I started going to this church my freshman year of College, and I was immediately taken aback by…read morehow relational and caring this church was. People always makes an effort to connect with one another in a meaningful, loving way. There doctrine is extremely Gospel-centered, and they teach whole books of the Bible in order, not shying away from difficult topics. Although this church isn't very big, there is more than enough people to feel like a church family! The worship is also very good. They have a full band (drums, electric, acoustic, bass, keys, viola). The most important piece of worship is there song choice, they're very good corporate worship songs that remind us of what the Gospel truly is. There's a lot of value in their worship, and I really appreciate that. This is also a very diverse church in terms of age and race. Roslindale and West Roxbury are some of the most culturally diverse areas in the state, and the church mirrors that very well. There are also a lot of young families in the church, and the pastors are also heads of young families as well. In the fall and spring, college students also frequent the church (like myself), so there's something for everyone. There is also a good amount of more 'seasoned' people in the church. The fact that everyone in the church is still connected to each other despite the diversity is proof of how much God is working in this church. I'm happy that I'm apart of it!

People who love Jesus -- that's what this place is all about. My family and I were looking for a…read morenew church about 2 years ago when we first visited. From the warm door greeting, to the helpful children's ministry staff who made my son feel comfortable and excited about children's church, we felt at home right away. CRC has a diverse community whose praise and worship time flows seamlessly from Christian Rock to Gospel to Traditional Hymns. With its medium sized population, I find it easy to serve on a number of different volunteer teams without any pressure. I definitely recommend CRC to those looking for a new church home or just exploring Christianity for the first time.

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.

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.

Although i don't go to church anymore, ive always thought that this was a wonderful place to go…read more I've been going there since i was a baby and im in my twenties now. They treat you like your family which is wonderful.

I came to this church three years ago. I could not be happier that I did -- great music, great…read morepeople, great theology, great leadership. That first day I heard the priest (a woman!) preach to specific people, by name, about how she saw the Divine in them. As someone queer & Christian, that was a balm for me to witness! And the preaching continues to be a huge draw. It's a very come-as-you-are kind of place -- serious about ethics and justice, not so serious about being serious. The priest brings her dogs to church sometimes, and there are always kids in the service, and we sing everything from traditional Anglican hymns to Beatles songs. While the services seem laid-back, they're also very intentional. For example, we now use primarily gender-neutral words for God, in order to be more welcoming to the non-binary folks (and women) in our midst. We try things, talk about them, adjust, learn, mess up, try new things. I have felt a sense of community here from the first day. During the passing of the peace, people really looked me in the eyes and paid attention when they shook my hand. I felt warmth and kindness, and I have found that to be more and more true as I get to know people. I am white and Christian, and it has been important for me to see also the ways this congregation shows up in community with our Jewish neighbors, with people of color, with other queer and trans people... A lot of places say that they are welcoming. Here I have seen welcome, affirmation, and solidarity all put into practice. I had walked by this church for *years* on my way to the T. I'm glad I finally came inside.

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!

Ruach Israel is a wonderful place for a Jewish Family experience! The Temple offers the familiar…read moreliturgy and all the festivals I grew up with in a Conservative setting. What makes Ruach Israel special is the people. The term friendly does not do justice to the welcoming feeling that makes every moment, especially on Shabbat so special. Plan a visit and get the feel for Ruach yourself.

I pick up my niece from NGCC twice a week and I wish there was a center like this around me for my…read morefamily. Every time I go in , it is so clean. Everyone at the front is friendly and helpful. They even helped me with questions for a childcare search in my area. They offer all meals in house and they do laundry! I don't pick up often but when I do I always feel welcome .

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!