I was in Dublin and considered going to Friday night services at this reform congregation, thinking it might be an interesting cultural experience, in addition to being good for the soul. I called ahead to find out what time services were to be held, and was told that it changes regularly, and that night they'd be at 8:15 pm (even though sundown was at about 6:30 pm that day). But then the call got a little weird. The woman on the phone told me that they didn't normally allow strangers to just drop in for services; instead, they preferred to have people phone in advance (I thought I was doing that????) and make "arrangements". Then she said they'd make an exception this one time, but that I should bring my passport and photo ID. I said that was no problem, but just out of curiosity, why? She seemed really taken aback by my question, scoffed, and informed me crossly that people are in the habit of blowing up synagogues in Europe, so they have to be extra careful. I told her that where I live in the States, this didn't seem to be as much of a problem. She grumbled some more, and then we hung up. I felt off-put by this and not very welcome, so I opted not to go. I guess I was hoping that because we're both Jewish, she would at least be kind to me and let me know that visiting Jews are indeed welcome, even if they should undergo some scrutiny before just showing up unannounced. I didn't get that feeling. In retrospect, perhaps I judged too harshly: a few days later, a gunman shot and killed four Jews (a rabbi and three children) at a Jewish school in Toulouse, France. This reminded me that Knesset Orach Chayim's vigilance is in fact vital, and the woman on the phone's hesitance to just let me show up was well-placed. That makes me very sad, because I wish we lived in a world where people of all religions were able to congregate and pray together freely without the fear of violence. I discussed this experience further with my sister, who is a journalist for a Jewish newspaper and lives in Europe, and she said that synagogues in Europe are "under siege" right now, in constant fear of terrorist attacks. Apparently these fears are well-founded. I am mostly writing this review to let other Jews traveling to Dublin that while there IS a reform congregation here, if you want to visit and take in Friday night services, you should make contact well in advance of your trip and be prepared for them to be a bit wary of you as a stranger. I honestly had no idea how many stars to give Knesset Orach Chayim, because my only experience with them was via phone, which is why I put three stars. I encourage others who have had more experiences with this congregation to also review them and give more information. read more

Whenever possible we like to visit a local synagogue on a Friday night when we travel ; it gives a local "flavor" and a reminder that there are Jews around the world who do pray to the same God. When I checked there were two in Dublin, a "progressive" (which generally is the equivalent to reform) and an orthodox. Being Conservative Jews it was a toss up; we chose the progressive synagogue and could not have been happier with the decision. After corresponding with the President we found out that services that evening started early (7:15, I believe). We were told to bring ID and were given the address. The shul itself is a nondescript building in a residential neighborhood; even the cab driver was unsure of where it was (and, no, he did not drive around for hours "pretending" not to find it). We arrived a bit early and wandered the neighborhood. Upon entering the shul we were warmly greeted and I was handed a kippah, which told me this is not the usual reform we have experienced elsewhere! The service was comfortable, with more Hebrew then I expected. Of course some of the prayers, such as the Silent Amidah, were abbreviated, but we were blown away by the energy, davening and real enjoyment throughout the sanctuary. My guess is that there were about 60 people in attendance that night, very impressive indeed. One more thing - the oneg was terrific! My wife, not a big eater, loved the egg salad sandwiches and I enjoyed the lox. Even the "sweets" were good. Finding a cab back to the hotel was a breeze. If you care to go to a service in Dublin I don't believe you can go wrong here. read more

I prearranged by email for our visit for a Saturday morning service. I was also asked for my name and my husband's name, and told to bring our passports or photo id. We took a cab to the Church of the Three Patrons and walked from there. I was a bit nervous, not knowing much about Judaism in Ireland. However once we got there we received a wonderfully warm welcome. The service was beautiful and the cantor was a treat. Everyone was very kind. Since I am in the process of converting I needed to peek at the page of my neighbor a couple of times (Hebrew and English but no transliteration) but I never felt bad. Dress is smart casual. I would recommend pre-arranging but definitely do go if you can. It was a wonderful experience! read more

These folks were extremely nice. The security is a bit peculiar, but in discussing this with them, it is coming from the local authorities, not their own paranoia. A very nice service and an extremely welcoming congregation. For those looking for a progressive/liberal Kabalat Shabbat in Dublin, this is it. read more

What a wonderful, warm Shabbat experience. I emailed before I left the States and learned that there would be a Chavureh (sp?) dinner and was reminded to bring ID. I was greeted personally by the woman I'd emailed and enjoyed the joyful prayer service led by the Rabbi who comes from London twice a month. I was moved by the singing, the meaningful conversation (both enjoyed and observed), and the food. I feel I made many new friends and cannot wait to return. read more

My family and I have just returned to Canada from Dublin where my son celebrated his bar mitzvah at the Knesset Orach Chayim shul (Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation). The experience could not have been more wonderful! It was truly magical, just as I imagined it would be after first visiting the shul in 2009. The initial impetus to have my son's bar mitzvah at the DJPC came before 2009 when may family was planning on a two week visit to Limerick (Ireland), to reconnect with family there. I was curious about the tiny Jewish community on my native soil. That summer, I travelled with my sons to Dublin to take in Friday night and Saturday morning services . Though I arrived late (the taxi driver had trouble finding it), and it was our first time setting foot in the shul, only smiles turned to greet us as we entered the building. We immediately felt welcome. The service seemed closer to Conservative Judaism than Reform with prayers mainly in Hebrew, but ideologically it shares Reform's emphasis on social justice, as well as its view of Torah as "a human attempt to understand the Divine Will" [as it states on its website]. In 2010, I returned again with my boys for Friday night service, and this time we felt we were "returning home". We travelled to Dublin this summer for my son's bar mitzvah. Given the recent (and increasing) threats on the Jewish communities throughout Europe, the shul has had to become more vigilant in the manner in which it greets newcomers. To be otherwise would be foolhardy. But its vigilance in no way interferes with its tremendous hospitality. At my son's bar mitzvah, we had about 60 overseas guests attending. All felt utterly welcome. For many of the guests (the non Jewish side of the family) it was their first time in a synagogue, and they have been left with an exceedingly positive impression! This is the type of synagogue many of us dream existed in our own home communities: small, active, tight-knit and with a generosity of spirit that is palpable. Jews travelling to Ireland should take advantage of its hospitality and sincere piety. Though living in Canada means my family will unfortunately not be regular attendees, we will always consider the DJPC our shul away from home. read more