Chisuk Emuna has been my congregation since pre-K…read more Although it is more traditional than many conservative congregations, you can't beat the atmosphere. I can't remember how many times I've been shocked at other shuls when children are hidden away, or not allowed in the main sanctuary. While Chisuk Emuna does have a great junior congregation, kids are also allowed (and even expected!) to join in the main service. I've seen the Rabbi pick kids up (his own and others!) during services, and even continue a sermon while holding a toddler. While no shul is without faults (my gripe: Chisuk Emuna is not egalitarian), this has always been a wonderful place and wonderful community.

Very friendly members were welcoming on my visit during Simchat Torah. They've been around since…read more1892 and is a contemporary Reform congregation. Their Rabbi is young and impressive. Will return again for a typical Friday night service when I can.

Kesher Zion Synagogue has a new part time Rabbi. He is Cantor Kevin Wartel and is well versed in…read moreboth Conservative prayers and lyrics.

I attended services here for Shavuot 2012, the first day of the holiday. The synagogue itself is…read morelarge, airy, spacious, and modern, with auditorium-style seating. The parking lot is massive, perhaps in concession to the fact that even though this is an Orthodox synagogue, many of the congregants are not personally observant of Jewish law. It's a diverse congregation in terms of the people and leadership on board. The worldview and style of its rabbinic leadership is dynamic, fully Modern Orthodox, and pastoral; its senior rabbi, Rabbi Wohlberg, was a signatory to the 2001 document Dabru Emet, a capstone on Jewish-Christian relations in the 21st century, and he is a moral voice on many other issues, including Israel advocacy. Services were conducted by Rabbi Wohlberg, Cantor Avi Albrecht, and Rabbi Wecker, a graduate of the yeshivish, very frum Ner Israel. He leyned from the Torah, and before services, there was a chevra tehillim, a group of individuals reading psalms together. An older woman present was wearing a tallis, and nobody said anything to her pr bothered her about it, which I found to be very remarkable! What a chiddush! On the other hand, she was as bald and bare as a Crenshaw melon on top, so maybe they thought she was gender-fluid. Who knows? I found it hysterical when she went on about how because it was hot outside, her supper the night before consisted of a wedge of watermelon and Scotch whiskey. Anyhow, the service went at a reasonable pace, only a little longer than had their not been an accomplished cantor. He had a pleasant voice, but didn't wow me. On the other hand, I found it to be a very dignified service, which is rare in American Orthodox circles, and the sermon was well-written and well-delivered. These are the things that should define a religious institution: good, solid preaching, decorum, an inclusive and welcoming attitude, and quality musical delivery. I loved that they had the old black DeSola Pool siddur, as well as the Hertz Chumash, and the people sitting near me were exceptionally friendly. It was an excruciatingly hot day outside, and the air conditioner was cranked up nice and high. The kiddush afterwards was plentiful and bountiful, and everything was delicious and beautifully presented. It was a dairy gala spread in honor of the day, with a variety of cookies, cheesecake, smoked salmon, tuna, sliced cheese platters, bagels, rolls, juices, sodas, and of course, blintzes. What's shavuos without blintzes and cheesecake? The gentleman sitting near me was from Morocco, and we had a lovely conversation. I walked with him back to his home, and because it was a hot day, he graciously allowed me to cool off in his gorgeous home, and gave me several bottles of cold water in a lovely tote bag from the Baltimore County Public Library. What a saint! I would love to come back and pray here next time I'm in town, and if I lived here, I'd strongly consider becoming a member of this pillar of Baltimore Jewish life.

This is not my church so this review is solely based on my bingo experience. Bingo is held every…read moreSunday night from 6:30-9:30 with doors opening at 5:00, here's what you should know going in and things I wish I knew in advance. The CHEAPEST bare bone playing session costs $11 - $10 for the book of 20 games (6 cards per game) and one for the lucky #/admission ticket which EVERYONE must have going in. Anyone entering MUST pay for these two items to be admitted. Come early - we came at 6pm and had trouble finding a seat. I got the feeling it's regulars playing every week and while we found 2 helpful gals at our table that welcomed us over that doesn't appear to be the norm. Do not bring outside food. This is a Jewish run function and for religious purposes they want to "control" the food inside the building - kosher maybe? They do sell food/drinks there. I did however bring and drink my water from home without issue. There is an armed guard there the whole time and with good reason; there is tons of money floating around here. The "lot" is a hot mess! Literally - a few cars here, there, behind, in the grass, etc. Park where you can and be careful walking especially in the dark. I sprained my ankle by falling in one of the many potholes while walking to my car in the dark. Considering how much money flows through their doors you'd think they would make this a priority especially since it's a liability with mainly elderly clientele. If you are under 60 you will probably be one of the youngest players there. But those older ladies will most likely play you under the table. They're pros! Bring your own dabber and a pen for marking off specials (like the "letter" games"). The game cards are paper. Don't leave anything behind if using the rest room, as my fancy pen got stolen while I was in there. Pay attention! This is fast paced and aside from the regular bingo (which includes 4 bonus double games bingos) there is alot going on. In between calling numbers they also call out specials, make announcements for additional games, and constantly sell different pull off tickets. If you're lucky you'll end up sitting near some helpful ladies like we did - without them we would have been lost! Be prepared to win big cash! Shocked is an understatement when I saw the money that was up for grabs. $1000, $875, $250 - lots of high stakes winnings. And lots of folks forking over tons of money. Retirement must pay well because I couldn't keep up with these ballers on my budget. While budget and time won't make me a regular I will be back and hopefully win big!

Beautiful synagogue great congregation loving and caring absolutely an awesome place to prayread more

I toured the preschool with my 2 year old. These people love the kids and the school and are…read morecommitted long term. My son misses the cutoff for school by 1.5 months and I am really grateful they offer a 2s preschool class. I'll update once he actually starts school. We are both excited for him to start school here in the fall.