I attended services here for Shavuot 2012, the first day of the holiday. The synagogue itself is…read morelarge, airy, spacious, and modern, with auditorium-style seating. The parking lot is massive, perhaps in concession to the fact that even though this is an Orthodox synagogue, many of the congregants are not personally observant of Jewish law. It's a diverse congregation in terms of the people and leadership on board. The worldview and style of its rabbinic leadership is dynamic, fully Modern Orthodox, and pastoral; its senior rabbi, Rabbi Wohlberg, was a signatory to the 2001 document Dabru Emet, a capstone on Jewish-Christian relations in the 21st century, and he is a moral voice on many other issues, including Israel advocacy. Services were conducted by Rabbi Wohlberg, Cantor Avi Albrecht, and Rabbi Wecker, a graduate of the yeshivish, very frum Ner Israel. He leyned from the Torah, and before services, there was a chevra tehillim, a group of individuals reading psalms together. An older woman present was wearing a tallis, and nobody said anything to her pr bothered her about it, which I found to be very remarkable! What a chiddush! On the other hand, she was as bald and bare as a Crenshaw melon on top, so maybe they thought she was gender-fluid. Who knows? I found it hysterical when she went on about how because it was hot outside, her supper the night before consisted of a wedge of watermelon and Scotch whiskey. Anyhow, the service went at a reasonable pace, only a little longer than had their not been an accomplished cantor. He had a pleasant voice, but didn't wow me. On the other hand, I found it to be a very dignified service, which is rare in American Orthodox circles, and the sermon was well-written and well-delivered. These are the things that should define a religious institution: good, solid preaching, decorum, an inclusive and welcoming attitude, and quality musical delivery. I loved that they had the old black DeSola Pool siddur, as well as the Hertz Chumash, and the people sitting near me were exceptionally friendly. It was an excruciatingly hot day outside, and the air conditioner was cranked up nice and high. The kiddush afterwards was plentiful and bountiful, and everything was delicious and beautifully presented. It was a dairy gala spread in honor of the day, with a variety of cookies, cheesecake, smoked salmon, tuna, sliced cheese platters, bagels, rolls, juices, sodas, and of course, blintzes. What's shavuos without blintzes and cheesecake? The gentleman sitting near me was from Morocco, and we had a lovely conversation. I walked with him back to his home, and because it was a hot day, he graciously allowed me to cool off in his gorgeous home, and gave me several bottles of cold water in a lovely tote bag from the Baltimore County Public Library. What a saint! I would love to come back and pray here next time I'm in town, and if I lived here, I'd strongly consider becoming a member of this pillar of Baltimore Jewish life.

We went through a really rough patch when my wife was pregnant with our third kid. She was…read moredangerously sick with chest pains and worse that kept us bouncing from specialist to specialist, trying to tease out exactly what was wrong. I was doing my best trying to be there for her and our two girls and keep up with work as the sole breadwinner (fortunately, I work from home), and our household was kind of falling apart. I shared some of what was going on to friends at Oseh's religious school, where my oldest daughter was a student. About a day later, they had organized a Meal Train for us of fellow members who came almost daily for two weeks to bring healthy meals and help share the chores and childcare. I can't express how much that meant to us. It gave us enough breathing room to figure out the issue at last and turn things around; a few months later, our son was born happy and healthy! I'd been happy to be a member at Oseh Shalom before, but that experience really transformed the way I saw the synagogue and the people in it. This is a valuable place to be a part of through highs and lows in life alike, full of caring, multitalented people. I'm delighted that my kids will be growing up here the way my wife did.

This synagogue is exactly what we were hoping for. Oseh welcomes all; traditional Jewish families,…read moreintermarried families, mixed race and LGBT families. Oseh's religious school has done a great job accommodating student special needs without any stigma whatsoever. Some of our favorite things about Oseh: the people, the focus on Tikkun Olam through the Winter Shelter, the relationship with Elizabeth House and the Laurel Area Shelter and Food Bank, Teen Connect activities, religious school electives like cooking and Israeli Dance. One student even raised money and sought volunteers to build our own Gaga pit. It's wonderful at Oseh!

My first visit was with a group from the NVJCC. There was a group of 55 plus dancers performing…read more They were energetic and fun to watch. Afterwards a lovely free lunch of deli was served with chips, coleslaw, drinks, and desert. The people were very friendly. The 2nd time was last Sunday to view the movie 'It's All About Friends'. The organization ARC came to discuss the film and how their organization provides support and contacts to families who may know someone with special needs. It was a charming, funny and touching program, thanks.

Back in 2016, we were looking for a synagogue to join. We visited Beth El and fell in love with the…read morewarmth of his congregants. Four years have passed and we feel we did the right choice.

​​​​As a 20-something, I have gotten used to being the youngest adult in a synagogue by at least…read more15-20 years, so I was absolutely thrilled to find a vibrant, active Conservative congregation with a large, engaged, and welcoming cohort of young professionals. There are tons of ways to get involved spiritually and/or socially, the rabbis give thoughtful d'varim and are active in the larger Northern Virginia Jewish community, the we​​ekly kiddush lunch is almost always delicious, and the building (particularly the sanctuary) is beautiful. I can't say enough great things about this warm community.

Welcoming community, excellent preschool and summer camp. Many opportunities for personal growth…read moreand community involvement. The clergy and staff are wonderful.

I spent a great deal of time at Temple Rodef Shalom Nursery School. I worked as an aide for one of…read morethe children enrolled, so I was not employed by TRSNS but spent several days there a week observing staff and their preschool program. I was continually impressed with the professional and caring teachers, who have great approaches towards educating children. TRSNS focuses on exploratory learning, creative play, kindness to others, and respect for others and the environment. Many of the children are not Jewish- this is a great preschool for anyone!

My family joined Beth El way back in 1957, very shortly after it opened. My mother and aunt still…read morebelong to the congregation. My sister & I attended Sunday School there for eleven years/each and we were confirmed at Beth El. I adored Rabbi Scolnic & Judy and I've been very impressed with Rabbi Rudolph's kindness & humor. The staff - and there are many - have always been wonderful. In particular, I'm very fond of Ricardo; he's in charge of senior programs and my mother participates in those. The kitchen & the facilities staff are terrific and there's very little turnover (I fondly remember Dorothy Beverly, who ran the kitchen for eons). Cantor Lubin had an incredibly beautiful singing voice and "a heart of gold". I've also heard great things about the new cantor. The receptionist - Hattie - is very friendly. Beth El's Nursery School has always had a superb reputation. My sister & I belonged to Beth El's USY (youth group) and loved it. I have great memories of attending my sister's wedding and two of my close friends' weddings at Beth El (I met them via USY in 1965 and we're still friends). I have special memories of attending my late grandfather's 90th birthday party at the Morning Minyan, where the beloved (late) Max Cohen prepared the food. I spoke at his funeral service at Beth El....I have myriad memories of my association with Beth El throughout my life, both happy and poignant. The thing I love in particular about the congregation is that its large size doesn't detract one bit from its incredibly personal ambiance. In recent years the building has been expanded a few times due to increased enrollment and it's a beautiful place. I'm not a religious person, but I love Beth El in its entirety.

This is an odd review. I am not Jewish. I donated blood this morning through Inova Blood Donation…read moreServices at the Congregation Beth El in Bethesda. Members of the congregation were volunteering at various stations. I was so impressed with the kindness, courtesy & respect with which I was treated by the volunteering members. This was such a positive experience - I left with a warm feeling for these generous people who gave of their time to volunteer. Sincerely, Susie

Such an amazing synagogue!!! They are so welcoming and friendly. I have been very happy with my…read moreexperience with the temple so far. Love Rabbi Weiss!!

Not being from the area, I came across Temple Isaiah while searching for nearby Temple to observe…read morefor the high holidays. The Rabbi, Congregation and Service(s) were all extremely enjoyable; happy I chose to attend here.

Beautiful venue for weddings, receptions etc…read more Lots of room and very accommodating to the needs of the consumer. From the ceremony to the cocktail hour to the reception this place has got it going on. It's worth every penny!