I have belonged to synagogues in Chicago, New York and Hong Kong. This synagogue is the best one I…read morehave ever been part of. Every program is open to all members--many people 65+ are studying to be bar mitzvahed. Clergy is very, very strong, led by founder Rabbi Harold Kudan. Music program is so inclusive and expanding led by Cantor Andrea Markowicz. Rabbis Steve, Phyllis and Pam are tremendous community leaders and ever present for all life events. The lay staff is exceptional, not merely clerical. Very active on social issues. Strong financial underpinnings.

Very nice looking building. Great security staffread more

Such a stunning location, inside and out. There is also lots of parking and the grounds are easy to…read morenavigate because of the signage.

My family have been members here since even way before I was born. My wife and I just joined with…read moreour son in the fall. NSCI is a great place to worship and the preschool, although a bit pricey is very good. NSCI has kids services quarterly and very family friendly. Rabbi Lisa Green is great with the kids for the family services. Signing, a few prayers and learning the traditions are a great introduction to Judaism. We just joined the preschool class and have attended twice. My son really enjoys playing with the other children. Beth is his teacher and he really enjoys attending her class. The class has elements of everything you would look for toddlers. Art, singing, some Jewish learning and even physical activity are all packed into and hour and a half. A great place for a child to begin his schooling.

There is an amazing group of leadership, the congregants are welcoming and the sermons always tie…read moreinto something relevant and current.

Rabbi Ari Moffic, of Sukkat Shalom, is officiating at my wedding. Since my fiance and I aren't…read moremembers of a temple, she let us know that we could get tickets to Sukkat Shalom's high holy day services by contacting the executive director. Since they don't sell their tickets, like most temples, they do ask for a donation in exchange for the tickets. But, giving what you can seems much more reasonable than being asked to pay a set price. (I don't even want to get started at why temples sell tickets for services on the holiest holidays . . .seems so . . . not right). Anyhoo, we went to their Rosh Hashanah service this past Saturday and over all we had a positive experience. For some reason, I was expecting it to be more of a diverse congregation and so I was really disappointed to see that my fiance was the only nonwhite person in the room. In terms of looking for a congregation to join, that is a major issue for us. But, I guess they are diverse in that they are very accepting of interfaith families. I guess it just depends what sort of diversity is most important to you. But, over all, the service was very nice. The rabbi gave an interesting sermon on biblical and modern parent child relationships. He used the example of Paul in Chorus Line. While he didn't come right out and argue for gay rights, there was definitely a message that parents should accept their children no matter their sexual orientation. I definitely appreciated that. There was lots of music and the shofar blower was awesome.

Rabbi Dovid Flinkenstein is a wonderful, wise man and Chabad is a welcoming organization.read more

Every aspect of Judaism you're looking for. All life cycle events shared with your Northbrook…read moreCommunity Synagogue Friends & Family

Only 4 stars to begin with because we've only been to services once. I was raised in the…read moreGastro-Judaic movement, which is somewhere between reform and reconstructionist (it's not about G-d, it's about the food...hahahaha!) but my husband is more comfortable with the Traditional setting, so here we are; our daughter will be going to hebrew school here in the fall. For those who don't know, Traditional is just a step away from Orthodox, in fact I saw several be-wigged moms in long skirts, but then there was also a woman in a thigh high mini skirt passing out siddurs (prayer books) so this place is accepting of everyone. There are orthodox members as well as those who would be classified as reform and everything inbetween. There is no music...no choir, no organ etc. which I like because music makes it seem like church...and this ain't church. The hyms are all traditional, none of the new melodies like they sometimes have in the conservative, reform or reconstructionist synagogues. The rabbis here have done their best to make us feel welcome...it's very nice when someone you've met only once remembers your name.

Lovely, warm and inclusive congregation. The clergy are great and gentle teachers. I find the…read moreservices very uplifting.

I was there for an event recently and found this temple to be very nice. I liked the layout of the…read morespace as I got to see several parts of the building while I was there. The temple was easy to locate which is always a plus when you are 100% sure where you are traveling too.

I attended the Bat Mitzvah of the daughter of my best friend from the University of Iowa on this…read moreThanksgiving Day. This trip to stand with my friend for this key life cycle event was a mitzvah (good deed) I was happy to perform. Beth Judea is housed in a handsome building and seems to be an active and welcoming Conservative congregation. Many friends and family from near and far had come for this occasion, including all of the Bat Mitzvah girl's teenage buddies in the back corner. Norm's daughter was impressive in chanting her Torah portion (Toldot) and the entire Haftorah. Her drash (sermon) was pretty good too. I also thought that Rabbi Gamer and Cantor Weisberg were especially kind and helpful to the Bat Mitzvah girl and the other folks (including me) who come up for an honor. In my particular situation, I had the Hagbah honor. This consists of lifting up the Torah and turning it around so that the congregation can see the actual writing on the parchment. The Hagbah occurs after the Torah reading is completed and before the Haftorah takes place. This requires a certain amount of strength in the arms, as Torah scrolls are heavy and in this case disproportionately weighted on the left side. And despite that required strength and balancing act and the fear of actually dropping the Torah, this honor remains one of my favourites. Afterwards, another person dresses the Torah and I then sat with it on my shoulder as Norm's daughter read the Haftorah. It was great to witness her chanting and the congregation watching from this vantage point. And as the weight of the Torah rested on my shoulder, I thought of the ying and yang of my Jewish-related burdens and enrichment, especially as it related to my son. Gayle is right, it is time to do something positive about that. Afterall, this is Review #613 and maybe a few more mitzvot are in order.

I have been a member of Congregation Beth Judea since 1979…read more Keeping Conservative Judaism alive and flourishing in the NW suburbs of Chicago is of extreme importance to me and my family. Every friendship that we have made since our move from Philadelphia has been started at Beth Judea. Recently Beth Judea has employed New Clergy. Rabbi Zimbalist and Hazzan Ezring have made our Jewish Community even stronger. Not every thing we do at CBJ is religious oriented, our social, education, and youth programs are second to none. I strongly recommend you try us out. Arnie G

A Warm, Nurturing Place to Worship, To Learn, and For the Whole Family!…read more Rabbi and Chanie Katz have been part of the Buffalo Grove and extended Northwest Suburban Community for over 20 years. They devote their lives to illuminating the world by helping to bring Judaism to this area and their loyal following shows how they have touched thousands of lives over the years. High Holiday Services are always free and require no tickets, membership, or building fund. They have a warm, nurturing and caring Hebrew School. Each Saturday services begin at 10 a.m. and are followed by a delicious Kiddush Lunch around 1 p.m. Shacharit services begin Monday through Friday at 7 a.m. and on Sunday at 8 a.m. Mincha and Maariv times vary through the year depending on sunset.