It is partly because of this that the Sages instituted the Mitzvah of praying in a Minyan, citing the principle that the Divine Presence rests upon an assembly of ten people. On Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment, it is particularly important to be with community, for, in the merit of our love for one another and our ability to work and worship together, we are judged favorably in G-d's eyes.

Some congregations rely on the revenues generated by ticket sales for High Holiday services to fund their institutions and their various activities for the entire year. Unfortunately, in some communities, ticket sales have created an air of exclusivity surrounding these holy times.

This is contrary to the spirit of the holidays, in which unity and selflessness should be the dominant tendencies. Other congregations -- including most Chabad synagogues -- find alternative means to finance themselves and have an “open-door” policy for the holidays (sometimes it gets a bit crowded!).

In addition, one may find that a genuine request to a local rabbi or community leader may result in the waiving of existing ticket fees. For Rosh Hashanah prayers, the bigger and more all-inclusive observant community we can find, the better. May the Creator bless all of the Jewish Nation and the world at large with a bountiful, righteous, and peaceful new year.