I'm a bit of an architecture nerd and a Jewish history nerd. So when my mom, my husband, and I were…read morein Philadelphia for a long weekend a few weeks ago, I knew I wanted to visit Beth Sholom and take a tour. Why? It's Frank Lloyd Wright's only synagogue and so has a fascinating history! You can book a guided architectural building tour a head of time on their website - it's a 1.5-hour experience (movie and tour of the building). There's a gallery area with timelines and photographs that tell the story of Philadelphia's Jewish community and the Beth Sholom synagogue as well. The tour was great. I don't know if I find the synagogue beautiful, but I found it interesting and awesome (the glass panels, the ceiling, the chandelier, the sloped floor,...!). I'm so glad we made the hike up to Elkins Park to visit (we didn't have a car, so we took the regional train up from Philly and walked to the synagogue; we took a ride share on the way home since we were in a bit of a rush then). If you're interested in Frank Lloyd Wright, American architecture history, or Jewish American history, Beth Sholom is well worth a visit!

Beth Sholom "House of Peace" is a truly spectacular building with a spectacular story…read more Through trial and tribulation to get this masterpiece erected from the ground, it took around a decade. Frank Lloyd Wright was a master artist/architect/artisan to be able to take the requests of the Rabbi and create it into the space it is today. We really enjoyed the tour and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. I recommend stopping by this architectural wonder if you are ever near the Philly area. You can register for a tour online. Don't forget, tickets to tour FLW homes and buildings help the preservation efforts of these beautiful structures!

Like Rachel U. puts it is so hard to find the words to describe how gorgeous BZBI ( as it is…read moreaffectionately known) is! A great place for everyone!

I keep trying to figure out how to review this place and not quite finding the words. I love this…read moresynagogue, both for the gorgeous Neo-Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows, and for the community where I spent most of my childhood eating hydrox and going to bar mitzvahs and USY dances. Since living away, I've still come back for the high holidays and always felt welcomed. The congregation seems to be growing with some younger families getting involved, and they offer lots of different services and classes during the year. I also knew this is where I wanted to get married, and so did just that =) They were a great help as I planned from Boston, with a wedding coordinator on staff for the day-of details. It was a bit surreal, but perfect.

Huge new building and great location, but the cost to run must be outragous because their preschool…read moretuition is the most expensive in town. By far! Would love to belong to this trendy temple, but think I'll be taking my worship up the road for a few less sheckels. They still pray to the same G-d right?

Very family and child friendly congregation. Fabulous and kindhearted clergy and staff.read more

Or Hadash is a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming Reconstructionist synagogue with an excellent…read morereligious school. Or Hadash offers congregants Kabbalah Shabbat services on Friday evenings, plus Torah study and services on Saturday mornings. Our innovative religious school meets once per week on Sundays and offers Hebrew studies from pre-K through Confirmation. Our active, diverse congregation is engaged in various Havurot, and artististic, musical and creative endeavors.

I have attended services off and on since 2016. Rabbi Goldman is a huge asset to the local Jewish…read morecommunity. He has always made time to answer my many questions. Architecturally this Shul is a masterpiece. For me walking there on Shabbes is 1.8 miles each way. It's definitely worth the effort. I have met some very nice people there and I have totally enjoyed taking classes. I am all about tradition and this Shul never disappoints.

This is by far the most beautiful synagogue in Philadelphia. At one time, many years ago, they…read moreused to have multiple morning minyans of over 500 people each. How many people walked by this shul and said, "That's where I'm getting married." That's how nice it is. Today, it is operated by Chabad. They have revitalized and injected new blood into this historic shul. The services are amazing, warm and friendly, as well as all of the classes and guest speakers they invite. Like I said, no other shul comes close. The rabbis are approachable, know Jewish law and are always available to the community. Contact Rabbi Goldman and Rabbi Schmidt for more information.

What a welcoming and inviting synagogue. The people involved couldn't be nicer and they're always…read moreoffering interesting activities to the local Jewish community.

An extremely warm and welcoming atmosphere with young and enthusiastic clergy. Everyone is made to…read morefeel welcome from the minute they come in. A thriving Religious School with individual classes for each grade level. Rabbi Kling Perkins just started but is already establishing herself as warm and caring. She works and meshes well with Cantor Annelise Ocanto-Romo. I have been there for 46 years and could not imagine ever being anywhere else.

We have been members of Congregation Kol Ami for over 5 years. The members are all caring,…read moreinclusive, and compassionate, the teachers keep the kids engaged while learning, and the building is lovely. Our cantorial soloist, Rebecca Schwartz, is truly amazing. She has infinite patience with kids and adults, alike, and her voice is simply gorgeous. And then there is Rabbi Holin, truly one of the kindest human beings I have ever met. He know each congregant and makes everyone feel welcome. My daughter's bat mitzvah was last weekend. She was completely prepared, ran the service for 2 hours, chanted perfectly, and felt confident throughout based on the wonderful foundation provided to her over the years. Cannot imagine joining any other congregation.