Do Jewish people really have to buy tickets to attend Temple?

At most synagogues, to attend services on that holiday, which this year ends Saturday night, one must have paid annual dues or have bought special tickets. ... Jews who wanted to connect with their tradition just for the High Holy Days would buy tickets for a congregation that met only 10 days a year. read more

Many people who do not participate in Jewish life and do not attend temple/synagogue during the year do appear on these days, making the house of worship often overcrowded. Thus, common practice is to presell seats in the temple/synagogue so that one may guarantee a place to sit during the services. read more

UNLIKE Christian churches, Jewish synagogues do not "pass the plate" during any of the regular services held throughout the year. Therefore the money for building maintenence, paying salaries of administrative staff, teachers, etc. comes through membership fees and through the fees charged for seats at Yom Kippur, etc. read more

Now imagine that, to be there on that day, you have to pay hundreds of dollars. That is the situation faced by millions of American Jews every Yom Kippur. At most synagogues, to attend services on that holiday, which this year ends Saturday night, one must have paid annual dues or have bought special tickets. read more