Services
High Holidays

High Holidays FAQs

Welcome to our High Holiday Frequently Asked Questions Page!

We are excited to share our new and improved High Holiday ticket reservation process which is designed to make the process easier and more personalized for you. We hope that the information below answers any questions you may have.

If you have any additional questions, please leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 or email HighHolidays@btfiloh.org for further assistance, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

WHO NEEDS TICKETS

List of 5 items.

  • Do all members need tickets for the High Holidays?

    Everyone attending one or more High Holiday services or programs, including children aged two or older, needs a printed ticket to enter the building — even if it’s a free ticket, such as for youth programming. This is an important aspect of our security protocol.

  • Do all my children need a ticket for the High Holidays?

    Children's programming and babysitting are available by pre-registration only and must have a ticketed adult present in the building. In addition, each child aged 2 or older needs their own ticket to enter BT. Click here for more information.

  • What about tickets for my child in college?

    If your child graduated from the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School, they are entitled to a free Beth Tfiloh membership for the first four years following graduation, with a complimentary High Holiday ticket included. Contact Roberta Katz to officially become a member and then register for a ticket as a member! 

    If your child in college doesn't qualify for a BT Alumni membership (see above), you can either purchase a ticket at the member children’s rate of $99 or they can become a full BT member for only $275, which includes a High Holiday ticket. They would then need to register for a ticket.

  • What is the policy to get a guest ticket?

    You may purchase a High Holiday ticket for guests at a cost of $565/ticket. Out-of-state guests, guests who live more than 50 miles away, and members of other Baltimore-area synagogues (with proof of payment of full membership) may purchase guest tickets each year. Guests who do not meet these criteria are welcome to purchase a guest ticket for one year to experience the High Holidays with us. If they would like to return the following year, they will need to become a Beth Tfiloh member.

  • Can I attend High Holiday services or programs without a ticket?

    No one over the age of 2 is able to attend High Holiday services or programs without a ticket. This is for security reasons as well as to ensure a comfortable experience for all our members. 

TICKET PRICES

List of 4 items.

  • How much do adult tickets cost?

    As a reminder, you must be current on your prior year dues to purchase a High Holiday ticket.

    Standard pricing is as follows:
    $525/ticket    Adult Members 40+
    $265/ticket    Adult Members 36-39
    $565/ticket    Qualified Guests

    Special pricing for Beth Jacob, Winands Road, and other membership categories may apply (these are unchanged from last year). In addition, we have special opportunities for a member’s child in college — click here for more information. 

    If you are uncertain of your ticket cost, you can either wait to see the charge applied to your account after your seat selection or you can contact our High Holiday Helpline at HighHolidays@btfiloh.org.

  • How much do teen tickets cost?

    Tickets for teens of members to sit in the Dahan Sanctuary or Hurwitz Hall are heavily discounted this year to only $99/ticket, and include access to teen break-out sessions! As a reminder, there is no teen minyan this year at the High Holidays.

  • How much do children’s tickets cost?

    You have two options this year for children of members ages 2-Middle School. You can either purchase a seat for your child in the Dahan Sanctuary or Hurwitz Hall at the significantly discounted price of $99/ticket (this purchase includes the ability for your child to participate in all youth programming during the High Holidays at no additional charge) OR reserve a ticket for your child to attend children’s programming, but not have a seat in the Dahan Sanctuary or Hurwitz Hall, at no cost. In either event, the child must still have a ticket.

  • How much does babysitting cost?

    Children 6 months-2 years old can attend babysitting services for $18 per day. Babysitting must be reserved in advance.

SEAT/TICKET RESERVATIONS and SEAT SELECTION

List of 6 items.

  • How do I reserve High Holiday tickets?

    There are two ways to reserve your High Holiday seats:

    1. Most people will select their specific seats in the Dahan Sanctuary or Hurwitz Hall through an online ticketing platform which can be accessed HERE starting at 10:30 am. A seat map will be included in the online reservation system so you can select the seat you wish to reserve. Screen shots of how the process works will be available before August 1st.

    2. If you have special seating needs due to mobility issues or wanting to sit in a mask-required row, or you feel strongly about sitting in your pre-Covid (2019) Dahan Sanctuary seats, you can submit your request through an online form between July 12-17. We can’t guarantee that we can meet all special requests, but we will do our best. If you do not receive a link to the form or if you need help, you can leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 between July 12-17, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note that we will not be able to accommodate special requests made for other reasons (like seat preferences).
    Whichever method you use, once you reserve your seat(s), you will receive a confirmation email. Shortly thereafter (typically under a week), your account will be billed for those seats, and you will receive an email with a link to make payment or schedule automated payments. The email will specify a payment deadline. If, by the stated deadline, you are not current with past year dues and you have not made payment in full, established an automated payment plan, or made special arrangements with our office for your High Holiday ticket fees, your seats will be released back into the online reservation system as an available seat for anyone to reserve. If you need to make payment arrangements, please leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 after selecting your seats, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

  • What if I want my same High Holiday seats from pre-COVID (2019)?

    While we hope you will choose to select your seats through our main process opening on August 1st, if you feel strongly about sitting in your pre-Covid (2019) Dahan Sanctuary seats, you can submit your request through this online form between July 12-17. We can’t guarantee that we can meet all special requests, but we will do our best. If you do not receive a link to the form or if you need help, you can leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 between July 12-17, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. 

    Note that if your requested seats are in our mask-required rows, you will need to either agree to wear a mask or select alternate seats during our open ticketing starting August 1st.

    Pre-Covid seats in Hurwitz Hall are unavailable as the seating plan has changed since that time.

    Submit your special seating request here

  • What if I want my pre-COVID (2019) seats but I also want to purchase seats for additional household members who were not present in 2019?

    You will need to submit the special request form as detailed in other FAQs. We will do our best to accommodate additional household members, but we cannot guarantee adjacent seats.

  • What if I want to add others into my pre-COVID (2019) seat arrangement?

    Unfortunately, you cannot request seats for non-family members through our special request form. Those seats will need to be purchased through the online reservation system.

  • Do I have to pick specific seats for both the Dahan Sanctuary and Hurwitz Hall?

    Yes.

  • Where can I find a seat map?

    Dahan Sanctuary Seating Map

    Hurwitz Hall Seating Map

    Seat maps are also part of the online ticket reservation system.

USING THE ONLINE TICKET RESERVATION SYSTEM

List of 5 items.

  • How do I purchase High Holiday tickets through the online reservation system?

    When you go to the online reservation system, you will see the available seat options in both the Dahan Sanctuary and the Hurwitz Hall. A seat map with available seating will be viewable. Once you make your selections and complete the online process, you will receive a reservation confirmation, which is not the actual ticket. The actual ticket will be sent to you via email closer to the holidays (around the first week of September) and only after:

    (1) you are confirmed to be a member in good standing; and 
    (2) the seats are either paid in full, you have established an automated payment plan for them, or you have made special arrangements with our office. 

    As a reminder, if you have not done the above by the specified deadline, your seat reservations will be released for selection by others!

  • What if we have a large group of family/friends from different households who want to sit together?

    One family member/friend from a group can reserve seats online for all members of the group. Our ticketing system will require you to submit a different name for each ticket you reserve. Each household named on a ticket selected will receive a link to pay for those seats.

  • Do I have to reserve all my seats at the same time?

    You are welcome to use the online ticket reservation system as many times as you like to select seats for qualifying people. However, we cannot guarantee that seats will remain available when you check at a later time.

  • What if I don’t have a computer or need help using the system?

    If you would like assistance from a staff person on the first day tickets become available through the online system – August 1st – you can come to BT for help (we will not be able to provide assistance before the system opens at 10:30 am that morning). If you need assistance after August 1st, you can either call the offices or stop in for assistance (we suggest you call ahead to make sure someone will be available when you arrive).

  • Are there seating areas where masks are required?

    Yes! If you are interested in reserved a seat in a mask-required row in either the Dahan Sanctuary or Hurwitz Hall, please complete our special request form between July 12-17. We can’t guarantee that we can meet all special requests, but we will do our best. If you do not receive a link to the form or if you need help, you can leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 between July 12-17, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

GENERAL INFO: SEAT SELECTION

List of 4 items.

  • What if I require special access/needs seating?

    If you have special seating needs due to mobility issues, you can submit your request through an online form between July 12-17. We can’t guarantee that we can meet all special requests, but we will do our best. If you do not receive a link to the form or if you need help, you can leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 between July 12-17, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. After that date, please leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 about any special needs, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible so we can try to meet your particular needs. 

  • What if I want to sit in a mask-required row?

    If you want to sit in a mask-required row, you can submit your request through an online form between July 12-17. We can’t guarantee that we can meet all requests, but we will do our best. If you do not receive a link to the form or if you need help, you can leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 between July 12-17, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

  • Is the seat I reserve for Rosh Hashanah the same seat as for Yom Kippur?

    The seat you reserve for the High Holidays will be the same seat for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

  • How/when do I get my tickets?

    If you have met your financial obligations, your tickets will be emailed to you around the first week of September. Please print your ticket! This will allow you access to the building and to the seat/s you reserved. Please note that cellphone use is not permitted during Shabbat and Yom Tov and therefore electronic ticketing is not an option.

PAYING FOR TICKETS AND OTHER FINANCIAL CONCERNS

List of 10 items.

CHILDREN AND TEENS DURING THE HIGH HOLIDAYS

List of 5 items.

  • What programming is available for children and teens during the High Holidays?

    We are offering an exciting variety of children’s programs for children aged 2 years old through Middle-School. Programming will include a short family service led by our Rabbis, age-appropriate activities, davening, snacks & treats, outdoor-time/tashlich trips, and a light lunch on Yom Kippur all led by dynamic educators and BT teens. Children who are not potty-trained must be accompanied in these activities by an adult.

    Teens will have a chance to take a break from services with snacks, activities/speakers, and time to connect with friends and favorite staff members. 

  • How do I get tickets for my teens?

    Teens need to have a purchased seat in the Dahan Sanctuary or Hurwitz Hall to attend High Holiday services (available at the significantly discounted price of $99/ticket). This ticket includes participating in teen break-out sessions at no additional cost. As a reminder, there is no teen minyan during the High Holidays. If you wish to reserve your pre-Covid (2019) Dahan Sanctuary seats and now have a teen in your household, please let us know as part of your special request submission, and we will do our best to accommodate. Otherwise, teen tickets can be selected in the same manner as adult tickets (but at a substantially reduced price!).

  • How do I get tickets for my children (2-Middle School) and sign them up for youth programming?

    There are two High Holiday options for children aged two through Middle School:
    1. You can purchase a seat for your child in the Dahan Sanctuary or Hurwitz Hall at the significantly discounted price of $99/ticket (with this purchase including the ability for your child to participate in all youth programming during the High Holidays at no additional charge). If you want your child to participate in youth programming and purchase a seat for them, you must also complete the youth program registration. You will be sent a link to reserve youth programming tickets once you have made a seat reservation in a main service.

    2. Alternatively, you can at no cost reserve a ticket for your child to attend youth programming, but not have a seat in the Dahan Sanctuary or Hurwitz Hall. You will be sent a link to reserve youth programming tickets once at least one adult in your household has made a seat reservation in a main service.
    All children over the age of 2 will need a ticket to come to BT during the High Holidays.

    Please note that children who are 2 years old may either be enrolled in babysitting OR must be accompanied by an adult/guardian in youth programming, so that our staff can focus on providing fun and engaging services to all the children.

  • Is babysitting available?

    Children 6 months-2 years old can attend babysitting services for $18 per day. Advance registration is required.

  • Do I need reservations for babysitting?

    Yes! Watch for information in your email about how to reserve babysitting. The cost for babysitting is $18 for each day of the High Holidays that you want to use the service (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur).

REFUNDS AND TICKET CANCELLATIONS

List of 3 items.

  • Can I cancel my ticket purchase?

    If you need to cancel your ticket purchase, please leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 or email HighHolidays@btfiloh.org, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. You may cancel your ticket purchase for a full refund prior to August 15th. Barring exceptional circumstances, we are unable to offer refunds for canceled tickets after August 15th.

  • Can I get a refund for my ticket purchase?

    Seat reservations canceled by August 15th are eligible for refunds. Barring exceptional circumstances, we are unable to offer refunds for canceled tickets after August 15th.

  • Why did Beth Tfiloh cancel my ticket selection?

    Tickets can be canceled for nonpayment of financial obligations.

OTHER QUESTIONS

List of 7 items.

  • Do I have to print a copy of my tickets and bring them to Beth Tfiloh?

    Yes! Please print your ticket prior to the High Holidays and bring it with you to services (including youth tickets). We will only be able to accept printed tickets at the door. Please note that cellphone use is not permitted during Shabbat and Yom Tov and therefore electronic ticketing is not an option. If you don’t have access to a printer, please contact our offices at least one week prior to the High Holidays, and someone can print it for you.

  • How will I know where to find my seat when I arrive for High Holiday services?

    We will have ushers available for both the Dahan Sanctuary and the Hurwitz Hall to help you find your seat. Seat maps will be available as well.

  • What if I want to go to a different service than where I reserved my seat?

    Anyone with a High Holiday ticket is welcome to drop in to either the Dahan Sanctuary or the Hurwitz Hall at any time to listen in, but if you do not have a seat in that specific location, you will need to stand at the back of the service.

  • What is the schedule of High Holiday services?

    The schedule of services can be found here.

  • Who is giving the sermons during the High Holidays?

    Rabbi Posner and Rabbi Wohlberg will deliver sermons in the Dahan
    Sanctuary. Rabbi Posner and Rabbi Yoggev will give sermons in the Hurwitz Hall.

  • Who is leading davening in each of the main services?

    • We are thrilled to welcome Aaron Tessler back to lead davening in the Dahan Sanctuary for the High Holidays. Aaron Tessler studied classical voice at Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory, and refined his cantorial technique under the tutelage of his father, Cantor Jacob Tessler. He has studied under a variety of renowned cantors including our own Cantor Avi Albrecht, and continues to work with the faculty of The George Washington University's Corcoran School of the Arts. Aaron spent five years leading High Holiday services in Beth Tfiloh's Hurwitz Hall (2015-2019). Aaron's dedication to traditional nusach elevated by an infusion of lively and uplifting niggunim creates a unique davening style that appeals to worshipers of all ages and tastes. 
    • Once again, Rabbi Shalom Weisberg is leading davening in Hurwitz Hall for the High Holidays. Rabbi Weisberg was very well received last year, and we are thrilled that he will be leading davening with us again this year. He is a young and energetic teacher who is also a musician, and loves to inspire others through communal singing. 

  • I still have questions – who can I contact?

    If you have any other questions about the High Holidays, please leave a message on our High Holiday Helpline at (410) 413-2304 or email HighHolidays@btfiloh.org, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

    As with any new process, we know there may be questions. Please be patient with us as we respond to everyone. We are here to help!

Beth Tfiloh Congregation

3300 Old Court Road
Baltimore, MD 21208
410-486-1905 | mail@bethtfiloh.com
Celebrating the Joy of Judaism. Embracing all Jews.
One of the leading Modern Orthodox synagogues in America, with a diverse membership, and an extensive offering of religious services, classes and year-round Jewish programming for all ages.
© Beth Tfiloh Congregation