Six Aventura-area synagogues are offering free High Holy Day seats to newcomers and residents who need financial help, with Rosh Hashana beginning at sundown on Friday, Sept. 11.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation's High Holiday Welcome Program (HHWP) connects eligible residents with more than 20 participating congregations across Miami-Dade County, including Orthodox, Conservative and Reform synagogues. The program, funded by the Annual Federation Campaign, provides a limited number of no-cost seats each year.

Lois K. Solomon reported in the Sun Sentinel on the countywide program Sept. 1.

Who qualifies

Residents who moved to Miami-Dade County within the past two years or who need financial support to access High Holiday tickets are eligible. Applicants confirm eligibility through an honor-system checkbox during registration, according to the program's listing on JewishMiami.org.

Registration opened Aug. 24 on the JLive app. Seats are limited.

Local congregations participating

Six synagogues in the Aventura and Sunny Isles Beach area are part of the program:

  • Aventura Chabad
  • Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, 20400 NE 30th Ave.
  • Chabad Lubavitch of Sunny Isles Beach
  • Young Israel of Aventura
  • Young Israel of Sunny Isles Beach
  • Temple Sinai of North Dade

The Federation lists more than 20 congregations countywide, spanning neighborhoods from Kendall to Bal Harbour.

Why it matters here

North Dade, and Aventura in particular, has the highest percentage and largest increase in Jewish population in Greater Miami, according to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation's community profile. Many synagogues require paid tickets for High Holy Day services, using the revenue to fund programming the rest of the year.

The HHWP covers ticket costs so residents are not shut out of holiday services.

Upcoming dates

  • Rosh Hashana begins at sundown on Friday, Sept. 11, and concludes at nightfall on Sunday, Sept. 13 (1–2 Tishrei 5787).
  • Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday, Sept. 20, and concludes Monday, Sept. 21.

Most synagogues require advance registration for security. The Federation advises checking each congregation's requirements before attending. To register for the HHWP or see the full list of participating synagogues, visit jewishmiami.org or download the JLive app.