Chronicle poll results: High Holiday services
We asked our readers if they will be attending High Holiday services this year. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Will you be attending High Holiday services this year?” Of the 308 people who responded, 60% said, “Yes, in person”; 10% said, “Yes, streaming”; 15% said, “Yes, both streaming and in person”; 10% said, “No”; and 5% said, “I haven’t decided yet.” Comments were submitted by 39 people. A few follow.
Whether attending services in person or online, the act of observing holidays is vital to the future of the Jewish people.
I will not be attending services because I do not want to hear increasingly liberal sermons, which seems to be the norm among Reform and Conservative congregations.
I appreciate being at a shul where the rabbi does not use the pulpit to advocate militant views about Israel, but for reflection and spiritual meaning.
I’m not happy with my rabbi now due to her “squishy” response to Oct 7. I may go to Chabad in the next town over.
Central Synagogue, online.
I love the High Holidays. They are so meaningful. Every year gets deeper.
I’m unaffiliated so I have no “home” place to go. I may stream but I’m undecided.
In person is the only way that the power of the day comes through for me. During the pandemic shutdown I watched “Rosh Hashanah TV,” but it didn’t feel like a service. Neither did “Shabbat TV,” despite everyone’s best efforts.
Ever since the COVID pandemic, I have been less motivated to make the trek to shul. It used to feel like an excuse to mingle/schmooze/network while communing with the Almighty … now it all seems less appealing.
Yes, absolutely. It’s an important way to demonstrate solidarity. We are at our best together.
We’ll be attending in Israel.
I discontinued my synagogue membership years ago due to excessive membership fees.
I rarely attend. Part of the reason is my spouse is not Jewish and I do not feel welcomed by the Jewish community.
This is our opportunity to speak with Hashem and pray for some peace and guidance.
We will be attending services in Youngstown, Ohio, at Temple Ohev Beth Sholom. This is our fifth shul since the closing of Tree of Life in Ellwood City. We jokingly call ourselves “the wandering Jews.”
The High Holiday services are interminable and boring.
I am in the choir at our synagogue, so I will be there for everything, but even if I wasn’t, I would be there. More than ever, we need to come together and pray to be forgiven and forgiving, and also to be inscribed in the Book of Life for another year. PJC
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