Chicago - Some Synagogues Waiving Holiday Fees

Chicago - Some call it the seat tax, and not with affection. During the Jewish High Holy Days, the ticket fee to attend some synagogues can reach hundreds of dollars, Jackie Saltz realized. ''Couples would say, 'Look, it's not that we're poor, but we have expenses. Rent comes first,''' he said.

So as the 10 days that span Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur continue through Monday, Saltz leads one of several efforts to erase those fees, and more than 115 synagogues across the country are participating.

To someone outside Judaism, the holiday fees may be surprising. ''Why should I have to pay to pray?'' said Rabbi Jeffrey Wohlberg of the Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, D.C.