I've been a member of temple Beth Shalom during some of the hardest times for Jews. Ron Safier -…read morethe Executive Director- has always made synagogue security a priority so we feel safe when we pray. He also ensures that no matter what someone's economic status is, they will always have a home at temple Beth Shalom.

I have known Ron Safier, Executive Director, for many years. I was always struck by his kindness,…read morewillingness to help others, and continued education, both personally and professionally. I have witnessed him go out of his way to help all members of the community. There is no doubt, Temple Beth Sholom is positively impacting its' members and the community it serves. Thank you.

Very engaging congregation. I go here with my grandfather and usually my father and they are both…read moredelighted every time. Setting: gorgeous main sanctuary with Jerusalem stone and a real eternal flame. There is always plenty of seating. Accomodations: my grandfather uses a headset that Beth El provides so he can better hear the service. Everyone always tries to help him as much as possible, whether that's giving him chocolate or finding a place to sit. And the Cantor always makes sure that he has a chance to touch the Torah with his tallit. Service: a couple things to be desired here but none of them a big deal. The service is very lively, with everyone singing, and the Cantor has a great singing voice. The spirit in the room is palpable! I don't enjoy how they sort of take a break during the returning of the Torah, with the congregants talking amongst themselves but that only lasts a few minutes. I also don't love every dvar Torah, as some are too long winded to reach people unfamiliar with Torah but too basic in subject to reach more familiar people. However, there are multiple dvar Torahs in the service and usually at least one is interesting. They use the Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat and festivals (at least for Shabbat morning services and festivals). While I prefer the Siddur Lev Shalem, the Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals of course works great. And here's where I'll put- the one star review on this page doesn't make sense. If you're familiar with synagogues at all then you know all synagogues require you to get a ticket for high holiday (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) services because that is when a synagoge is at its most crowded. Ridiculous. Social events: while I've never been to a social event since I live pretty far away, I always hear them announced and they always seem to have a ton going on, even including golf. They also had casual Shabbat last Shabbat where people were told they didn't have to dress as formally and that there would be a sort of tea time between Shacharit and the Torah Service. I didn't personally go but my father thought it was wonderful. Food: usually the food is pretty great. Admittedly, I only remember having been when there was a Bar/Bat Mitzvah (where the family is paying for some of the food) but then it's usually pretty great. It's always dairy and there's always egg salad and tuna salad but usually there's bagels (of all different flavors, I get blueberry), cream cheese, and smoked salmon as well as kugel. Sometimes there's also delicious macaroni and cheese. Overall, delicious. This is a great Conservative shul and everyone in the area should try it out!

Wow such sinagog much jewish. Wow. Very Hebrew. Much kosher. Such rabbi. Wow. Very hazzan. Much…read morereligious. Very conservative. Such review. Wow.

My family and I have been searching for a Synagogue here in South Jersey for quite some time…read more I'm happy to say that the search is over! At Congregation Beth Tikvah, I really felt a connection. The cantor's voice was melodious, and the Rabbi has quite a way with words. His sermons are excellent. The oneg wasn't the best I've experienced, however, you're not going to a synagogue solely for the food (well, some times you are!), but going for the sense of community and spiritual connection. The people here are very friendly and welcoming, and it really makes me feel like I'm at home. All in all, this is a great synagogue here for families in South Jersey, and definitely one to consider visiting when you're new to the area. If you're looking for a place to truly belong as a Jew, I'd seriously suggest you check out Beth Tikvah. You'll be glad you did, because we are!

I can not rave enough about the Pre-school at Temple Emanuel…read more I sent my daughter, who was not yet 2 at the time, to camp here. The program was 2 hours long. I was incredibly nervous, as she has never gone to day care or any such program. The staff was amazing (thank you Deb and Jeanie), and they had a handful to deal with. I was a crying fool the first 2 days. My daughter LOVED it! So much so that I signed her up for 5 days of pre-school. Lynn and Jeanie are wonderful! They truly love their job and it shows every single day. My daughters teachers, Laura, Donna, and Mindy are fantastic! My daughter is the youngest in her class, but that has not stopped her from anything. In fact, school has helped her in so many ways from speech development to social skills. She loves going to school, her teachers, and her friends. I was even nervous about adding the 2 extra days, but I truly think it was one of smartest decisions!

Like Rachel U. puts it is so hard to find the words to describe how gorgeous BZBI ( as it is…read moreaffectionately known) is! A great place for everyone!

I keep trying to figure out how to review this place and not quite finding the words. I love this…read moresynagogue, both for the gorgeous Neo-Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows, and for the community where I spent most of my childhood eating hydrox and going to bar mitzvahs and USY dances. Since living away, I've still come back for the high holidays and always felt welcomed. The congregation seems to be growing with some younger families getting involved, and they offer lots of different services and classes during the year. I also knew this is where I wanted to get married, and so did just that =) They were a great help as I planned from Boston, with a wedding coordinator on staff for the day-of details. It was a bit surreal, but perfect.

If you are looking for a synagogue that is accepting of everyone, Chabad of Cherry Hill is the…read moreplace to go. I was a member of a conservative shul for a very long time, until I decided to try Chabad. Not knowing what to expect, I was nervous and thinking it would be a very religious environment. Chabad is a place where everyone grows at their own pace without any judgement. You become part of a large family and our supported by all those around you. I can't say enough great things about Chabad. If you are nervous, give it one shot and I beleive you will be back.

The second I stepped foot into chabad 5 years ago, I knew this is where I belonged. I had been…read morefeeling a bit of emptiness in my life, and I decided a synagogue might be the place where I can do the void. Despite many of my friends ridiculing me for thinking of going to a synagogue where the rabbi was a religious me with a beard, I tried it out nonetheless. That was the smartest thing I did in my life. The charisma and passion of Rabbi Mangel, the lovingness and care of his wife Dinie, and the absolute dedication and sheer selflessness of their children really made me feel that chabad is the place for me-and every jew. They don't charge any dues or membership, they welcome jews of all walks of life, and embrace everyone at their level. Don't let the 'mechitza' get in your way, don't let their tradiationalism pose a challange- for these very details give you a true taste and sense of judiasm. They don't yield to the facade of the laziness and carelessness of our generation - they help you rekindle that jewish spark which you know should be ignited fully. I have become involved fully in all that they offer - their classes, their services, and their holiday events. And guess what, the friends that laughed me off in the begining have now joined as well - and brought their friends to share this great experience too. See you at chabad!

This is by far the most beautiful synagogue in Philadelphia. At one time, many years ago, they…read moreused to have multiple morning minyans of over 500 people each. How many people walked by this shul and said, "That's where I'm getting married." That's how nice it is. Today, it is operated by Chabad. They have revitalized and injected new blood into this historic shul. The services are amazing, warm and friendly, as well as all of the classes and guest speakers they invite. Like I said, no other shul comes close. The rabbis are approachable, know Jewish law and are always available to the community. Contact Rabbi Goldman and Rabbi Schmidt for more information.

A very warm and inviting shul. They have a lovely preschool which is caring, open, and loving!read more

I'm a bit of an architecture nerd and a Jewish history nerd. So when my mom, my husband, and I were…read morein Philadelphia for a long weekend a few weeks ago, I knew I wanted to visit Beth Sholom and take a tour. Why? It's Frank Lloyd Wright's only synagogue and so has a fascinating history! You can book a guided architectural building tour a head of time on their website - it's a 1.5-hour experience (movie and tour of the building). There's a gallery area with timelines and photographs that tell the story of Philadelphia's Jewish community and the Beth Sholom synagogue as well. The tour was great. I don't know if I find the synagogue beautiful, but I found it interesting and awesome (the glass panels, the ceiling, the chandelier, the sloped floor,...!). I'm so glad we made the hike up to Elkins Park to visit (we didn't have a car, so we took the regional train up from Philly and walked to the synagogue; we took a ride share on the way home since we were in a bit of a rush then). If you're interested in Frank Lloyd Wright, American architecture history, or Jewish American history, Beth Sholom is well worth a visit!

Beth Sholom "House of Peace" is a truly spectacular building with a spectacular story…read more Through trial and tribulation to get this masterpiece erected from the ground, it took around a decade. Frank Lloyd Wright was a master artist/architect/artisan to be able to take the requests of the Rabbi and create it into the space it is today. We really enjoyed the tour and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. I recommend stopping by this architectural wonder if you are ever near the Philly area. You can register for a tour online. Don't forget, tickets to tour FLW homes and buildings help the preservation efforts of these beautiful structures!

My wife and I have been members for several years but attended services long before that…read more Rodeph Shalom is extremely welcoming and the community is so so friendly and very diverse... making it a great space for all regardless of who who are (age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation) or what you believe. Some people are highly religious and others are in it for the community aspects and no one is felt left out. The clergy and staff are all kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable. They get to know the congregants and form meaningful relationships. My personal favorite is the Friday night Shabbat It's a way for me to calm down at the end of a busy week and prep me into the weekend. I love the community, the songs, the shared experiences of congregants, and the sermons that are culturally relevant to what's going on around us today. They always tie into the Torah portion. There is something for everyone: Young friends events Adult education Events for families with young children Art (Philadelphia museum of Jewish art) Diversity groups Interfaith events Lgbtq events I cannot say enough wonderful things about this community and congregation

Rodeph Shalom is a great congregation filled with lots of loving people and a wonderful staff. The…read morerabbis and the cantor are top notch.

If you are looking for a Reform congregation that has a warm and welcoming atmosphere than Adath is…read morefor you. From the moment you walk in the door, the people at Adath make you feel at home. Rabbi Benjamin David is an amazing Rabbi as well as being a wonderful, caring person. Come to a Friday night service (check the website home page for the time). Stay after for the Oneg- you won't want to leave!