You know, I never think to review a shul bc we tend to Yelp about restaurants or businesses and not synagogues. But reviews are important for congregations too, and we've had a great experience at Beth Am over the years. I know choosing a home for Jewish spiritual life and community is very personal and subjective, and I know people who are indifferent, others who love it, and others who belong here and also have affiliate memberships elsewhere.
What you can expect is a supportive congregation of welcoming neighbors with a huge emphasis on family, life cycle events, community, learning, love of Israel, tzedakah, and simply sharing in the joy of yiddishkeit.
Rabbis Kornberg and Earne are compassionate, enthusiastic, engaging, and dynamic, and they put in maximum effort on many fronts each week.
There's a tremendous breadth of offerings these days. On some Shabbat mornings, we might have the traditional service in the sanctuary, a separate family service for those with young kids, and another lay-led minyan in our beit midrash. There's also a monthly outdoor campfire Shabbat with music and singing, daily minyan, lecture series, learning opportunities, guest speakers, community events, women's circle, men's club, preschool, Hebrew school, and a youth lounge. Really a lot to offer.
There are a lot of congregants, so even though everyone is super welcoming of new faces, it might take a while to get to know people. Come regularly, not just for holidays, to get a more heimish experience.
Security is always important, and Beth Am puts tremendous efforts into minimizing vulnerabilities. The entire property is like a fortress with heavy gates, fences, and armed security, and staff is trained to coordinate with local emergency police response. It feels very very safe inside.
If you're shul shopping for a conservative congregation, it's definitely worth taking a look and deciding for yourself. read more
