I visited Chofetz Chayim and considered becoming a member. What a great central location to provide services to needy and poor folks of Tucson. But you won't find that here. The Synagogue is in a repurposed school and has not been upgraded or modernized in 50 years. It is rather cluttered, furnishings are old and tired, the place could use some attention or just a good thorough cleaning. It appears like the caretakers aren't too keen on stewardship, perhaps. The Congregation seems to be heavily focused raising money, it is very conservative with old ideas which goes way beyond "orthodox." Despite being in this area for nigh a half century, there is nothing in the way of community outreach and few people in the neighborhood know the place exists. Sadly, I could not find it on my first visit and those I asked in the neighborhood (I was on foot) directed me to another place down the street. Too bad, because this Synagogue has all the ingredients to do amazing work on G-d's behalf -- a commercial kitchen, big meeting hall, several classrooms, plenty of land to build a community center. Unfortunately, I discovered they seem to be all about receiving and not giving. They have a big, beautiful bathhouse -- for their members and an expected donation. If only they built another for the many Tucson homeless. I wish I could say this was a beacon of hope, kindness, and charity. I wish I was writing about free meals, counseling services, no-cost religious classes, and well. . . joy. This is not that place. If you're looking to spend a few thousand to do a jaunt to Israel, then you won't be disappointed. read more

The "bathhouse" the fake reviewer posted about is called a mikvah. That alone is an indication that that review was a hatchet job. This shul has less emphasis on money than any shul I know of to date. It is a low key "shetl" type shul. And whether or not you "fit in" with orthodoxy, the Rabbi is one of the most brilliant I've ever met. read more