To be honest, I don't have a lot of synagogue experience to compare PJTC to, but I don't think many temples could beat it. When I went looking for a Jewish community to be a part of, I didn't know what to expect. (I am not Jewish, but wanted to follow the Jewish faith.) I sort of just stumbled upon it through one of their rabbis whom I enjoyed listening to. Because I don't live in California, I had to attend virtually. This was during the COVID shutdown in 2020/2021. I was warmly and lovingly welcomed into this beautiful group of people. Everyone there did everything humanly possible to involve me in almost every aspect of Jewish/temple life, even though I lived far away in another state. Although the distance and personal life situations caused me to stop attending for about three years, I was finally able to start back, and I have, once again, been welcomed back in with the same love and kindness they have always shown me. The fire that horribly took away the lovely building has not diminished the spirit and resolve of the clergy and congregants. They are persevering and growing! When I attend services online, the people rejoice and praise God with the same fervor as before. They carry on steadfastly, proving that, with or without a temple building, it is the Jewish people as a whole, in the presence of Almighty God, that is the most important thing. I love PJTC. I've never been to any other Jewish services more wonderful. read more

Pasadena Jewish Temple is NOT closed. The site was destroyed by fire but the members are still meeting, now at alternative sites, churches have been contracted to hold JEWISH services on Friday nights and Saturdays. We have contracted with FAME to hold services in their sanctuary. Our website is up and information can be found as t where and when our services will be hold. read more

Yes, the congregation of the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center ( PJTC ) is tilted towards older members in number of adherents, as one reviewer put it, but it still is an active and lively group, full of energy, and worthwhile to join to support. That said, religions in general are not attracting younger members ( per Pew Research's comprehensive and reprsenative 2024 polling ). Still, as a Jew, I'd highly recommend joining a temple as it is the only temple in the mainstream of Jewish life in Pasadena as I see things. There is Chabad, a smaller and more centrally located in Pasadena that lacks the time in Pasadena. PJTC was established in the 1920's, I beiieve whereas the Chabad temple might have become established in the 1990's ( check me on this ). From my limited knowledge, it is a younger and more active group. Of the 3 main groups of Judaism, Orthodoz, Conservative, and Reform, it seems to be a consensus that the Orthodox and Reform are attracting more members than the Conservative wing of Judaism. I am a member of PJTC and find the people who run the temple could be doing a better administrative job but I'm not an active member in making that p ersonal evaluation. I consider the dedicated members I have met to be all well-meaning people. With the passage of time as a member, it is my sensing the temple is dynamic, open to all thoughts but like all organizations, change is difficult when it comes to human beings. As a Jew, I'd say belonging to a temple, is better than being outside Pasadena's "Jewish" society as represented by PJTC. With constant threats to Jews and espeically in times of of stress, Jews are better off joining a temple for their well-being. There is strength in numbers. Together, we can make a difference. As individuals that is a lot more difficult to accomplish. . . read more

The Louis B Silver Religious School has been a great part of our life for the last 7 years. We are an interfaith family and the Temple School program is not only accepting of all types of Jewish families, but also very progressive. We couldn't recommend it and it's staff any higher. Surfas Family read more

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Great Energy! The Cantors voice is from Heaven...wow Its my brother & Sister in laws Shul. The congratulation, the families, the kids, all welcoming and polite. So many good things to say. Enjoy the Shul!!! read more

My 3 children joined the Louis B. Silver Religious School 5 years ago. We are currently in our final year and will have a B'nai Mitzvah next summer. My oldest in high school loved the program so much, that he is now a teacher assistant (Madrachim) for the 5th grade class. The school provides a such a warm, fun and wonderful Jewish educational experience for children. The teachers are incredibly engaging and form lasting, meaningful connections with the kids. The Educational Director, Rabbi Aimee, is super communicative, always helpful and very hands on. My family and I feel so grateful to have found Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center and their Religious School. I highly recommend this program and the Temple, and encourage everyone to check it out! read more

We joined PJTC in 2004 but started attending services here in 2000. When we attended our first Open House, right before we joined, I remember the "tour guide" telling my husband and me that her daughters LOVED attending Hebrew school. We couldn't believe that. Who actually likes Hebrew school? But this member assured us that the religious school at PJTC was not like other religious schools. And she was right. The teachers are passionate and well-trained. By the time my son started training for his Bar Mitzvah, he knew most of the prayers and was able to smoothly lead the service. The Bar Mitzvah experience could not have been better. The religious school director provides the parents with a notebook that guides them through the preparation for this important day. The tutors and teachers are gentle yet firm in their instruction. My son's favorite part of the prep work was meeting with the rabbi and studying his Torah portion with him. Unfortunately, we lost my father-in-law three months before my son's Bar Mitzvah. During this tragic time, we were able to really see what an amazing community exists within PJTC. The rabbi called me every day (from Washington, D.C.) to see how we were holding up. The cantor, who had just started, showed us, through her gentleness and kindness, her beautiful soul as she helped us through this difficult period. PJTC is now a second family to us. read more

If you are seeking a spiritual home and a welcoming community, you've found the right place. Since becoming a member, I've enjoyed great spiritual sustenance, wonderful intellectual stimulation and lots of fun. If you are interested in nourishing your mind, your spirit and your stomach, too, please join us for a Shabbat service. You won't be disappointed. read more

a temple and synagogue where adonai is that i love with all of my heart. "chai & ahavat olam" "dios te ama" sharon******

My fiance and I moved to Pasadena two years ago from upstate NY and were given such a warm welcome at PJTC. The staff and clergy learned our names immediately and quickly weaved us into the community. Membership is varied, a wide range of observances, which, as an East Coaster I'd describe from reform to "conservadox." I like that everyone can find their place here, it's sort of a catch-all, and it makes for a richer experience. My fiance and I were a little worried we'd have a hard time feeling connected at first because we were on the younger side and no kids (yet), but we feel completely at home and have been pleasantly surprised to meet other young couples at PJTC. Friday night services feel like a retreat, I've never heard a Cantor with such a soulful voice as Cantor Ruth's. Rabbi Grater's sermons are always thought-provoking. I like that although he sometimes has strong opinions, he is also so open to other viewpoints and remains extremely approachable. read more