What a wonderful organization, open to all! This is an amazing organization that is so welcoming,…read moreno matter your relationship to Judaism. I would call it "joyful Judaism." I was raised Conservative with some Orthodox. I have no regrets about my upbringing. But now that my parents and grandparents are no longer with us, Jewish Holidays became something I dreaded. I felt like I had no home. I am divorced, I do not have children and my partner is not Jewish. But Mishkan brought me back to Jewish High Holiday services with joy.

Mishkan Chicago is more than a synagogue. It is a loving and caring community…read more It offers more than just religious programming. We are social action oriented, while also offering social programming, and learning opportunities for students of all experience levels. One of my favorite activities is the music jam sessions that we have! A bunch of people get together and just sing. Those who have instruments and want to play can bring them and play them as accompaniment! It's an awesome experience! For me, though, I love the Friday night and Saturday morning services. They are musical and filled with both Keva and Kavana. There's always lively and participatory discussion about the Torah portion and how it relates to modern life. The aspect of services that I love most is the music and the beautiful melodies that fill whatever space we are in! There's a ruach (spirit) that arises when we are singing together as a community. The room becomes electric when we are all praying together on Shabbat. It's like no other service I have ever been to. In ancient times, the Mishkan was a traveling tent that essentially served as a reminder of the spiritual presence of God. Today, it is a community that truly enhances my life and makes it more meaningful every day!

I attended Friday night services three times at Temple Sholom and had a number of private…read moreconversations with Scott Gellman, one of the administrators there. He seemed nice at first and feigned interest in my life. After the third service Scott called me at home and told me not to come back to the temple because a woman there accused me of using a derogatory racist slur from my grandfather's generation that I wasn't even familiar with. In my professional life, I have worked as a recruiter at Meta and designed diversity awareness trainings. I have also worked as a podcast producer for a black, female senior executive at Visa to promote diversity awareness. Another administrator Shoshanah Conover then wrote me a legalistic email accusing me of inappropriate behavior based on a false accusation from a congregation member. I was guilty until proven innocent at this place. The temple was a gigantic room that can fit hundreds of people and it was 95% empty when I attended. Now you know why.

Very welcoming and accepting. The rabbis are sweet and caring. I learned so much. The other…read morecongregants treated us like old friends - no one left behind!!

lakeshore Drive is a very friendly synagogue. It's traditional yet at the same times people are…read moreinterested in you. They want to connect and share their experiences. How often I've been invited for Shabbat dinner and created a real connection. They've been around since 1980 hidden away off of Lakeshore Drive in a very residential area. We just have to say give it a try.

I have been coming here for a few years. Friendly crowd.read more

This is most possibly the warmest, friendliest, most arms-open synagogue I've ever been to. I came…read morein on erev Pesach, just to feel the place out, and I was welcomed warmly and quickly set up with a first-night seder location with some person I was just then meeting for the first time. After services, they asked me if I had anywhere to go for dinner, and I actually didn't, so they invited me to stay and shmooze, which I did. I came back this evening, did my seder with several of the congregants and I'm happy to say that until I leave Chicago in the fall, I believe I've found a new home. Did I mention it's Orthodox and I'm theologically somewhere between Conservative and oblivion? Yes. It was glorious. If you're new to town, come here. Even if you're not keen on the Hebrew, they have transliterated siddurim, so it's all good. And there are plenty of people willing to keep you abreast of the situation (not to mention the rabbi actually calls out page numbers)! Todah, Anshe Sholom. I just wish I'd have found you sooner.

We moved to the Chicago area in early 2009. We have tried several different synagogues but really…read morelove Anshe Shalom. The rabbi is modern orthodox but the most egalitarian rabbi I have met, who has found the balance between being a serious and observant Jew and completely non-judgmental towards everyone else and completely welcoming to all who come. The membership is all ages and all different levels of observance, which is cool. We were in the neighborhood and walked over just as shul was getting out on Sukkot. We were wearing jeans! We walked back to the sukkah and were warmly greeted. The place was packed but the rabbi got us some plates and invited us to sit and eat. People walked up and introduced themselves and didn't act like we were "party crashers." It is my favorite shul and I expect we will be joining.

I had never seen this space before. A friend and I went in yesterday during "Chicago Open House"…read more It's a smallish, intimate space and the window is spectacular. A must-see gem.

The times I've been to the Loop Synagogue (occasional minyans mostly) it has been welcoming and…read morevery nice. 5 stars I suppose. But every single time in my recollection that I have ever had to call the Loop Synagogue for any sort of information, regarding High Holidays schedule or fee etc. (well ahead of time, not last-minute), or other information (and I'm talking about once or twice every year or so here, not any kind of frequent calls or anything), I think without exception the phone answerer-- whether male or female-- has been abrupt, curt, impatient, cold, unfriendly, and acting as if I'm bothering them by asking a polite, concise question. It's not only extremely off-putting, it also seems SO out-of-tune with what any religious organization, or people representing it, should be. Sure, people are human, anyone can have a bad day, but after a somewhat recent call when again the people on the phone were-- well, all the above adjectives-- I looked at my notes from a while back (over a year ago) when I'd called them for some different info and saw, underlined, the word 'rude'. And I believe this has been the case on previous calls as well, anytime I have to call (which is not very frequently, it's not as if I'm some frequent caller that they're reacting to personally, we're talking about a grand total of maybe 5 or 6, possibly 7, calls over the past 3 or 4 years, each for simple things such as the timing of a service, the fee for High Holiday services, etc). The people at the synagogue who connect with incoming callers should really work on their phone manner. Because whenever I've been there in person, in my recollection I've never experienced this rudeness or coldness one little bit, quite the contrary. And again, it's not as if I was holding them on the phone for some long-winded question, nor have I called frequently, as I've noted. Just asking basic info. It's upsetting. And unnecessary. From the moment the person picked up the phone they acted as if someone had called after-hours or to some private unlisted number or had interrupted some vital meeting by an unwelcome call on their private cellphone! Even though, obviously, this was a person calling the synagogue's official business number in the middle of the day. On one occasion they transferred me (for a simple schedule inquiry, something not findable on the [overall very nice] online schedule), and this SECOND person was similarly impatient, abrupt and almost hostile. I get that people have multitasking to do in their job as well as take phone calls, but really! This was not an extended question or call. One time it was a woman, on another occasion it was a man. They act as if they hate people, or at least dealing with people. Makes me want to never go back there, even though again my actual experiences at the shul have never been anything like the terrible on-the-phone experiences. What is the deal?

Great downtown location. Parking can be an issue near by but 12 bucks to park downtown isn't…read moreterrible. Rabbi Greene is great.

I've never been here for services (perhaps one of these days), but my daughter is currently…read moreenrolled in the mom/tot program and I'm a big fan. The downtown location is great. I was worried about the parking situation when I first enrolled, but I've never had trouble finding a spot nearby. The building itself is beautiful and very clean. The mom/tot class itself is only an hour long, which is as you can expect to hold the attention of these little ones. It's setup with the first 45 minutes being open play stations (ex: sand table, water table, coloring, play-doh). There's also typically a painting station or 2, but so far I'm happy that my little one hasn't shown any interest & and leaves the class with her clothes/face paint free. After clean-up time (yep, we sing the song) the tots sit around a table for snack time, which is pretty darn cute. We wrap up the class with some circle time (songs and bubbles). By then hopefully the kids are tired enough to take a nap! I'm sure ready for one myself! I really like the teacher, Miss Jenny, and was bummed to hear she'll be leaving next year to take care of her own little one. However, we've had some fabulous subs throughout the year so I"m confident they'll find a good replacement. My one complaint is that the time of the class is absolutely awful. As of now it's from 12pm-1pm and my daughter (like most kids her age) typically goes down for a nap at 12pm. She's not tired enough to take a nap earlier and if we wait until after 1pm she turns into a scary monster. They did move the class to 11:30am-12:30pm for next year, which will be slightly better, but even earlier would make Chicago Sinai a 5 star business.

Here for Valerie Jarrett tonight. Nice staff, beautiful church. I can see a wedding here or…read moreclassical singer Sara Brightman performing a concert. The detail in the church is historic, no wonder why it's a landmark. It is across from the Obama's mansion. 1st time down this street. For one night I feel important.

I attended an open house tour of KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation (URJ) in 2015. I thoroughly enjoyed…read moreit, and came away with greater appreciation of Chicago's Jewish history. The members are welcoming and the building is so well maintained. KAM Isaiah Israel is a must-see for anyone interested in Jewish history, Chicago history, and Byzantine architecture. This synagogue is located directly across from President Obama's personal residence, and as such is heavily fortified. This means that you will likely have to park a block or so away if driving. KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation is a vibrant Reform community. The congregation is engaged with the community and hosts a number of public events.

It's hard to find people more friendly than the Rabbi and his wife, Yosef & Sara Moscowitz. If…read moreyou're not familiar with the Chabad movement, they cater to the communities they serve, while at the same time offering people authentic traditional Judaism. This isn't a simply line to walk. But the Moscowitz's are the perfect example of their mission. But be forewarned. If you are a Jew who is ashamed of traditions which have been consistently practiced by all Jews from 500BC right up until 100 years ago, this isn't your place. There will be shuckling and swaying! (horror). There will be children sometimes wandering or running about (as children are rumored to enjoy). If you are a Jew who thinks these things are hilariously vulgar, you may feel more comfortable going back in time to attend an anti-Semitic Midieval European Church. To respond to another of the more critical reviews from a friend, how can I argue with someone else's personal experience? I can only say what I've experienced. As a Jew who has people of different backgrounds in my extended family, from India to West Africa and from Christians to Buddhists, I feel especially sensitive to expressions of bigotry. If I ever heard a racial epitaph from any child, I would think nothing of confronting the parent. I've never experienced such an occasion, though. Regarding concerns about sanitary conditions I can point out that unlike a private home, the Chabad is allowed to be inspected by outside entities. If I don't feel comfortable eating at my Chabad which is required to follow certain standards, then I can't be comfortable eating at the home of any friend. Does my friend hire staff to keep his home and kitchen clean? My Chabad does. And regarding our local JRA food-distribution operation- it follows additional stringencies of its own. We aren't even allowed to reuse a perfectly clean box if it's had any food previously stored- irrespective if the previous food had been sealed dry goods. Our local JRA operation has never failed an inspection from its officials. If you're standing on the fence, come on by and visit us!

Great People and cool events! i've been going here for years and have met some great people and met…read moregood friends.

What a warm and welcoming place!…read more First off, the temple is simply beautiful. It's a vibrant growing community that recently welcomed in the community of Temple Chai (Long Grove) who had to sell their synagogue. And they've been welcomed it with open arms with the lower level of the synagogue refitted with items from Temple Chai to make their displaced members feel at home. I recently was able to see their Men's Club run a Men's Seder and it was a splendid event! The Cantor from Temple Chai ran the Passover Seder and Temple Beth-El's Rabbi oversaw the proceedings and joined in on the festivities. They welcomed members and non-members alike and I felt as if I was a member despite just paying for the event and not a current member. There was networking/meet-and-greet prior to the dinner and the reading of the Haggadah. Then during dinner we were able to chat with friends new and old and after, the Men's Club President thanked everyone individually. I personally was moved by this gesture that I'll be joining the Men's Club this summer. Temple Beth-El is a welcoming, warm, lovely community that if you're looking for a place to call home and to fit in, this is the place for you.

Temple Beth-el is a vibrant, growing community I love the clergy and the friendly, warm TBE…read morecommunity. I am happy that I have found my spiritual home.

This has been a second home to my three boys their entire lives. The learned, volunteered, and was…read moresupported there

Is kindness not important in a rabbi?…read more Does compassion not factor into intelligence? How about empathy? Commitment? Tikkun Olam?   None of these factored into the rabbinic counsel before me: Rabbi Michael Siegel sitting on a couch glancing at his watch.  Does a good rabbi focus on the negatives and dismiss one as a piece of "coal" ?  How is it possible for him to be in denial about rabbi assault?  "I cannot help," he said. A more truthful response would have been: "I have no will to help."     Are his pockets too well padded for his hands to feel comfortable taking the hand of another?  He does charge money for people to hear him speak about subjects like "truth". I noticed this on my way out after I grabbed a flyer.  Is Siegel's rabbinic calling all about, then, "conviction" ? As in convicting another human being, that is....