Claim a Seat Now for 5771

Though the weather hardly hints at it, the New Year is just around the corner.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Sept. 8. The Days of Awe conclude with Yom Kippur, which begins at sundown on Sept. 17. And, for the first time, the United Jewish Communities MetroWest are helping unaffiliated Jews find synagogues and obtain tickets for High Holy Days services. Four Livingston congregations are participating in the "MetroPass" program.

Tickets for services at Congregation Etz Chaim, Temple B'nai Abraham, Temple Beth Shalom and Temple Emanu-El of West Essex are available at no charge  through the site. This is a "no strings attached" offer, according to the United Jewish Communities.

Spokeswoman Stacey Brown explains the genesis of the program.

"UJC MetroWest is in the unique position to help strengthen our community through supporting our many synagogues.  MetroPass is about getting first-time synagogue attendees through the door for High Holidays at no cost to them," she said.

She added that "the barrier of high-priced seats is removed for individuals, synagogues will enjoy new people walking in for services, and UJC MetroWest is the community-wide convener and organizer across denominations."

Program participants can bring family members to services. Those who participate this year will not be permitted to do so in future years.

"Our goal with MetroPass is to attract new, unaffiliated members of the MetroWest Jewish community to High Holiday services in September 2010," Brown explained.

The deadline for ticket requests is Aug. 31. "We have approximately 40 synagogues participating and more than 50 people registered to date," said Brown.

Plan now for a joyful 5771. L'Shona Tova.