What a magnificent wedding we attended on Sunday, December 12, 2023. The inside of Temple Avodah is very lovely and allows for a dramatic entrance by the bride. Elegant and fun! The Kombert caterers put out an amazing assortment of delicacies both at the cocktail hour, reception, and then afterwards for dessert. The frozen margaritas at the cocktail hour were delicious. So was the tuna tartare and everything else offered that I tasted. The main course included filet mignon which everyone seemed to love. I enjoyed the salmon! The selection of desserts included chocolate mousse cake, a s'mores bar, a jelly bean cart, "security" walking around offering chocolate cigars and candy cigarettes and so much more. Above all, the wait staff were professional and friendly. Every single one of them! The band was the East Coast Band. They were amazing too. No one wanted to sit when they sang. They just kept on getting us revved up to dance the night away. read more

Temple Avodah - The East Coast Band is bringing this wedding to life!! Wonderful ambiance at Temple Avodah. - Synagogues Near Me - Oceanside, New York

5 starz - food 5 starz - service 5 starz - decor Kombert caterers Will make your event beautiful !! read more

I attended a wedding Saturday night. The food/ catering was second to none. The hors doeuvres were varied not the usual only and absolutely delicious! They had everything you would expect and more with exciting presentations - they never ran out and were constantly replenishing. Dinner was terrific as well with a large variety of main dishes including duck, steak, chicken with waffles, fish choice. Bars are plentiful , exotic drinks , vodkas, Moscow mules, just so spectacular in the delicious foods service and beverages. During dinner too they stopped at nothing as while you were eating they brought out delicious pizza in a pan. If you are doing an affair I would highly recommend this venue if conveniently located for your affair. read more

This is an absolutely outstanding place for a wedding. My friends got married at Temple Avodah over the past weekend, and this was without a doubt the most impressive catering job that I have ever seen at a wedding. Each and every food item served was fantastic. The cocktail hour spread was so top notch that it's hard to put into words. There must have been at least twenty food stations, and each was serving up a different eclectic style of cuisine with unique drink pairings. The sit down dinner service and dessert was equally impressive. This is also a great layout for a wedding- there is a large space for the cocktail hour, a huge and beautiful ballroom and the synagogue area is the perfect place to hold a ceremony. There is also a private lounge area where the bridal party was able to spend some time relaxing before the wedding. I've been to lots of weddings over the past few years and just felt the need to rave about one of the most excellent wedding experiences that I've ever had. I know my friends who got married here will say the same. read more

This congregation gets Zero Stars, other than the Rabbi who is a fabulous person and a caring person, the rest of leadership, and the new Cantor do not care about membership. The Rabbi contracted Covid the week of my wife's passing, no one from the Temple contacted me for other arrangements, I had to rely on a retired Rabbi, a Cantor who was a friend of my wife's, and a Rabbi who I did not know who called me with condolences, and then showed up at my house to lead evening prayers. Thank god my wife and I had a huge circle of friends who stepped up in our time of need. needless to say, I resigned from Temple Avodah read more

Attended a few services and events here. The cantorial soloist has a beautiful voice with a modern sound and works to bring new fun tunes to the congregation. We've seen kids on the bima every time we've attended, in a positive way. Temple leadership, including lay leaders, was welcoming and warm. Clearly a special place for Jewish life on the South Shore. read more

My family have been members of Temple Avodah for 8 years now. My 2 boys have gone to the Hebrew school since they were in 3rd and 4th grade, participated in the Junior and Teen Choirs and now my older son attends the Kesher Kef (Hebrew HS). Their experiences with Rabbi Goren, Cantorial Soloist Jessica Gubenko and the staff has made them better young men. They enrich their lives in so many different ways. Being a member of Temple Avodah has brought friendships together and made life long commitments to being a better Jew. Spending Friday nights at Shabbat services have peaceful yet inspiring. Rabbi Goren has a way of making you feel welcome yet also makes you think about the world around you. He makes the Shabbat services something you want to come to week after week after week. Being a member of Temple Avodah has brought me many many things that I am so grateful for. read more

My family has been a part of the temple for over 15 years. I have seen the development of many fine programs offered to the diverse membership and the community ranging from the creative musical and rock shabbats and cabaret nights to the study and social action experiences. I enthusiastically value all aspects of being a part of the temple family. Paul E. read more

We joined this Temple in 2010 after searching for a Temple that would have: a warm and friendly congregation, humane and talented clergy, and a strong spiritual reform environment. We looked for happy children. We found all this and more. Our family had roots at a North shore Temple that ran back to the 1950s. Time and location meant that we needed to find a new Temple home, and we have. read more

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Temple Avodah welcomed our family with open arms and has become our home away from home! We regularly attend family services, participate in temple events, and have two children in their wonderful religious school program. Our Cantorial Soloist creates amazing services, joining popular music with traditional prayer, and Rabbi Goren addresses the congregation each week with kindness, compassion, strength and humor. One of my favorite things about Avodah is how they look to include everyone in celebrating our community, while working to educate and instill Jewish traditions and values. No matter how you define your family, you are welcome to join ours! read more

This is a warm, friendly, exciting and inspirational congregation. I am so pleased to be a member for the past 37 years. The clergy is exceptional. The activities are numerous, varied and meaningful including Mitzvah Day. My family and I consider Temple Avodah our Jewish home. read more

A great focal point for the Jewish community of Oceanside and surrounding areas. Great people, great events, great house band. Something for everyone and a wonderful sense of belonging to anyone who passes through the doorway. read more

This Temple is warm and welcoming. We joined in 2001 when our daughter was born. Our three children attended Hebrew school and became bar/bat mitzvahs. Our daughter recently was the first graduate of their Kesher Ked program (Hebrew High). read more

great place, for all all should come and enjoy Temple Avodah is a special place! join us read more

Temple Avodah is my home away from home.Have been a member for decades.The congregation makes you feel welcome immediately. The school is outstanding as is our Cantor.Rabbi Goren is always there for you and has personally been there for both my son and I on many occasions.I have made forever friends. My parents now live in NJ so Temple Avodah is my 2nd home and I hope you will make it yours as I have. read more

A fantastic place for Jewish families in the community. Always something going on, and very easy to get involved at any level.

I could never have imagined feeling so comfortable and welcomed at a temple! Over the past few years my family has come to see this temple as our "chosen" family. The rabbi loves children and welcomes them during services so there's never a fear that we're disrupting! The religious school is top notch with wonderful teachers and an enthusiastic director and PTO. At Temple Avodah, you will feel at home. read more

Temple Avodah is a warm welcoming home away from home. Besides our wonderful clergy, one of my favorite things about Temple is the welcoming of children of all ages.... We do not find they hushed or told to be quiet, they can be children. Three choirs: youth, teen and adult add to the variety of music that can be shared on a given Friday service. And the family dinners are just the best where friendships grow. Come visit and see for yourself what a great place we are all a part of. read more

if you need a home away from home for a Friday night service, this is the place to be

Temple Avodah proves that services can be fun, energetic, inspiring and spiritual. Terrific clergy, welcoming congregation and innovative special services. read more

Everyone is welcome at Temple Avodah. There is a true sense of community and family. The acts of kindness that is shown here makes us a true family from mitzvah day, Shabbat Smoozes to our Succah building, activities, and special services which are inclusive. Rabbi Goren and Jessica lead us in meaningful prayer and don't mind getting silly sometimes. I am proud that my family is part of the Temple Avodah family! read more

Nice temple however Kenny doesn't speak to vendors or employees nice at all. Came in and heard him yelling at vendors to move tables around. He doesn't speak to them with much respect. read more

Great local synagogue with lots of activities for families. Very accommodating to all.

I've been a member for many years. Temple's membership and clergy provide a great place for prayer and for many fun filled meaningful events. The Temple family is very welcoming and inclusive and make everyone feel that they are part of the Congregation. If you are looking for a spiritual home that will provide much more, Temple Avodah is the place for all. read more

I love being a Congregant at Temple Avodah. The Rabbi is great and the cantorial soloist is a pleasure to listen to. They make the Services enjoyable along with the fun themed Shabbats. They want all to feel welcome. Check it out and see for yourself. read more

However you define your family, we welcome you to ours! My family is mixed...one Jewish, one not, with two boys recently Bar Mitzvah'd. We have felt welcomed and included at every level. It's a great congregation that is socially active with lots family activities that encourage getting involved. And I can't say enough about Kombert Catering ... they are the best! read more

In short when I moved into the town 5 years ago, was looking to join a neighborhood synagogue and had a truly an unwelcoming experience here. I was introduced to the education director and when I asked about membership I was told "its very expensive" as if it was an issue. Was brushed off and calls were never returned. Nontheless, I joined another temple in the neighborhood, which was quite a bit more welcoming. I know a lot of people like this place.......not me though. read more

I just moved to the area due to a family member taking a horrible fall and being in the hospital for months. I spoke to Leslie at least 5 times to speak to Rabbi Goren for counseling and prayer. In 3 weeks I have not got one call back. I have not got any sympathy from Leslie. I have to got invited to the temple. I have never heard of a more unfriendly temple. My aunt saved over 100 kids during the Holocaust who would have died and lucky she is no longer alive because she would go to Temple Avodah and tell them the meaning of being a member of the jewish community and the privilege that we all are family and need to be there for each other. I will never ever attend a service at the temple and I suggest you try other temples nearby who care about the Jewish People. Never Again. read more

When we first moved into the neighborhood, we only knew a couple of people. However, once we joined TA, we were welcomed with open arms and made many new friends. . I am quite surprised by the one negative review on Yelp. Services are lively and spiritual. The Rabbi is great and so is our new Educator and Cantorial Soloist. They are always trying to engage the Congregation and are very kid friendly We consider ourselves lucky to be a part of the Temple family. . read more