This is one of the most beautiful small "village" synagogues you will ever see. Not only is the…read moresanctuary beautiful with stained glass windows and relics but it has a large garden and a nice social hall for weddings and other celebrations. It is also a national landmark and is right at the entrance of Greenport Village where anyone can visit on foot. Don't miss it.

Welcoming!!! A warm wonderful community. There is always something to be part of- folks should…read moredefinitely come by to experience our Temple

I have been a member for over 33 years, and can only say the new dynamic, enthusiastic clergy have…read morereinvigorated our congregation. Rabbi Konigsburg is a compassionate, caring individual who bends over backwards to make everyone he meets feel welcome and wanted. Cantor Bolts youth and enthusiasm is infectious and she has embraced her roll as leader of our Hebrew School. Join us.

Shirley Reaback Preschool here is fantastic! All the staff, facilities and resources are among the…read morebest (if not THE BEST) in Glastonbury. This is not a pseudo-daycare/preschool. This is a true preschool, kindergarten and kindergarten enrichment program. I am so thankful that we found Valerie and were able to join this community. I am not a member of the congregation, so I cannot speak to the religious services offered here.

Temple Emanu-El deserves the most improved synagogue in RI award. In a dramatic turnaround…read moreinitiated by retired Rabbi Wayne Franklin, Emanu-El has morphed from a stodgy rigid institution to a welcoming and family friendly place of worship and socialization. They accommodate their congregation by holding early morning as well as regular time Shabbat services and will work with you on membership dues if you need financial help. Most impressive has been their commitment for online services that make it possible for just everyone to attend - even this Brooklyn based RI transplant! So if you are looking for a people friendly shul in the conservative tradition, I recommend the impressive synagogue at the top of the hill - Temple Emanu-El!

This shul has really figured out online zoom programming during covid. We have attended the…read morevirtual Israel Trip, many Trivia Nights, education classes, and Services. The "camera" man during Friday night services does a great job spotlighting families who are singing and dancing in their living rooms. It is common to have 50-100 devices logged into services. Lots of ruach.

This synagogue is NOT closed, as it is currently being reported by Yelp. In fact, it has been a…read morecontinuous congregation since 1898 it contains a thriving Conservative Jewish community. Though services contain elements of its once-orthodox membership, if you have ideas for tunes to the prayers, the Rabbi welcomes them and is always willing to try out something new to shake things up. He makes a fantastic effort to meet the needs of a diverse congregation. There are quite a number of mixed-marriage families. Non-Jewish spouses/partners are welcomed and never made to feel as if they are not part of the family. There is also a thriving Hebrew School program with some dedicated and passionate teachers who love the kids, and activities throughout the year (Purim carnival, Passover seder, decorating the sukkah, etc.). The synagogue hosts a Friday night family service every other month, which culminates in a dinner. Great way to start the Sabbath with family, unwind, eat and relax with friends. There are also family Saturday services every few months. Lots of activities throughout the year: kosher chicken BBQ, community Passover seder, Purim party/dance). The Rabbi has been with Ahavath Achim for 13+ years. He's a mainstay of the congregation and the community, approachable, friendly, and a great comfort when family is under stress. Visitors to services are always welcome. http://www.congregationahavathachim.org/

Towards the end of our last day in Newport, we just had to stop by the Touro Synagogue. It was at…read morethe end of the day, so unfortunately, we weren't able to see the interior of the building. The Touro Synagogue was built in 1763 and is the only surviving synagogue in the U.S. dating back to the colonial era, and thus, the oldest synagogue still standing in the U.S. and North America. In 1946, it was declared a National Historic Site. In 1790, President George Washington wrote in his now famous letter to the "Hebrew congregation at Newport" that "our new nation would give to bigotry no sanction and to persecution no assistance." While Touro Synagogue is a fully functional synagogue, apparently, they hold a special service each year to re-read President Washington's meaningful letter in its entirety. Touro Synagogue is a beautiful building with significant historical value.

"I have finally found a place to live Just like I never…read morecould before And I know I don't have much to give But soon I'll open any door In the presence of the Lord" (Eric Clapton) In June 2014, we visited the third oldest synagogue in the US when we toured Savannah, Georgia's Congregation Mickve Israel. Yesterday, we toured the second oldest synagogue in the US when we visited the Touro Synagogue and Visitor Center in Newport, RI. The congregation's history goes way back to 1658 and its quite a fascinating history. The building itself was constructed in 1763 and is now both the oldest synagogue building still standing in the United States and North America. Rightfully so, it was declared a National Historic Site in 1946. Jewish history and American history intersected in the form of a famous letter written by George Washington on August 21, 1790. After his visit to Newport, Washington sent a letter to the synagogue's warden to express his support of the Congregation's Jews, all American Jews, and his vison for religious tolerance in the newly born nation. Washington's letter stated: "... the Government of the United States ... gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance. ... May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy". Lew, our Tour Guide, was the very best tour guide I ever had. He was funny when he wanted to be, but brought enough serious gravitas when needed, to explain the magnificent history of Newport, the significance of Washington's letter, and the contribution of American Jews to Newport and Colonial America. I can't recommend a visit and tour of the Touro Synagogue highly enough.

I enjoy it so very much that I drive 28 miles each way to attend their services. The people are so…read morefriendly, the rabbi's sermons are always educational and relate the Torah teachings to current events and the cantor is far and above the most musical cantor I have ever heard. I look forward to returning next summer season to once more enjoy these services.

Be prepared for the musical treat of your year, if not your lifetime, with a warm, welcoming and…read moreinformal congregation led by Rabbi Marc Schneier, who goes out of his way, speaking English, to include guests as well as congregants in a modern orthodox service that is easily followed by anyone familiar with conservative prayers. Cantor Netanel Hershtik, Maestro Izchak Haimov and the six man choir are worth a trip from anywhere to hear! The oneg Shabbat is so elaborate and delicious, it rivals a wedding reception. And the multiple very fine desserts after the many evening programs with nationally known speakers and performers (with Professor Alan Dershowitz and comedian Alex Edelman the week I visited) were also a very pleasant surprise. It is no wonder that this synagogue has a very supportive congregation that has very generously endowed an array of first rate facilities, as well as all the after event goodies!