When it comes to reform synagogues, Stephen Wise Synagogue is up there: they stream services…read moreonline, they post the Rabbi's speech on YouTube, they have a serious band that plays after the sermon, men and women are mixed, kiddush altogether after prayers, traditional prayers and new songs, and large, beautiful, and modern synagogue where space is never lacking. They host a cheese and wine Shabbat event for young professionals about once a month. It's a great idea to create a networking scene, so you could check it out if you want to meet people, although most of them are odd ducks. There were a few creeps who literally followed me throughout the event. A lot of them are established, interesting people, but the turnout is light. The crowd is typically the same peeps each time, so if you've gone once, I wouldn't feel the need to go again if the aim is to meet new people.

This is THE synagogue to make you want to go to schul. This…read moreis the most Progressive you'll ever find: Online streaming video services content, Rabbis' sermons on You tube, an incredible 6-piece band-ensemble, known as 'Hallel,' to accompany services, an high-caliber, established yet polished congregation, gorgeous, modern sanctuary, Kiddish with connoisseur-level yayn and healthy sweets and treats to keep you in the mood of shabbat, family programs and torah learning galore. A good portion of the service is in Hebrew. A picture is worth a thousand words: Go to swfs.org and find out more. Lawrence Weinzimer

Ramath Orah is my go-to synagogue when I am on the Upper West Side. Whereas Ohab Zedek (OZ) is a…read moreshameless singles, "meat-market" scene, where the emphasis is on external appearances and casual encounters and the superficiality of UWS MO existence, Ramath Orah is a shul of intellectuals. The rabbi, Moshe Grussgott, is a true talmid hakham and is a warm, inviting, friendly man. Rabbi Saul Berman, one of the leading minds and gaonim of the Modern Orthodox community, davens here, as do a few friends of mine. Even Ismar Schorsch, the former chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, used to daven here. In addition to a robust learning program and robust davening, Ramath Orah also features a beautiful space and a great kiddush.

I have been tuning in to Central's various livestreams and they have carried me through the…read morepandemic, spiritually speaking. Had an amazing time touring the sanctuary with my local JCC group recently. A member of the temple took us around and told us some of the building's history. It's like a little jewel in the middle of fatigued, gray, UES drab. Thank you Central for providing your spiritual resources to a wider community.

Wherever i visit I always like to visit churches and religious places. I was upset that I was not…read morealloewed in to visit and was stopped by a gentleman at one of the doors. He said i was not allowed in. He asked if i had been before. I questioned him and said I thought churches were open to everyone. He said no. He was very rude. listed on their site it says the following - Central Synagogue is an inclusive and welcoming community. We encourage participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of our sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We are committed to being an open tent, a place that welcomes all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community. I GUESS NOT!

Great synagogue to pray on the Holidays and Shabbat, even though they are a bit noisy at times. One…read moreof the best chazans, in my opinion, in the area. The congregants have calmed down over the years having arguments only a couple of times a year. But when they do, you can guarantee that they will be heated. A very big plus, they keep the building very comfortable throughout the year. I never sat down without it being feeling relaxed while I prayed.

This is the most child friendly welcoming chabad house!!! Everyone is made to feel accepted. Super…read morefriendly!!! Makes you want to go to Shul

Stunning from the outside. It was founded in 1845, this is the oldest reform congregation in New…read moreYork City and one of the world's largest Jewish houses of worship, which features striking architecture, beautiful mosaics and stained-glass windows.

Temple Emanu-El of New York is a synagogue at 1 East 65th Street on the Upper East Side of…read moreManhattan. It's located at the northeast corner with Fifth Avenue. This temple was built in 1928-1930 for the Reform Jewish Congregation Emanu-El of New York. The church seats 2,500 worshippers and is one of the largest synagogues in the world. I believe it is the largest in the United States. There's a wealth of information about this church on the internet if you're interested. I can attest to the welcoming reception visitors receive when you visit. It's always open for everyone. I'll never forget when this synagogue had the service for Joan Rivers funeral. I watched from across the street. If you look up Congregation Emanu-El of New York there's a list of the notable members and funerals. I'm recommending.

This synagogue is a true testimony to Jewish survival and continuity. It is the last remaining full…read moretime synagogue in Co-Op City, after the passing of Rabbi Solomon Berl and the subsequent closure of the Young Israel of Co Op City in section 1, and before that, the closure of several other synagogues, such as the Co Op City Jewish Center (Conservative). Despite the official name, this shul is Orthodox and a member of National Council of Young Israel, although members of all levels of observance and affiliations are welcome. The shul is friendly, welcoming, and heimishe, a warm place for all to come, worship, and enjoy a delightful kiddush luncheon after services. I encourage all in the area to come and pay us a visit. Your week will be greatly enhanced by the opportunity to come and pray with others on shabbat, the day of rest. We are available for all life-cycle events, including funerals, unveilings, conversions. weddings, and baby namings (for girls), and we can help arrange a kosher bris for boys. Welcome to your Jewish home in Co-op City.

Romemu isn't your traditional congregation. All are welcome for Shabbat services, regardless of…read moreyour age, level of religiousness, race, or ethnicity. In fact, I even met curious non-Jews here at the Shake It Off event. The only reason you should stay away is if you're offended by microphones, a band, female prayer leaders, a live stream, or a mixed-sex audience. But if you've felt alienated by other synagogues for whatever the reason (sexual orientation, skin color, ethnicity, atheism), then Romemu is what you've been searching for. They're based out of an UWS church, for reasons having to do with both efficiency and unity. So prepare to see images of angels during prayers. The group was mainly made up of females under thirty and male baby boomers. Most striking to me was meeting people who were all over the denominational spectrum. The leader (David Ingber?) is quite soulful in his sermon, and I'll admit he got a bit too preachy for me (touching on parsha to gun control to kashrut to Hebrew origins, whoa buddy), but his passion for creating community and connection is clear. If you go to dinner on their third floor for events, you'll notice a less traditional ambiance than other Jewish social scenes. With its same-sex bathroom, chill area on the rug, and passing around challah for interactive community discussion, Romemu has more of a "kumbaya" feel. We were one step away from sitting in a circle and holding hands. It's very sweet! They're working to not only bring more awareness to Jewish traditions, culture, and identity, but also they're being engaging and innovative about it. It may be a bit new-agey for you. But you won't know until you try, and I believe it's worth a try if you're looking for services that's at the very least more open-minded than most.

My wife and I recently joined this congregation. We immediately felt welcomed into the community…read more While we have not attended a ton of the services, we have enjoyed the Sha'baby services with our toddler, the high holidays services, and some Friday night services. I like that the temple offers a new member orientation. It is held in three parts and one of the nights is even at the rabbi's apartment. If you are looking for a non traditional temple where people take off their shoes during the service, dance, sing, and leave pretense behind -this is a place for you.