does not automatically add a loved one to The Book of Remembrance.  

Questions?

Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (212) 838-5122.

Accessibility

Learn more about the accommodations available during our High Holy Day events.