This review is solely for the Early Childhood Center as we do not attend temple…read more The Early Childhood Center at Beth Shalom was such a blessing to our family! We initially enrolled our daughter (18 months at the time), in a time where we could not find another suitable vacancy for full-time care. As a non-Jewish family, we assumed we would keep her there until we found another opening but very quickly we realized what a wonderful place the ECC was and had no intention of moving her elsewhere. We were in both the 1-2 and the 2-3 class, and loved both! All of the teachers, parents, and other staff were so wonderfully welcoming and caring. I always felt so safe leaving my daughter there, and she came home singing sweet songs, talking about her friends at school, and was thrilled to go there every day. I often got emails and texts with photos and updated throughout the day... such a nice gesture, particularly in the early days when you're adjusting to a new place. We've since moved to the Eastside and had to find new care. We love our new place as well, but still miss ECC and everyone there! Our daughter still talks about her old teachers and sings their classroom songs. We feel so sad that we had to move and truly wish we were still part of the program. I would wholeheartedly recommend the ECC. It's open to all faiths and we never felt any less involved or included because we weren't Jewish. This daycare is such a treasure... such caring and warm staff who are true professionals and clearly love what they do! We miss Leah, Jessica... and the whole crew! - Claire and Family

This congregation offers excellent adult classes, from language to cooking. I very much enjoy the…read moresinging at Beth Shalom and the overall welcoming warmth of the people.

As a kid in there Hebrew school and bar mitzvah program this is an excellent temple that is very…read morewelcoming. I was new in sixth grade and am become bar mitzvah in the winter. The Rabbis and teachers at the temple are great and while the reviews about the politics are kind of true I don't feel like they are very wrong for right now.

Hi. I have been a member of TBA since I was a kid. Please ignore the salty Karen's + Steve's,…read morepolitics have literally always been a part of not only TBA, but also the Reform movement. They know this, but refuse to acknowledge it and get salty anyways. They do love Jews of all viewpoints, quite literally. Many of us, myself included, just don't hold space for childish behavior from adults. They are not praying to leftist ideology, they are simply praying. LGBTQ+ Jews exist (hi) and always have (hey great aunt Jennie from 1863). Celebrating those of our community who are LGBTQ+ isn't "sawing off the branch they are sitting on", and neither is holding our Muslim peers in our hearts. Their religion, like ours, is beautiful in its own way, and friends are always welcome. Welcoming Jews who have intersecting identities isn't "political", it's following Jewish values. Oh no, the senior rabbi mentioned how a candidate put the Jewish community, LGBTQ+ community (hi, Jewish Queers exist), Muslim community, immigrant community (Jewish immigrants exist), etc. in danger. It's her job, as a Rabbi, to work with our community, Jewish or not, and to protect us. In any case, it does have its problems don't get me wrong (mainly the board, mainly the usual drama, mainly all my own personal problems with the URJ), but it's always welcoming, always warm, and always working to do better. They hold space for anyone who needs it. The services are always full of ruach, and the music is amazing. The Hebrew school is one of the best URJ wise, and always is very kid focused + working to be even better. They have activities for nearly everyone, and constantly work on engagement. Despite having walked away from the Reform movement, TBA will always be home.

Mourning practices in Judaism are extensive, but they are not an expression of fear or distaste for…read moredeath. Jewish practices relating to death and mourning have two purposes: to show respect for the dead (kavod ha-met), and to comfort the living (nihum avelim), who will miss the deceased. Temple De Hirsch helped me through a really difficult loss. This is my favorite Synagogue, they are so accepting and nice, no judgements here. I get seriously uncomfortable in churches and religious events, but not here. I am so glad to have found them! Did I mention they have Torah and Tonics night? Love.

This is a Jewish reformed synagogue, welcoming to all. Classes are offered on a regular basis…read more If you want to learn a new language, or practice your Hebrew, classes are offered: Hebrew 101 and up. The introduction to Judaism is an 18 week class that meets once a week for two hours. It covers all the major holidays, events and answers many questions that you may have about what it means to be Jewish. Very welcoming and warm environment. You earn a certificate at the end of the course. Other classes are offered as well. You should contact one of the Rabbis with question about attendence or cost of classes.

I tend not to review religious organizations or facilities or groups as, when one is talking about…read moreany matter pertaining to the spiritual, it just seems way more subjective than, say, reviewing a restaurant or store. That said, here are my reasons why, for me and my family, at any rate, this is a wonderful synagogue: 1. They are all-welcoming, of everyone. My hubby is not Jewish. TSHS welcomes all interfaith couples, blended families, the LBGT community (they were very vocal in their support of same sex marriage), everyone and anyone. To me, this is what a religious-based community SHOULD be. 2.This is a community-oriented temple. There are so many opportunities to meet people here and join groups, or simply attend Shabbat services and those at holidays. There are adult-learning classes, a very active single "Tribe" group (they do so many fun activities, I kinda wish I were single again so I could join this group!), groups for teens, book clubs, pot-lucks, Temple trips, and more. In other words, you can do as much or as little as you wish. But there's a LOT to do, if you want. 3. There are two sites - one in Seattle, one in Bellevue - so that makes it a bit more convenient to go. 4. They have awesome preschool and religion/Sunday school programs, and fabulous Bat Mitzvah/Bar Mitzvah training and facilities, and will help you (the parents!) plan these events, every step of the way. 5. There's a focus on community involvement and awareness. I like how there are dialogues with Moslems and Catholics and how there are many inter-faith dialogues and meet-and-greets throughout the year, and how CHurch members come to our services and how we go to theirs. And how there are always opprotunities, through the Temple, to help others in our community (volunteering at shelters and soup kitchens, cleaning parks, clothing drives, etc.). 6. Personally, I like how they have their finger on the pulse of what's going on in the world. This is a very liberal reform congregation, led by a very charismatic senior rabbi and other super rabbis who speak in real-world terms about real-world issues. There's no emphasis on esotheric, abstract issues. The services focus on real, pragmatic themes and current events, and they are able to break down even the most fuzzy theologic material into terms us laymen understand. They have "Rock Shabbat" services where, with electric guitars in hand, they'll sing Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello or The Band tunes, and talk about the politics of the world, and how it relates to Torah. It's all discussed in ways we understand, and in an interactive format that makes us feel a part of the services itself. This is a huge contrast to the very Conservative synagogue of my youth. And I SO welcome these changes!

I love Temple De Hirsch!…read more Even though I have spent most of my time at the Seattle Temple De Hirsch, I attended some services at this Synagogue. The location can be a little confusing, but there is plenty of well lit parking (winter is dark :/). I 100% agree with Nancy, they truly are all welcoming, I enjoy the diverse, genuine atmosphere.

Not a healthy environment for the younger generation. Filled with old people like me. Something…read morefeels awfully uncomfortable here. An all white leadership, feels very unrepresentative of the Jewish community. Came to a board meeting once, the president was awfully emotionally loud, I can't imagine what he's like at home.

It's small and intimate, and offers quite a lot considering it doesn't really have critical mass…read more This does mean there are lots of opportunities to be involved. The "rock-star Rabbi" who was here for four years moved on which was a loss. Over the years, depending upon the leadership, the atmosphere, flexibility, and welcomeness waxes and wanes. When we first arrived, we felt extremely unwelcome. Then, for several years it felt like a very warm, fulfilling, active, growing community! And then it didn't. My recommendation is to drop in (when there's a service or class) as it might just be your perfect place. And then again, it might also not be. But one thing's for sure: you won't know without trying it. Wishing you the best!!!

I used to follow Kol Ami. They sent a blog post after 10/7 that I found offensive. When I responded…read morewith dismay, I received the most unhinged screed I have ever been subjected to by a rabbi in my life. Being told once by a Conservative rabbi that I should cancel my marriage to a gentile (now in our 18th year!) was nowhere near as upsetting as her response. She singlehandedly destroyed my desire to seek a Jewish community where I live. I posted this information to Reddit in response to someone asking about Eastside synagogues. I have said nothing further on the matter publicly since then and have been trying to forget about it. Months later, this rabbi just today posted another screed in reply on Reddit, *and* sent a threatening chat message to me. Reddit agreed that this was harassment. She is still with Kol Ami. I realize Yelp is not the place to grind an axe, and so I did not post a review of the synagogue at the time. I am posting this now because I believe new potential members should really know that this is how at least one of the rabbis here behaves in her personal life.

My family and I have been members and guests of several synagogues across the country through the…read moreyears. This is one of only two at which I've felt comfortable and included. Our rabbi is thoroughly invested in tikkun olam, and walks the walk. She is serious about inclusion, and not for just a garden variety of Jews, but for people of color, interfaith families, and differing sexual orientations and genders. We are a diverse family of congregants who aren't afraid to redefine synagogue and observance conventions, and tackle tough socio-Jewish problems, but we expect our members to engage in civil discourse and non-threatening community behavior. Our congregational and religious school staff and volunteers work hard to be supportive and avoid shaming tactics, and we are mapping a course to move us into a connected, active, and brave Jewish future.

I love the Rabbi and Cantor - bright, curious, warm, and dedicated professionals. The membership as…read morea whole is committed to unity, and has a growth mindset while still honoring the Conservative Jewish traditions. On Shabbat, there is a great kiddush, open to the whole congregation. It's a nice way to stay in the Shabbat mood after services.

The Clergy is the best! Cantor Kurland has been at Herzl for almost 30 years and has a most…read morewonderful relationship with every congregant. The children love him! He's a man with a very good soul! Rabbi Rosenbaum is the least lazy person I have ever met. He works so hard to keep learning and new programs available and fun. Also a very caring person! We joined Herzl in 1972 and raised our children there. They still have "warm fuzzies" about Herzl Ner Tamid although they no longer live in the area. The congregation seems to have gotten much younger.....but maybe that's because we are much older??? Great congregation for those not fitting into reform or not comfortable with Orthodox.

A warm, welcoming community. The religious school program at this Reform temple is vibrant (your…read morekids will not complain about Jewish cooking class or outdoor adventures). Located in the heart of Bellevue but members come from around the region. Don't miss the soul Shabbat with Chava Mirel and her band.

We joined Temple B'nai Torah when we moved to Bellevue in 2002, and since that time, it has become…read moremy second home. I was first embraced by the Sisterhood, started volunteering and became very involved in a wide range of activities. I enjoy learning, making new friends, being with "old" friends, participating in programs that build bridges with other faith communities, singing along at Friday night services and more. Since we joined, we've celebrated my son's Bar Mitzvah and daughter's wedding. We've shared the joys and sorrows of others. Being part of our Temple family enriches my life and is really important to me.

This is the only Jewish organization I've ever been affiliated with and it is the first one to…read morefully embrace my Jewishness and me as a Jew. That was about fourteen years ago. My family joined to help my daughter form her own sense of Jewish identity which she started asking about when she was eight. She now has a sense of Jewish identity that would never have been so well formed had we not engaged with this community. And I have a much deeper understanding of my own relationship with Judaism. I'm Jewish because my father was Jewish and I choose to be a Jew, my mother never converted; they were both firm atheists. The Overbrook delicatessen was my temple, ritual language: Yiddish, ritual foods: lox and other smoked fish, ritual giving: Israel Fund - can on the counter next to the register. Humor was the practice. I've been teaching in the Shalom Sunday school for seven or eight years now and I love the inclusivity and diversity even within our own tribe. This is the place to be Jewish if you love the history, culture and holidays but don't like the irrational parts.

I grew up in an assimilated household, but once I had a child realized that I needed him to have a…read moreJewish experience. I'm not religious, but do hold high values and ethics. I wanted to teach my son the Jewish traditions and beliefs of my people in a non-religious way. Secular Jewish Circle was a perfect fit for us. My son has now received a secular humanist Bar Mitzvah, and is well on his way to becoming a leader in the community. I can't say enough about the Shalom Sunday and B'nai Mitzvah program SJC offers. And I've found a community of like-minded secular Jews who feel like family to me.