I have to say that after all these years that it surprises me that Temple Beth El has not been…read morereviewed on Yelp! In one way or another, I've been involved with this synagogue since about 1980 or so, even though I didn't convert until 2002. I had the privilege of meeting legendary founding Rabbi of the new location, Rabbi Rosenthal on numerous occasions in the 80s, including being the photographer for the 1987 (?) confirmation class. As coincidence goes, I attended services tonight for the first time in a long time only to find that tonight is the Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Rosenthal (as well as the first Yahrzeit of Cantor Leah Elstein). It's a beautiful, welcoming place - Rabbi Kadden has helped to make Temple Beth El such a place, and the congregation reflects this. And for those who may have a tendency to shun some of the modern Reform traditions, Temple Beth El has lots of Hebrew in the services, with many traditional melodies. Some Reform congregations have moved to "mostly English" but Temple Beth El still honors the Hebrew tradition, but in a welcoming "you don't have to speak Hebrew to belong" sort of way. I've always liked that. If you're looking for a Reform congregation in the Tacoma area, this is your place. It was for me for many years since my conversion under Rabbi Glickman. We'll very likely be rejoining after our few years' absence. It was a very nice service tonight, and very inspiring especially given the coincidence of it being the Yahrzeit of both Rabbi Rosenthal and Cantor Leah... maymay their place of rest be in Gan Eden. Dave

I'm so incredibly disheartened after my visit to Beth El. My husband and I are new to the area and…read morehad such high hopes in finding a like minded community in our new home. The Rabbi and Cantor where both kind and welcoming, but the general feeling was that kids aren't welcome. We have a two year old, who we took turns taking out into the hall to rock and try to keep quite (she's well behaved but she's also two. She wasn't screaming or yelling, just playing with a puzzle as quietly as a two year old can play). We had been given serval looks from people sitting around us, and not sympathetic, 'oh, we've been there, we understand' looks, the kind of scolding looks that left me red with embarrassment. Towards the end, someone came up and told us she was 'just a bit much too' to be in the sanctuary. I left in tears, I've never felt more unwelcomed in a place of worship.

Not a healthy environment for the younger generation. Filled with old people like me. Something…read morefeels awfully uncomfortable here. An all white leadership, feels very unrepresentative of the Jewish community. Came to a board meeting once, the president was awfully emotionally loud, I can't imagine what he's like at home.

It's small and intimate, and offers quite a lot considering it doesn't really have critical mass…read more This does mean there are lots of opportunities to be involved. The "rock-star Rabbi" who was here for four years moved on which was a loss. Over the years, depending upon the leadership, the atmosphere, flexibility, and welcomeness waxes and wanes. When we first arrived, we felt extremely unwelcome. Then, for several years it felt like a very warm, fulfilling, active, growing community! And then it didn't. My recommendation is to drop in (when there's a service or class) as it might just be your perfect place. And then again, it might also not be. But one thing's for sure: you won't know without trying it. Wishing you the best!!!

Inclusive and supportive Jewish community with strong Tikkun Olam efforts - make sure you download…read moretheir app or n your favorite app store!

An incredibly welcoming and intellectual congregation, whether you were raised in a Jewish…read morehousehold or have never attended synagogue. I was extremely skeptical of a "meditative synagogue," since I'm well-aware of the celebrity pseudo-Kabbalah "Kabbalah Center" trend. But this congregation is uplifting, mystical, and genuine. It truly embodies the mystic Jewish tradition without new age weirdness. There are no gimmicks. At so many other services, you don't feel like you're really digesting the Torah portion. Here, guided meditation forces you to think about the deeper implications of the text and its applications. And, as a person who has never successfully meditated before, I was able to meditate on the Torah passage with great success and find it more relevant than ever before. Converts, potential converts, and non-Jewish alike will also find a welcoming home here - none of that "cold shoulder" nonsense here, but genuine curiosity and acceptance.

Our family has been so deeply blessed since finding this congregation. From the moment we arrived,…read morewe were warmly welcomed by everyone, and the pastor and his wife are truly some of the most genuine, lovely people you could meet. Their love for Yeshua the Messiah and the people of the congregation shines through. The teaching has been such a gift--rooted in Scripture and rich with understanding from the Tanakh that brings even greater depth to the New Covenant writings. It's refreshing and exciting to see how beautifully God's Word fits together from beginning to end. We look forward every week to Shabbat worship, fellowship, and study. It's such a joy to be part of a community that loves Yeshua, honors the Word, and seeks to walk in His truth. We are so thankful the Lord led us here! Note: this congregation now meets at Grace Community Covenant Church, 5501 Wiggins Rd SE Olympia, WA 98501. Shabbat Worship at 11:00. See details at https://cloj.org/

A warm, welcoming community. The religious school program at this Reform temple is vibrant (your…read morekids will not complain about Jewish cooking class or outdoor adventures). Located in the heart of Bellevue but members come from around the region. Don't miss the soul Shabbat with Chava Mirel and her band.

We've been members of Temple B'nai Torah (TBT) for 22 years and keep coming back. Why? It's warm,…read moreinviting, welcoming and open to all. Both our boys were Bar Mitzvahed there. The cantor is great and the new rabbi is a welcome new face, replacing the beloved previous rabbi, who is now on emeritus status. Although we no longer use the religious school we hear it has a great reputation too.

I am learning so much here…read more The sound healing of Hebrew. The clarity of the scripture. The vast openness of surrender. This temple and her people have amplified my capacity to wonder, ponder and celebrate.

Very real and authentic people. I enjoyed the fellowship at oneg afterward.read more

I used to follow Kol Ami. They sent a blog post after 10/7 that I found offensive. When I responded…read morewith dismay, I received the most unhinged screed I have ever been subjected to by a rabbi in my life. Being told once by a Conservative rabbi that I should cancel my marriage to a gentile (now in our 18th year!) was nowhere near as upsetting as her response. She singlehandedly destroyed my desire to seek a Jewish community where I live. I posted this information to Reddit in response to someone asking about Eastside synagogues. I have said nothing further on the matter publicly since then and have been trying to forget about it. Months later, this rabbi just today posted another screed in reply on Reddit, *and* sent a threatening chat message to me. Reddit agreed that this was harassment. She is still with Kol Ami. I realize Yelp is not the place to grind an axe, and so I did not post a review of the synagogue at the time. I am posting this now because I believe new potential members should really know that this is how at least one of the rabbis here behaves in her personal life.

My family and I have been members and guests of several synagogues across the country through the…read moreyears. This is one of only two at which I've felt comfortable and included. Our rabbi is thoroughly invested in tikkun olam, and walks the walk. She is serious about inclusion, and not for just a garden variety of Jews, but for people of color, interfaith families, and differing sexual orientations and genders. We are a diverse family of congregants who aren't afraid to redefine synagogue and observance conventions, and tackle tough socio-Jewish problems, but we expect our members to engage in civil discourse and non-threatening community behavior. Our congregational and religious school staff and volunteers work hard to be supportive and avoid shaming tactics, and we are mapping a course to move us into a connected, active, and brave Jewish future.