This truly is a small temple with a big heart, just like its tagline promises. Down to earth,…read morefriendly Reform congregation of active adults in a boutique setting in Paradise Valley, AZ. Many groups to become involved in -- hiking, travel, restaurant, roundtable, Torah, mahjong and current events. I really feel like part of a family who can find both social and religious connections! Reform temples like this didn't exist in Los Angeles, but I have found my home in Beth Ami Temple in Arizona.

Like a Chavarim...family. And so many clubs/groups for a nice sized synagogue. I really like the…read moreoutdoor walking group. The services are good..intimate..with plenty of social afterward at the oneg.

Brought my "Chosen One" here when we were in Red Rock country. The building is built of bricks made…read morefrom the local natural red rock. The surrounding scenery could not be more beautiful. Positive energy abounds here. They have the biggest minora I have ever seen. The "friendship walk" made for some beautiful photos and overall it was a nice place to visit. Although we didn't attend services when we visited they do have them here. L'chaim!!!

Wonderful Shabbat services as the sun sets against the red rocks. Awesome female rabbi who brngs…read morejoy to the service.

Warm welcoming and educational experiences. The Rabbi and staff are wonderful and the added…read moresecurity is appreciated. Thank you TBS for welcoming us in 10/24!

Amazing small but very vibrant Jewish community. Wonderful rabbi. If you live here or even just…read morevisiting, I suggest you visit! Friday nights start at 5:15.

The New Shul is a worship and learning community ideally suited for those who love to daven and…read moreappreciate what it means to be unconditionally accepted and respected no matter where you are on your Jewish journey. Outstanding Conservatively ordained rabbis (husband & wife) , welcoming members, children-friendly, and a great place build your Jewish home. A unique synagogue experience where politics and egos have no place. This is the synagogue you've been looking for your whole life!

Last night, Rabbi Steven Folberg was installed as the new…read morerabbi. His effusive enthusiasm, incredible intelligence, unwavering kindness, deep compassion, and undeniable authenticity are evident in his dedication to this congregation. He is a remarkable teacher- to the young, old, AND everyone in between. As someone who is taking classes and looking forward to conversion, I can assure anyone who enters this synagogue that they will be treated with dignity, respect, and love. It's an awesome place with awesome people- and NOW- with an awesome rabbi to foster this joyous community!

Congregation is friendly and very accepting. Rabbi is new and has worked hard on making services…read moremeaningful and accessible. And he teaches a very unique Torah Study on Shabbat morning.

Temple Beth Shalom one word says it all phenomenal. rabbi Kaplan and the Canter I simply amazing…read morepeople. I find everybody and I mean everybody that works there. Their heart and soul is so into what they do. I love coming every Friday night to services and once a month on Saturday all the members if they have not gone till Saturday, Shabbat, they should it's amazing.. I have gone to many temples hair in Arizona and in Israel if you're looking for a a Jewish camaraderie can be a guest like myself and my wife you'll end up joining. There's no place like home, but this runs a close second.

What a wonderful experience! We have been searching for a new Temple and we are absolutely…read moredelighted we found Temple Beth Shalom! What a welcoming and kind congregation! My twins are so excited for their bar mitvah and SO enjoy working with the Rabbi while on this journey! Thank you for your kindness and generosity! My family is so blessed to have found you!

The congregation is so hidden ( can't be seen or recognized by newcomers) from drivers, away from…read moretrafic, without any recognition signs. I personally miss the place each time I m coming to attend services and events

My almost 3 year old daughter, Aria, has been coming here since she was 18 months old and I'm…read moreoverall very satisfied. All the teachers know all the kids, even the ones not in their classes, which gives it a warm atmosphere. We drive 15 miles each way, which is kind of difficult with the distance and the cost of gas now, but I'm making it work because it's worth it to us! I love that my daughter is getting a Jewish education and learning about the importance of Israel, which is dear to my heart. Joanie, the preschool director, has the biggest heart out there and goes out of her way to keep the parents and kids comfortable. The preschool is open to all no matter their religion which is a beautiful thing. Thanks Beth El!

Very warm congregation. Felt at home immediately. Went for the 1st night of the menorah lighting,…read morethen returned the next night for day 2 of Hanukkah and Shabbat with the dinner. They welcome new people, and I hope more come too. It would be wonderful to have more variety of ages.

Been to many Chabad Houses. Each has a distinct character and flavor like it's own version of…read morekugel. This one to have a grocery store. I will always remember going in and seeing items on the shelf , that I had not seen in 50 years, and remembering them in my grandmother's shelf. It was a happy crying moment. but that store is gone now. I believe the restaurant is still open, but as of this writing it's still Covid time in early 2022. Chabad means Wonderful people, never any pressure and always the JOY of Judaism, and not the rebukes.

You might think a Chabad House (which is what Chabad usually calls it synagogues) would be full of…read morethe ultra-orthadox, and that a "regular" Jew like me who can hardly read Hebrew would feel out of place. That's what I expected but the actual experience was very different. The synagogue itself is big enough to hold 300 people but it feels smaller. The people there were a mixture of everyday regulars (a few in black hats), occasional shul-goers like me, and visitors from all over the world. It was eclectic, interesting, warm (but not too warm!), and comfortable. They're pretty informal. If you ask the rabbi about high holiday services, for example, he will first tell you when, where, and invite you to come. Then, almost as an afterthought, he will mention that you can buy tickets. "But if you don't want to buy them, come anyway" he concludes. They hold all three services, seven days a week, and virtually always have a minyon, so that if you need a place to say Kaddish, this is a good choice. They also have an active social program, an attached kosher restaurant (Kitchen 18), a gift shop, etc. But what keeps me coming back is a great adult education program. Rabbi Levertov gives most of the sermons and runs small more advanced study groups. They usually have two or three class "mini-series" going on, as well as several regular weekly classes. If you want more information, you can contact me, or go to their website (chabadofscottsdale.org), which they update intermittently, whenever someone gets the time. By the way, they are located in Scottsdale, despite the Paradise Valley mailing address.

Ms Karina and Ms Evelyn in the infant rooms are incredible! Nicole and Erika foster such a positive…read moreenergy and it is so clear to me how much love the school has for the children. My 8 month old has been in the school for two months and I can already see the social butterfly coming out in him. He is so excited to see his teachers every day that I know he is in good hands. I can't wait to watch him grow in this environment!

**For the Temple Kol Ami ECC**…read more After the last two years that our daughter attended the ECC, witnessing the new leadership of Nicole Stokes, we've left and moved on to another school,. We are not the only family. We experienced a toxic environment and culture of concealment where the ECC systematically ignored or subrogated known physical safety, emotional and security issues. To be clear, I have nothing but accolades for Rabbi Schneider, his executive assistant, Erika, as well as Cantor Shaashua. For example: -Was dismissive of the behavior of two boys towards my daughter, including biting, hitting, and pulling her hair.....(I found this out *not* from the school, but from my 4 year old daughter). Nicole finally responded (via email) in part, "I'm wondering if we could change the narrative for her and instead of (your daughter) "reporting" a peer name or negative behaviors, each of you could ask her one game she played or book she read, or what special art project she worked on?"; -Another parent and I witnessed a boy walk up to three other children (2 of them girls) and shove them hard. The two staff supervising did nothing. I brought this up with Nicole, she responded with, "we address these issues in due time. And parents aren't supposed to be back in the playground around the children."; -Dismissed concern for the presence of a known toxic plant, that the Phoenix Botanical Garden stated that "small children and pets should not have access to this plant"; -Has done nothing for a year after being advised that the front gate sticks open during warmer temperatures (sometimes left unattended); -Repeatedly kept sick children in school (including heavy discolored nasal discharge); -My daughter expressed that she was happy when her teacher was absent one day, that she had a good day at school, "Because Miss XXX screams at us". Amplification: In response to my concern that a boy had been engaging in behavior that made my daughter increasingly upset, Nicole first responded with, "we don't have bullies in our school". I asked, "bullies?" She said, "yes, you said bullies". I replied, "no, I said that it sounds as if a boy has been bothering her" (my daughter had become increasingly anxious about coming to school, finally bursting our crying, calling out one boy's name). To which she said, "Well, Ian, children need to learn to navigate the social structure." -Nancy Drapin, Executive Director, on responding that she is aware that a toxic plant, Euphorbia tirucalli (pencil cactus), is in the front courtyard where many of the ECC children play after class gets out, "I ask you to please watch your child carefully when you allow her to play in the front ....It is definitely your responsibility to supervise. .....There are a number of parks nearby or, I am sure, near your home, that may have playground areas for children." Nancy stated that they have no intention of removing it. Furthermore, regarding Nicole Stokes' leadership: While she mostly presents a pleasant demeanor and maintains a smile, she can be very dismissive. Several times, I observed her not actively listen and seek to understand a situation and immediately become defensive; Multiple times, she failed to follow up and it took me several times engaging her to get a response or resolution on even small administrative matters. I learned to ask her, "when should I expect to hear back?" After speaking with several other parents, this is the pattern of behavior that they experienced. -She would refuse to discuss the behavior of the other child or whether and how they would also discuss the matter with the other parents "because of privacy issues". -Nicole often attends Shabbat services, however she typically spends much of that time face down in her cell phone. -One day when my wife picked up my 4 year old, the 11 year old saw an open box of cookies at the admin desk as you enter the school (everyone walks by this station), the 11 year old asked if she could have a cookie for herself and her sister. Nicole, standing there, flatly stated, "Absolutely not. These are for the staff."