FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are my options for High Holy Day Worship?
This year, we are offering both in-person and online experiences, so our congregants can worship wherever they are most comfortable.
Do we need to request tickets this year?
No. Tickets will be emailed to members in good standing beginning Monday, August 28.
Once you have renewed your membership, there are no other action items for you in order for you to receive High Holy Day tickets.
When can I expect my tickets? How will they arrive?
Members in good standing can expect to receive their tickets via email during the week of August 28. If you are unsure of your membership status, please email membership@crsnyc.org.
Can I purchase guest tickets for in-person services this year?
Guest tickets are available for members in good standing to purchase in very limited quantity due to space and capacity restraints; they will be issued on a first come, first served basis. We will turn off the order form when we are no longer able to welcome additional guests. Click here to learn more.
Thank you for supporting Rodeph Sholom in this way.
What does it mean to be a member-in-good-standing?
Members-in-good-standing have renewed their 2023/24 membership to Congregation Rodeph Sholom by paying their annual dues or making a payment plan with the membership office. All Rodeph Sholom School families are members in good standing for the purposes of receiving High Holy Day tickets.
How can I renew my membership or check my membership status?
We sent a renewal statement via email on July 26. Please check your inbox. If you did not receive a statement or to check your membership status, please email membership@crsnyc.org.
Who can I expect to see leading my service?
This year, our entire clergy team will alternate through all of our spaces, leading different parts of High Holy Day worship. You will have the opportunity to hear from each Rabbi and Cantor during your High Holy Day experience.
Which services are geared towards families with children?
Our Sholom Sprouts services are for children ages 0 to 4 and siblings are welcome to join. The Family Services are for children in grades Pre-K to 6th Grade. Teens in 7th to 12th grade are invited to attend the main services with their parents and/or our teen specific experiences. Please see the Youth & Family schedule for full details.
What is the reciprocity policy?
- If you are a member of Rodeph Sholom and would like to worship elsewhere for the High Holy Days, please complete this form.
- If you have someone visiting from out of town who is a member-in-good-standing at another synagogue, you may request reciprocal tickets to CRS services for them here.
How do I watch the Worship Service Live Stream?
Services will be streamed in the High Holy Days Member Portal on our website. The Portal “E-Ticket” password will be sent to all members in good standing prior to each holiday. Information will be sent beginning Thursday, September 7.
Will I be able to watch Worship Services after the scheduled time?
Yes, within the Member Portal there will be links so that you can watch the services in the Video Archives at any time after the original service time.
Will I need a Machzor (Prayer Book) if I worship online?
If you wish to follow along with a prayer book, these options are available to you.
Can I request online guest access for family members who are not living in my household?
As valued members, we want your worship experience to be as meaningful as possible. If you have loved ones who are not currently residing in your household but with whom you want to share this experience, please click here.
What is the dress code for in-person worship?
There is no dress code for High Holy Day worship. While some attendees do dress up to mark the special nature of the holidays, we encourage everyone to wear whatever makes them comfortable. Please note that the synagogue is kept cool all year round.
How can I become a member of Congregation Rodeph Sholom?
If you are interested in talking about becoming a member, email membership@crsnyc.org to arrange a time to speak with our Membership Team. When you are ready to join, please fill out our membership form here.
Technical Support
Support is available for all members to access the online technology. Please check the issues below to see if the answer to your question is listed here before contacting the CRS Tech Team.
Password Help / How To Access the Member Portal
Q: How do I get the password?
A: The Portal “E-Ticket” Password will be sent to all members in good standing prior to each High Holy Day. Information will be sent beginning Thursday, September 7.
Q: How can I check my membership status to ensure I have access?
A: To renew your synagogue membership or ask about your membership status, email membership@crsnyc.org. If you are interested in becoming a member, email membership@crsnyc.org to arrange a time to speak with our Membership Team.
Q: I am entering the password, but it is not working.
A: The password is case-sensitive. Make sure that you are entering the correct password. If trouble persists, you might want to try a different browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc.).
Q: I still need help.
A: Please email hhd@crsnyc.org.
Zoom Issues
How to use Zoom Cloud Meetings
- Using the Zoom App*: To attend events using the Zoom application you will need to install Zoom on a laptop or desktop computer: https://zoom.us/download. If you are using a smartphone or tablet, download the free “Zoom Cloud Meetings” app from your store.
- Using a Web Browser: To attend events using your web browser, select “Join from your browser” after you click the link.
If you already use Zoom, we encourage you to check to make sure you have the latest version installed.
* We recommend you use the app, if possible. It has more functionality.
We recommend you test your connections before the program starts.
- Go to https://zoom.us/test
- Click the blue “Join” button to launch Zoom and join the test meeting.
- The meeting will run you through a series of tests to make sure your speakers, microphone, and camera are working.
If the “Click here to join” link isn’t working, try this:
- Go to https://zoom.us
- Click “Join a meeting” (on top, right side of screen, under “request a demo”)
- Enter the meeting ID
- Enter the passcode
Internet and Computer Issues
Q: I am having problems with a slow computer, internet issues, or something of this sort.
A: The best first step is to restart your modem and computer. This often can clear out problems. Also shutting down any programs and browser windows that you do not need can sometimes speed things up. If you are still having problems, call your internet company, or a computer tech for help. If there is a problem and the live stream does not work, no worries. Underneath the live stream box on the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur portal page is a link to the Vimeo versions of the videos. You may access the main services that way and watch them at your convenience.
Contacting the CRS Tech Team
The CRS Tech Team will be available beginning 30 minutes before each service and will remain online through the remainder of the day. To contact us, email hhd@crsnyc.org or by phone at (212) 362-8800. We will also have a chat option on our website.
Justin Callis (he/him), our Cantorial Intern, is a fourth-year student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. He is the recipient of the Reuben Peretz Abelson Prize for dedication to Yiddish Song, the Temple Israel of Boston Cantorial Prize, and the Lee Gura Memorial Prize for Aptitude in Synagogue Choral Music.
Known for his sweet and “sumptuous” (New York Times) tone, American-born Doori Na took up violin at the age of four and began his studies with Li Lin at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He quickly made his first performance with orchestra at age seven with the Peninsula Youth Symphony as the first prize winner of the concerto competition. Thereafter Mr. Na went on to win top prizes in The Sound of Music Festival, The Korea Times Youth Music Competition, the Chinese Music Teacher’s Association, The Menuhin Dowling Young Artist Competition, The Junior Bach Festival, VOCE of the Music Teacher’s Association of California, and The Pacific Musical Society. Receiving full scholarships to private high school Crossroads School of Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica, he moved to Los Angeles to study with renown violin teacher, Robert Lipsett, at The Colburn Music School. There he appeared as soloist with the Palisades Symphony, Brentwood Symphony, and Torrance Symphony. During that time, the summer of 2004 was Mr. Na’s first time at the Perlman Music Program where his expression and musical identity were greatly influenced. He has been a part of the program ever since and participated in many of their special residencies in Florida, Vermont, New York, and Israel.
Violinist Michael Roth is a native of Scarsdale, NY and received his early musical training with Frances Magnes at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School. He attended Oberlin College and Conservatory, continuing his studies with Marilyn McDonald. At Oberlin, he won the Kaufman Prize for violin and First Prize in the Ohio String Teacher’s Association Competition. He completed his Master of Music degree at the University of Massachusetts where he worked with the distinguished American violinist and pedagogue Charles Treger and was a recipient of the Julian Olevsky Award. Mr. Roth is currently associate concertmaster of the New York City Ballet Orchestra and has appeared in chamber music and as a soloist with the company, most recently in the debut of “Slice Too Sharp”, a ballet of Biber and Vivaldi violin concerti, and “After the Rain”, violin music of Arvo Part. In addition he is a member of the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, Principal 2nd violin of the Westchester Philharmonic, the American Composers Orchestra and the New York Pops. He was concertmaster of the Vermont Mozart Festival Orchestra for many years and often appeared as soloist there, as well as at the Caramoor and Bard Music Festivals. He has played and toured internationally with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the New York Chamber Soloists.
Sarah Adams, viola, performs locally with the New York Chamber Ensemble, the Claring Chamber Players, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble, the Friends of Mozart, and the Saratoga Chamber Players.
Praised by the New York Times as “irresistible in both music and performance.” flutist, 
Rabbi Mira Weller (she/her) received her ordination at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles in May 2022. She studied Culture and Politics at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and received her Master’s in Jewish Education at the Rhea Hirsch School of Education at HUC-JIR. She is the proud recipient of awards for her studies in rabbinic literature, her work in Jewish education, and she was granted the Myrtle Lorch Pfaelzer-Monroe Pfaelzer Award for an Outstanding Female Rabbinical School Student (2022). Rabbi Mira speaks Hebrew and Spanish (so please practice with her!). She has a passion for uncovering new possibilities in the great wealth of our tradition and for making music inspired by Judaism’s many cultures. Her guilty pleasures include cupcakes, classical music, and philosophy.
Based in New York since 2001, South African-born pianist, composer and producer has performed on four continents in leading venues such as Carnegie Hall, had her original music performed in venues such as New York’s Lincoln Center, appeared on a host of recordings of classical, world music and multi-genre recordings and produced numerous recordings and inter-disciplinary programs from Cape Town to Los Angeles. She has created her own unique language at the piano, made up of techniques she developed and experimented with to expand the piano into a full electro – acoustic orchestra.
Alan Goodis is a touring Jewish musician playing over 150 events a year. Born and raised in Toronto, Alan is a proud product of URJ Goldman Union Camp Institute. Noted for his dedication to building relationships and community through music, Alan tours throughout the US to serve as an Artist-In-Residence and performer at Temples, Youth Conventions and Jewish summer camps.
Julie Silver is one of the most celebrated and beloved performers in the world of contemporary Jewish music today. She tours throughout the world, and has been engaging audiences with her gorgeous compositions and liturgical settings, her lyrical guitar playing, her dynamic stage presence, and her megawatt smile for over 25 years.
Dan is a product of the URJ Jewish camping movement. He has toured Jewish summer camps across North America for the last 15 years. A classically trained singer, Dan received his Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance at the University of North Carolina. In 1995, realizing the potential of music to make powerful connections with Jewish youth, Dan established the Jewish rock band Eighteen. Since that time, Dan and Eighteen have released 13 albums. Songs like, L’takein, B’tzelem Elo-him, Kehillah Kedoshah, Chazak, Sweet As Honey, and Asher Yatzar have become Jewish communal anthems throughout North America.
Naomi Less is an internationally celebrated singer/songwriter, ritualist and educator. Beloved for her warm smile and inviting presence, communities celebrate her imagination and innovation, tenderness and pizzazz! Her original music is sung in worship communities worldwide. Naomi serves as Co-Founder, Ritual Leader and Associate Director of Lab/Shul and is a leader in amplifying women’s voices through her work at Songleader Boot Camp and her Jewish Women Rock show on Jewish Rock Radio. Naomiadvocates for people struggling with fertility journeys as a performance artist and speaker for Uprooted: A Jewish Response to Fertility Challenges. Fun fact: Naomi and her husband wrote the song shine/Yivarech’cha, a Friday night blessing, specifically composed for URJ Crane Lake Camp, sung every Friday night in the dining hall.
Her destiny became obvious to Joanie Leeds’ parents when, at the tender age of 2, Joanie grabbed the performer’s mic at a party and belted out the entire song“Tomorrow” from Annie. Jaws dropped! No one could remember ever hearing a big voice like that coming from one so tiny and certainly no one would have thought she would one day earn a GRAMMY® Award for her original music.
A composer, multi-instrumentalist, and prayer leader, Elana Arian is one of the leading voices in contemporary Jewish music. Elana’s music is part of Jewish life across the globe, and her compositions are sung in spiritual communities, summer camps, and synagogues from Louisville to London, from Chicago to the CzechRepublic, and everywhere in between. Elana just released her fourth album of original music, The Other Side of Fear, and her compositions have been published in countless Transcontinental Music collections. Elana serves proudly on the faculty of Hava Nashira (Oconomowoc, WI), the Wexner Heritage Foundation (Aspen, CO), Shirei Chagiga (London, England), and as an instructor at the Hebrew Union College in New York, where she teaches in the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. Elana has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Tanglewood, and perhaps most memorably, five separate appearances at the (Obama) White House. She lives in New York with her wife, Julia, and their two daughters, Maya and Acadia.
Known for his unique, engaging, and deeply soulful approach, Noah Aronson is considered one of the most sought after Jewish musicians in North America, making over 65 community appearances each year.
There is a reason why Time Magazine has listed Michelle in their Top Ten list of Jewish rock stars.
Kol B’Seder has been composing and performing contemporary Jewish music since the early1970s. Rabbi Dan Freelander and Cantor Jeff Klepper met as college students; over the past 50years they have released numerous CDs and songbooks. With Debbie Friedman (z”l) and others, they forged a new musical sound for American Jewish camps, schools and synagogues. Their songs, such as “Shalom Rav,” “Modeh Ani,” and “Lo Alecha,” have become traditionalJewish melodies around the world. They are delighted to be inaugurating their fiftieth anniversary celebration by appearing in support of URJ camps, where they first composed and incubated many of their early songs.
New York bassist Roger Wagner enjoys a long and diverse career. As soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral bassist, Mr. Wagner has appeared on many of the world’s great concert stages.
Margaret Kampmeier, 
Leonard Bernstein described 
Sarah Adams 
Michael Roth
Our initiative for young children and their grown-ups provides a slate of offerings including Shabbat and holiday celebrations, music, classroom readiness programs, and new parent experiences. During the pandemic, we have leaned on $1m of seed funding for Sholom Sprouts established through this campaign as we offer age-appropriate virtual programs for our families with young children, who are the future of our community. We look forward to welcoming our littlest members and their grown-ups back to our new fifth floor, as well as hiring a Program Assistant to increase the capacity of Sholom Sprouts to grow. This program provides a crucial entry-point to the congregation and membership for young families.
