They are the most sacred days on the Jewish calendar. And now they are ones some cannot afford.

Several Sacramento-area synagogues report that more worshippers – as much as a 25 percent increase over last year – are asking for financial assistance to attend High Holy Days services.

"Sadly, there are definitely more people needing assistance," said Rabbi Mona Alfi of Congregation B'nai Israel, one of the largest congregations in the Sacramento area. "But no one will be turned away because they can't pay."

The synagogue expects about 1,000 people to attend the services, which began Wednesday evening with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, marking the beginning of the year 5772.

During the 10 days of awe, Jews atone for their transgressions and reflect on the past year. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown Oct. 7, followed by a full day of prayer and fasting.

For many Jews, this is the one time of year they attend religious services, and synagogues are packed. Most require membership or a fee to attend. Tickets for families can run hundreds of dollars.

The cost of tickets generally covers synagogue expenses for such items as prayer books, folding chairs and additional security, Alfi said.

But the economy has forced some families to seek help. At the Mosaic Law Congregation in Sacramento, requests for financial assistance have increased "big time, around 25 percent," said Barbara Gibson, administration and facilities director for the synagogue.

Many are like the elderly man who attends services every year but who recently told Gibson he couldn't afford the full ticket price this year.

"I told him to pay what he could," she said.

Religious leaders throughout the region said they are working with those who cannot afford to pay the full cost. Some are waiving the fee or asking for a partial donation. Many congregations, like B'nai Israel, do not charge students and members of the military.

Some synagogues do not charge anyone.

"At Chabad, you don't pay to pray," said Rabbi Mendy Cohen of Chabad of Sacramento, which includes seven Chabads from Chico to Stockton. "It's the most holy time of the year. We want it to be a special experience; we don't want people to worry about money."

The Antelope Roseville Jewish Congregation, a small congregation that started three years ago, does not charge for High Holy Days services.

"We're new, so we don't have the same expenses as the large congregations," said Rabbi Matt Friedman.

Rabbi Alan Rabishaw of Temple Or Rishon in Orangevale said he hasn't seen an increase in the number of people asking for financial assistance to attend services this year.

"The past couple of years have been hard. I don't see it any worse this year," Rabishaw said. "It's important in tough times to keep our arms open to those who need it."

Meanwhile, some faith leaders expect more Jews to turn to online religious services in this troubled economy.

"People are hurting and a lot of people are looking for alternative ways to observe," said Rabbi Laura Baum of OurJewishCommunity.org, which streams the services online.

In its fourth year of operation, the rabbi expects "tens of thousands" to watch the services at the website.

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