I have met many Rabbis in my life, being from NY. In the late '80s my father moved to Florida to…read moreopen up a NY Jewish-style deli, which attracted even more rabbis. When I had a crisis in my life, I've always had a Rabbi to turn to. When I was looking to put down new roots in 2012, I found out that there was a wonderful conservative synagogue in Hoboken and went to become excellent friends with him and his family.
In 2016, my family and I moved to Bayonne as Hoboken was pricing us out ($4500 for a 2-BR seemed like a bit much).
I have had numerous health issues and was not able to attend high-holiday services in 2016. Imagine my surprise when the Rabbi from Temple Emanu El came to my door to blow the Shofar and say the prayers with me. He took a break in-between services to do this for me. FOR ME?? How lucky I felt that day and how, to this day, I have NEVER forgotten such a deed.
Like other reviewers, I am not a fan of how Reform Judaism conducts their services. No dis-respect to them, but I don't like the pipe organs, I don't like the abbreviated prayers, etc. Reform Judaism is wonderful for some, but others want something more traditional. Orthodox Judaism has always presented to be too rigid. Women can't sit with the men, Shabbat MUST be observed in full tradition, you can't drive to services, etc. etc.
Conservative Judaism meets in the middle. Yes, you can have the traditions of the same Judaism you had when you were little, but not everything is SO rigid. You can breathe, sit with your wife, your sister, your daughter, your mother and be welcomed with open arms. You can recite the prayers in full as they are meant to be said and also include women in the them. It's a traditional, pluralistic, egalitarian version of Judaism that I have always loved. Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This porridge is cold, this porridge is too hot, this one.. this one is just right. That's what I love so much about the United Synagogue of Hoboken and that's what my family and I experienced at Temple Emanu El in Bayonne. You and your family are welcome to enjoy as much traditional Judaism as you wish to enjoy.