My ex and I split. She gave away my computer to this organization. When I asked for it back not…read moreonly did I get a no but got threatened with a law suit. They should practice what they preach

Ruach Israel far and away offers the smoothest, most creatively interactive Shabbat service I have…read moreever experienced; it is as life-loving, creative, musically rich, and serene as its congregants. A pure joy to behold. The Ruach Israel community is open, welcoming, caring, friendly, down to earth, and real. That they invite suggestions for improvements is unsurprising; it is probably why they are so distinctive and attractive. New visitors are warmly welcomed, embraced, and prayed for, making it very easy for newcomers to feel connected. I there attended my first ever accapella Shabbat service, which was deeply moving and beautiful. And they offer long-distance membership, a great blessing for the small Messianic Jewish world. I give Ruach Israel a well-deserved five heart rating!

A beautiful large building with a big parking lot and well spoken rabbis and a great cantor. There…read moreis a guitar player if you are into that. The service was mostly in English with some Hebrew.

A warm, welcoming synagogue. It's very small and it's easy to meet people. The synagogue is…read moretraditionally Orthodox and so are most of the members, however there is a large minority of less religious members who join for various reasons (it was their childhood synagogue, location, finances-it's very inexpensive), etc. Some of the less religious members have leadership positions, so it's not 'discriminatory' in that respect. Women also have board positions, though be aware that there is separate seating (women sit in a balcony; the Torah is supposed to be and usually is brought up at the appropriate time). At various points in term the synagogue has hired a part-time rabbi; otherwise the synagogue is lay-led. Sometimes rabbis or cantors are hired for High Holiday or other special services. There is no religious school (or wasn't when we were members a few years ago) as most of the children attend Jewish day school. It may be possible though for one of the members to help find an alternative (private instruction, etc) if the day school option does not work for you. The synagogue sponsors a number of educational and social events; most are open to non-members and they are usually very good. Physically, the synagogue, which I believe is on the National Register of Historic Places, is lovely. The building is fairly small and older but is very well kept up. It exudes an informal, welcoming atmosphere. Parking is not a problem and no one is going to condemn you if you drive rather than walk. I would definitely attend services here if you live in the area and are looking for a synagogue, or even if you already belong to another synagogue and just want to see what it is like. It is really a special place and worth attending a few services to see a type of synagogue that is pretty rare today,

From the owner: The Adams Street Shul is an independent, historic Orthodox synagogue that serves a diverse…read morecongregation and the broader community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Shul hosts a welcoming volunteer community, now entering its 100th year of service, where everyone can contribute and be active in the life of the congregation.

This is the first synagogue I've been to in years* so I don't have as much recent experience to…read morecompare it to, but I was pleasantly surprised by this warm and bright building, and the community it houses. In particular, I was happy to see how personable and welcoming and human Rabbi Keith was. I was attending my little cousin's bat mitzvah, and not only did he clearly know her intimately (the wonderful little person she is, and what makes her so special), but he also seems to have fostered a lovely community where folks of all ages interact and enjoy each other's company. (My little cousin has been active in the theater productions, and she absolutely loves it.) My experience with this temple is as an outsider, but the bat mitzvah was an excellent testament to the way in which this community operates. I know my older cousin (the bat mitzvah girl's mom) to have excellent taste, and I'm not surprised she chose Temple Beth Avodah for her family. ______________ *Yes, I am not the best Jew.

This is my favorite Synagogue that I've ever attended. It's Reform and Rabbi Keith Stern is…read moreintellectual and cool. Besides services and holidays, there are activities for families, older people, younger people, book clubs, Torah study, all kinds of special programming ranging from speakers from Israel to movie and baseball nights. One of my friends invited me to join and when I first moved to Newton, but it took me seeing another friend who kept posting fun pictures on Facebook to get me to get over there. My husband and I joined almost immediately. We really enjoy the programming and all the nice people we've met there.

Beautiful synagogue. Attended a cousin's bar mitzvah here. Very nice ceremony. The rabbi was…read morewonderful. Then the huge party across the hall. Must have been 150 people there and the food, service, and of course the DJ and music were all great and fun.

My fiancée and I looked into joining this temple and having our wedding there. I grew up in Newton…read moreand wanted to have our wedding at a temple in that area. After speaking the Rabbi Perlman who during the entire interview tried persistently to convince us that this congregation is not for us since we (30 years old) are too young and could not make use of what they have to offer. Yes they have many child oriented activities and at the moment my fiancée and I are childless, but this will probably not be for ever, but should that be the primary reason for letting people join a congregation? I believe that if you are jewish you should be welcomed to join in to any community not ostracized for not fitting into their particular demographic. Well low and behold, the rabbi calls us back flat out refusing our request to join their congregation because THEY don't believe that we would be a "good fit" aka don't have kids and are probably not very wealthy in order to be able to contribute monetarily to paying their fat paychecks, as if the exorbitant membership fee wasn't enough, to add to it they mask themselves under a flag of community and jewish prosperity, but in reality are a bunch of elitists, who just want to belong to an exclusive club. If you're an exclusive club.. then dont' call yourself a synagogue because then you're sending out a false symbol to those around you thinking that you're warm and welcoming.

This is Waltham's only Synagogue. Temple Beth Israel was established in 1914 and a traditional…read moreegalitarian synagogue serving the Jewish community of Waltham. Lead by Rabbi Foust, the synagogue is under a revitalization as new young Jewish families are moving back to Waltham.

30 year member, part of this dynamic caring and learning community, many "gates" to membership, you…read morewill find all sorts of ways to be Jewish here. Brilliant clergy who relate our ancient traditions to today's world, both for individuals and groups.

Bad idea to come here to connect to god, the Jewish community, or for spiritual guidance. God would…read more not approve of what is going on inside these holy walls. Unless you donate large sums of money, the rabbis won't give you the time of day even in your greatest time of need. When my husband died, the main rabbi, Gardenshwartz refused to officiate the funeral because I couldn't afford his fee. I have been a loyal member for more then ten years and always gave generously until I fell on hard times. The congregants are mainly a bunch of old sheep to the rabbis flock, and everyone but his most inner circle are treated by him like children or outsiders. The sermons are braggadocious, cliche and a soapbox promoting the rabbis enormous ego. The female rabbi is a puppet to the overseers board and the main rabbi and is given the second class members to counsel. She is distracted and barely pretends to be paying attention. You will never find parking, friends or joy coming here. I am filled with sadness how I was treated.

Reyim helped my family to successfully navigate a very difficult situation with my father over a…read morelong period of time. They helped us in many different ways and for that, we are forever grateful.

A beautiful, loving congregation who supports one another through good times and bad. A learned…read moreRabbi who gives wonderful classes for congregants. A wonderful Limmud program with many wonderful programs. An active social action committee who support many important causes. An important B'Nai Mitzvah program with parents and children involved. The school uses experiential learning to enhance learning.

Gan Aliyah Preschool has a staff with outstanding credentials, and a loving, welcoming attitude for…read moreevery child and parent/caregiver. The director, Debbi Fendell, has built a staff of teachers who work exceptionally well as a team. She and the staff go above and beyond to communicate with such warmth, and to build connections among the parents.

Phenomenal teachers, wonderful parent community that feels like a family, lots of time outside,…read morestrong Judaics learning, perfect balance of open-ended exploration and play with thoughtful curriculum that take kids on a deep dive into learning. This preschool is the best!