If you are a minority wanting to convert to Judaism, do not come here. The rabbi I worked with…read morecalled out how I was different looks-wise from day 1. I ended up getting converted at Beth Israel, where they are far more accepting and welcoming. This was a few years ago. Remembering to post this review now because I'm part of a new community where we moved and it's nothing but warmth and love. Made me realize how bizarre and unwelcoming Beth El was to me. Their loss because I am committed member of the Jewish community.

Certainly it is paradoxical to profile & review a house of worship on electronic media built to…read moreshape business; however we inhabit intimate communities within larger communities looking for meaningful spiritual centers. Beth El has worked very hard over decades to find a loving balance between being eclectic and still traditional, progressive while deeply historic, inclusive on all gender relations and mixed religion couples, socially responsible beyond the synagogue and inwardly caring, family friendly and exciting for younger adults. A mile away from UC San Diego, the congregation benefits by the proximity. The synagogue is warm and welcoming. The land was once a horse polo stables in the 1960s. The physical campus is aesthetically beautiful on hilly terrain captivated by a delicately modern, translucent sanctuary. The synagogue is neither too large in membership nor too small. Nice to know that there is a very solid, vibrant Hebrew School for members' children which eventually leads to Bat/Bar Mitzvah. Rabbi Avi Libman has been there for over a dozen years; he's totally committed to every human being. His pastoral manner is exquisite and he's brilliant with kids, quietly wise, highly intuitive with the elderly. Former senior Rabbi Phillip Graubart - a top scholar, wholly engaging with the community and superb sermon writer - retired two summers after 14 years and there is a new gifted senior Rabbi - Ron Shulman - who brings decades of caring experience, erudition and compassion. Tikkun activities include providing temporary shelter in December to San Diego's homeless. Dues is flexible. A very fine model for California and the entire country.

Dynamic clergy, diverse programming and strong sense of communityread more

I was young and without a family 10 years ago when I last reviewed the shul. Very happy to write…read morean updated review of this wonderful congregation :) Now, with 2 young children and a wife, this is absolutely the best place to go with my family for any services. I have been several times for Bar/Bat Mitzvot and other services and it has always been an impressive and beautiful synagogoe focused on community and belongingness. The rabbis and other staff members are engaging, interesting, funny, musical and provide thought provoking insight that stays with me beyond those moments in the sanctuary. I truly love CBI and will gladly rave about it to anybody who asks!

I arrived as a visitor and was received warmly with open hearts by Morris and Evelyn. I want to…read moregive back and say a great thank you for the hospitality!

Such an amazing place to come and pray. My family and I have been coming here for years and it's…read moresuch a warm and welcoming community, prayer service is so wonderful and having the holidays here makes it feel like one big family. It's the place for every Jew from all around to come and pray to feel just like home.

Loved it - loved the service, loved the people! Definitely a place to worship in our travels!read more

What is it? Read below (God has not...). God is One, echad, but the Ruach hakodesh, Holy Spirit,…read moreis, to me, not made welcome, despite proper doctrinal teachings. i attend small group midweek as my persistent involvement right now. Rabbi Barney Kasdan wrote books you could read. But to attend to see for yourself is a more full discovery indeed. This group loves Messiah Yeshua, and gathers with a sense of God to make us celebrate in the awesomeness of the God of Salvation. God has not forgotten his people who've well tested his patience. From the 1960s Jesus Movement developed a kind of gathering of Jews, and many with a curiousity about the Jewish Jesus ((Me Lemah-on yeshua?--spelled phonetic)) who sought the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

An excellent rabbi who is extremely knowledgable as well as warm and sincere!…read moreRabbi and his wife Esther made me feel like part of their family. My life has been so much fuller since becoming a part of their congregation. I am forever grateful for their kindness. I am even studying the Torah with the rabbi and never imagined I would learn so much! Thank you for giving me the gift of being part of your extended family! Forever grateful... Cathy

Amazing family experience with warmth and welcoming classes programs and meaningread more

I felt so welcomed at this Chabad... Great Rabbi, his wife & family!…read moreI live in PB and thought it'd be nice to connect with Jewish neighbors. There are a lot of people of all ages & backgrounds - so welcoming. I plan to continue going for Friday Shabbat services.

This place is just phenomenal! I've been going to this…read moreplace for the last few years and can't say enough good things about it. The feeling this place have given me is Beyond words. Family oriented amazing Shabbat dinners and much much more. Very recommend!

Free food/clothes moved to parking lot at Island Ave. & 3rd St near Gaslamp every Friday 10a-12pread more

If you want to be in a welcoming community and learn about our Jewish faith this is the place to…read morecome. Be a part of the community. So many nice events and opportunities to meet new friends. Hope you see you for the new year.

Very friendly, multigeneration, inclusive group. Many…read morecultural activities and education for all ages from pre-school through and including adults.

Wonderfully warm, lighthearted congregation dedicated to being completely nonjudgmental and open to…read moredifferences. Rabbi Gaby presents delightful short sermons which encourages audience participation and personal adventures.

Too bad that zero (AKA, "bupkiss-minus") stars aren't available, but because that's the MOST these…read more___deserve. WHY? Well, I placed a call recently to see if they could help me secure local lodging while I endured a one-month treatment for metastatic cancer. I explained that although I'd lived in San Diego previously - and attended some of their shabbas services and so on... ...my wife and I had recently relocated to be near our daughters, but that I had to return to San Diego to undergo a specialized treatment and was under tremendous financial duress... I EXPECTED a haimish and compassionate response, but what I got was: [Call placed - no response except... "Hello."] "Is this Chabad?" "Yes." [I explained my dilemma.] "Well, we won't help people we don't know, so you'll have to come down here and...." "But I have to make arrangements before I start treatment, so..." [Cuts me off} "We get calls from all over the country..." So THIS is what 'the Rebbe' stood for? So THIS is what the 'telethons' are about? So THIS is 'ahavat yisrael?" So TGIS is "hab rachmones?" THANKS A LOT!!!

Rabbi Leider at Chabad University City is an amazing man with a tremendous soul. Without even…read moreknowing me, he willingly helped connect me to other Jewish people in his congregation and offered to whatever he could to help get me back on my feet. It is rare to meet such a caring, warm, and kind man, especially in a city as large as San Diego.