This is honestly one of the warmest and most welcoming synagogues I've been to. It's a…read moreReconstructionist synagogue in West Roxbury, part of the Greater Boston Jewish community, and it just feels real. I love that in the Greater Boston area there are so many synagogues and Jewish communities to choose from, but Temple Hillel B'nai Torah is the one that gets my thumbs up. The events and services I've been to have had a great mix of people and energy. When I walked in people said hi right away, not in a pushy or fake way, just nice and natural. It felt open and comfortable and like I could actually belong here. If you're anywhere in the Boston area and looking for a Jewish community that's down-to-earth and welcoming, give it a try.

I have been a congregant here for a long time and always have felt welcomed. My children have grown…read moreup at this Temple and I continue to make new friends. The congregation strongly believes and practices inclusiveness and strives to welcome new members and strengthen the ties between current members. I strongly recommend this synagogue to anyone seeking a warm and accepting community.

I started doing this weird thing ever since I moved to Cambridge from Chicago. I go around to…read moredifferent places of worship and harass - I mean, I ask tons of questions of clergy and churchgoers. A couple weeks ago, the place of worship was Temple Beth Shalom. I called before and asked to meet with a member of the congregation - you know, for the customary questions: Is there a dress code? Are women and men seated separately? Is there any special 'bread and wine' protocol? [This is more important than you'd think - some places of worship extend this to believers of all faiths, others solely to the baptized or members of that congregation - you never know...] So, I went to a service. Chicago's big on diversity, but not so much on the integration of said diversity. We sort of hover around each other. I'd had minimal exposure to the faith/culture; mainly the history of Jewish-Black relations during the Civil Rights era. To sum things up, it was a foreign experience. Thank god for hymnals with English translations alongside the original Hebrew and kind people that simply smile when you respond to their open 'Shabbat Shalom' with a feeble 'Um, thank you?'. At the end of the service, I got to ask even more questions. What was davening? Why do women only count in some of the services? Can Judaism be considered a forward-facing culture with such old-school roots? It was so worth it.

This congregation is welcoming without being overwhelmingly outgoing. Each person is taken as they…read moreare and there is truly something for everyone. It's a good place to learn about Judaism and to see if there is a place for Judaism (or more Judaism) in your life. The clergy are so approachable, warm and authentic. There's lots of spirited music and also opportunities for quiet reflection. Everyone's persective is valued. There are numerous activites for ages 0 to 100 including education, entertainment, socializing and community justice action. Interfaith families and non-Jewish people who are curious are all able to find a home here.

This is a wonderful welcoming friendly Temple Oksana the…read moreRabbi and Cantor sounds like an angel and always tries to involve the congregation in singing and prayers!

This is the first synagogue I've been to in years* so I don't have as much recent experience to…read morecompare it to, but I was pleasantly surprised by this warm and bright building, and the community it houses. In particular, I was happy to see how personable and welcoming and human Rabbi Keith was. I was attending my little cousin's bat mitzvah, and not only did he clearly know her intimately (the wonderful little person she is, and what makes her so special), but he also seems to have fostered a lovely community where folks of all ages interact and enjoy each other's company. (My little cousin has been active in the theater productions, and she absolutely loves it.) My experience with this temple is as an outsider, but the bat mitzvah was an excellent testament to the way in which this community operates. I know my older cousin (the bat mitzvah girl's mom) to have excellent taste, and I'm not surprised she chose Temple Beth Avodah for her family. ______________ *Yes, I am not the best Jew.

This is my favorite Synagogue that I've ever attended. It's Reform and Rabbi Keith Stern is…read moreintellectual and cool. Besides services and holidays, there are activities for families, older people, younger people, book clubs, Torah study, all kinds of special programming ranging from speakers from Israel to movie and baseball nights. One of my friends invited me to join and when I first moved to Newton, but it took me seeing another friend who kept posting fun pictures on Facebook to get me to get over there. My husband and I joined almost immediately. We really enjoy the programming and all the nice people we've met there.

I've been a member of Temple Isaiah for almost 30 years, and a member of Yelp for as long as it has…read moreexisted. Until now, I never thought of linking the two, but I guess you can review anything. T.I. is in Lexington, but it also serves Bedford, Burlington, Waltham and other surrounding communities. With about 800 families it is large enough to be many things to many people. The religious school is famously innovative. The clergy is caring and erudite. The congregation includes people with many different religious views. Social action is a high priority both for the adult members and for the teen group, LEFTY. LGBT members are welcome - and have been for many years. Temple Isaiah is a great place for families with kids, young professionals, anyone who is looking for a vibrant Reform Jewish community in the Western suburbs. Since this is Yelp, I should say something about the food, right? The Brotherhood holds bagel and lox breakfasts with amazing speakers, many of them world famous. Community Shabbat dinners are a highlight. And for credibility, let me say that the coffee is only fair. But Starbucks and Peets are just minutes away.

We worked with Amy Hertz of Temple Isaiah to plan the ceremony for our wedding. She was amazing --…read morethoughtful, kind and responsive. The congregation is also very welcoming and their space beautiful. A true center of Jewish life in Suburban Boston.

This is a wonderful and welcoming synagogue. It is a Conservative synagogue has recently become…read morevery vibrant again. There are many young families of every type and race, who are leading the way and their are lots of family activities. The Tot Shabbat is is packed and is led by a really incredible woman who has all of the kids singing along. My family joined last year and feel as is we have really found a home.

A historic and truly special neighborhood church -- These folks are the real deal! Honest love and…read morewelcoming -- the least-scary Christians there are!! Multi-ethnic community where everyone IS welcome -- with or without God, religion, or devotion. One service 10am in summer, 2 services 8am & 10:30 am from September to July.