The square, the cube is a divine shape, and walking into this house of G-d, this "home of Israel,"…read morethis majestic edifice - will put you in direct contact with the divine. Count the 12 segments around the main worship space, gaze upon the beautifully detailed ceiling, relax in peace. The oldest Jewish congregation in West Hartford, second oldest in the state, has a rich history to go along with its magnificent architecture. They're welcoming and invite tradition while living up to their Reform orientation with an open spirit.

Emanuel Synagogue is a really welcoming, friendly and comfortable place for the first-time or…read moreseasoned synagogue-goer. The rabbi, who is now on leave I do believe, was incredibly welcoming to the boyfriend and I on our first several visits. New faces are always exciting for frequent goers, but the treatment we got was what I hope for when heading to new synagogues. I'm not big on guitars or organs, so those are the few things that I'm not big on at this shul. The High Holidays services were wonderful, excepting for some curious musical choices at times. I try to avoid the guitar-style services because it's a little too new-age for me, and it works out well. If you're looking for a nice, cozy place with beautiful artwork and a welcoming, friendly community, then Emanuel is probably right up your alley.

I grew up in New Jersey and always went to a Jewish day school and a Jewish camp. To me services…read morewere just something that was always there. When I went to college I continued the trend and went every Friday night to services at our Hillel. After college I tried a couple of places but never found somewhere I felt comfortable. Recently after years of not going, I decided to try Emanuel, and I loved it. The Rabbi is extremely nice and the building is beautiful. This is a place I definitely felt comfortable. The Rabbi one of the first times me and my girlfriend went in there asked us if we had somewhere to go to for the High Holidays, which I did not. He said that if we wanted to, to call the office on Monday and tell them to give us two passes for services and we are more than welcome as his guest, which we took him up on. Unfortunately I was unable to make Rosh Hashana service, but when we went for Yom Kippur it was very nice. The cantor did a great job and the envirnment was great and what I was used to.

A warm and welcoming community. The atmosphere at the Young Israel is inviting and you immediately…read morefeel at home in the space. There are so many smiling faces and people are genuinely happy to meet someone new. The leadership is wonderful and the Rabbi's sermon was clear and relatable.

My previous review was removed. Apparently someone at YI said I'd never been a customer." But…read moreI've attended, so that should count. Please address your leadership issues so that your congregation and West Hartford's community are lifted up.

Welcoming egalitarian Conservative congregation. The two Rabbis are excellent teachers and I have…read moreenjoyed their classes as well as their warm inclusive sermons. Many members have reached out extending friendship.

Three stars is a meh score - on the part of the reviewer! Take a stand tough guy! Well, it's…read morecomplicated. This review is dated May 2018, while a chain-link fence rings the building and a commercial "For Sale" sign blights the front lawn. Let's call this an architectural review of an edifice in transition. Dating back to the late 60's, Agudas Achim occupies a pocket park alongside center-hall colonials on a road that way back when was probably the last stop before cows and tractors. "Modern" lines (right angles, exposed steel, lots of verticals, weird levels) and a blunt small parking lot coexist awkwardly. But think about it, there's a sidewalk out front, mature trees for shade, homes and schools in close proximity, bus line out front.... we're talking accessible man! So why are they unloading the place? And where are they going? I see nothing online about what's happening with the congregation (after a very lite search). Hope everything is ok. And what on earth will go in it's place? To quote Jack Nicholson at the Oscars, "I've got a sinking feeling...." that we're gonna lose some lovely mid-mod building stock. Uuuuuuy.

The best. Unrivaled community, youth development, and just all around loveliness. This congregation…read moremakes individuals feel community and families feel safe. Best of the best. Prayers and praise always to Rabbi Bodenheimer, a patriarch of sorts to this holy home.

This Synagogue merged in July with B'nai Sholom (formerly of Newington); they are now called B'nai…read moreTikvoh-Sholom. They have a fantastic Rabbi (Debra Cantor) and they are forging a new identity together. They have lots of interesting programs and congregational participation. They have an active Sisterhood and USY chapter. People are warm and welcoming. I go there from Newington because it's a great place to daven, with great people. All are welcome