A warm and loving community! The services are lovely . The pre-school brings great joy to the synagogue . read more

University Synagogue - Cantor Ruti and Rabbi George joining in on the pre-school fun! - Synagogues Near Me - Irvine, California

The congregation is so kind and warm. I feel truly blessed to have found this beautiful and vibrant community.

I'm sure if my Yelp friend Gloria Z had been there, my first two experiences at Uni would have been different! The first time I visited alone, obviously a stranger, no one greeted me prior to the service. The rabbi even walked past me and didn't say a word. Is Uni such a huge congregation that the rabbi didn't know I was a newbie? I spent the evening service by myself and left without anyone saying a word to me. The second time I went for the Simchat Torah service and again, no one greeted me and the rabbi walked past me THREE times without a word. And then there was a man on the bimah in SHORTS! I know it's the OC, but really? As the Torah scroll was unfolded, I held my portion as I stood in between two ladies- engaging in annoying conversations with their neighbors during the rabbi's entire talk about the beauty of the scrolls. The children were also running around, completely wild & undisciplined. I'm really sorry, but after all the glowing reviews and a even personal referral by a person that I admire & respect, I found this to be a cold and sterile place. Unfriendly to the stranger for sure. And disrespectful, with the talking and inappropriate attire for temple. read more

Been attending this synagogue for over a year now . A great atmosphere with great people. The services are very fun with great music and topics. read more

Shabbat Shalom! We LOVE University Synagogue! This is a wonderful, warm environment that welcomes all people. The Rabbi is entertaining and knowledgeable and engages the congregation throughout the services. The cantor, who also happens to be the rabbi's wife, has the most beautiful voice. If you are interested in a beautiful service that is inclusive and welcoming, than you should definitely check this Synagogue out! read more

University Synagogue is unique among synagogues in SoCal. It's a non-judgmental, down-to-earth place to enjoy the best of Jewish rituals and life. Its congregants are warm, kind people who are there for the right reasons. Rabbi Rachlis us a thoughtful and incisive person who makes Judaism modern and relevant, and whose thought-provoking sermons and guest series at Friday night services make you look forward to Shabbat each week! And Cantor Braier's energetic and uplifting interpretations of prayers have people singing and swaying along. We are so happy to have found a Jewish home where we feel so comfortable here in Irvine. read more

I signed up for membership last year. The first indication that they are not as inclusive as they like to say, was when I was not invited to the new member brunch. I walk with a service dog, and wonder if that had something to do with it. They said they forgot, that was last September. For the most part, after almost a year, they mostly ignore me. The membership chair said that this year, I would be like a new member and get invited to the brunch. I think I'll go have a margarita instead! So welcome to University Synagogue, where the people are only friendly in their own circles! read more

This is a vibrant community that welcomes all who cross the threshold and is particularly open to interfaith families. Congregants are encouraged to explore their Jewish identity and search, and then pursue a personal path that is comfortable for them. The Rabbi's deft touch during life cycle events is unparalleled and our Cantor's music inspires and touches the soul. This is an exciting, fun and intellectually stimulating synagogue that can provide a home for all. read more

University Synagogue is the Judaism my family was looking for, but we didn't know it until we found this community! This is a Reconstructionist synagogue - which many Jews don't know anything about. Falling between Conservative and Reform in ritual, Reconstructionism encourages expansion on the idea that God is a Supreme Being, removed and "above" us. We look to find the Godliness within us all - we enact God by our beliefs and behavior. We believe in God, in tradition, and in behavior that reflects the best we can possibly be. You will find engaged, intelligent, thoughtful people here, an incredible Rabbi (Arnie Rachlis), beautiful music from Cantor Braier, a thriving Religious School and Preschool, and most of all, a home. I am Jewish by Choice, and my husband and I find this community to be a perfect fit, extremely welcoming, and open. Oh, and it's interfaith friendly, egalitarian, LGBT friendly and very newcomer friendly. We've been members for about 15 years now. Come and see what you're missing. read more

My daughter has been attending the preschool at University Synagogue for the past three years and she has loved every minute of it. I too have enjoyed our time there and I am so sad to leave. I can not say enough about the staff, everyone is so loving and caring. The moment my daughter and I toured the school we knew that it was the right fit. University Preschool is a truly place, and it will always hold a special place in not only my daughter's heart but mine as well. read more

Don't forget the food drive! The music is the best, the congregation is amazing, its a wonderful place to be.

Both my kids attended University Synagogue pre-school. Love the staff, love the classrooms and other facilities. They have an excellent pre-school program, great enrichment activities, awesome Shabbat celebrations and a perfect atmosphere for any kid! Love love love this place!!!!! read more

This is an amazing pre school. The teachers are warm, nurturing and care so much about all the students. They get to know the kids and their families so well that it often feels like one big extended family. The environment is safe, loving and non stressful. The kids learn through play, art, music, building and dance just to name some ways. There are many activities for the kids to participate and learn from in the classroom, and enrichment classes are also offered after school. Some enrichment classes include my gym which comes to the school weekly. I am constantly impressed with the different experiences and resources that my child gets to have and is exposed to everyday. My older son who was very shy was in a 3 day 3 year old class. He thrived socially from the safe and thoughtful environment that was provided by his teachers. The following year he was in the TK class where he made close friends and grew academically and was very well prepared for kindergarten. The way that his teachers taught through art was incredible and a lasting experience for him and our family. These teachers care so much and the school caters to the whole child and all the experiences of what I would want early childhood to be for my kids in a school. This includes so many different kinds of play and even a garden outside that is constantly growing new things! My younger son is now in the pre k program and loves to go everyday. He has a lot of food allergies and health concerns and we are being supported and accommodated in every way. The school is very diverse and inclusive. Having moved to the OC from the east coast 3.5 years ago we found many of our first friends here at the school and many of our closest friends remain the families of my older son's friends. The entire school community really works together to make it successful for the students. Many years the parents are able to fund raise in order to get a snow day for the school where a portion of the outdoor play space is covered in snow! If you are curious about the school I would call to see the school and meet the director Heidi. You will know upon being in the school if it is the right place for your family. I felt it upon walking into the school and visualizing my kids in the outdoor play space. read more

Best synagogue in town. Very inclusive for interfaith couples. My daughter loved the religious school and attended weekly from elementary school through high school. Check it out. Shabbat Alive services are once a month and very upbeat. read more

We searched for years to find a synagogue for our blended/interfaith family. We found University Synagogue in 2004 and have been members ever since. Our entire family has always felt welcome and at ease during services, life-cycle events, and the myriad of engaging educational programs. We love the inclusive and egalitarian values held by the clergy and the diverse congregation. read more

We joined this synagogue because they offer free membership to those under 40. We loved the atmosphere and the dedication to education and being relevant. We had never been in a reconstructionist synagogue before but we found it was open and inviting. Every oneg, people come and sit down next to us and introduce themselves. We've only met a few people, but we're starting to get involved in more events. There are so many! There is surely something there for everyone. The rabbi is very accessible and gives meaningful and relevant sermons, and welcome participation and questions during and after services. It is definitely more lenient than other synagogues and branches of Judaism, but I found that people here are very respectful of whichever way you practice. There is no pressure to do things a certain way. read more

University Synagogue is warm and welcoming to all. Our Rabbi is intelligent, caring and open minded. Our Cantor brings an amazing talent and warmth to our services. We have wonderful guest lecturers and interesting programs with speakers from around the world. The adult education classes are stellar and the children's school and programs are among the best in the county. We're so happy and grateful we finally found a "home." Vivian read more

Both of my children went to University Pre-School for four years. I could not say more about the teachers and director, other than they have all been extremely caring, loving and fun! My kids never wanted to leave when I showed up and I had complete trust and comfort with my kids being there. They were safe, loved and having the best time ever. They learned to read and write, did science, astronomy, amazing art projects and the older kids tend to a garden that they even snack from. An amazing preschool I would recommend to anyone!! Vegetarian meals are the only meals allowed. read more

I've been a member of University Synagogue for 10 years. The Synagogue provides an all inclusive, warm environment to all. The Pre School and Religious School staffs offer a loving environment where children interact with their teachers who provide positive, Jewish experiences that enrich their lives. I love my synagogue family! read more

As almost nine year members of University Synagogue we find the community to be warm, welcoming and inclusive of diversity. The educational opportunities, the Distinguished Speaker series, The Trial, The Kallah and Women's Connection are all ways in which the synagogue offers an array of programming to meet many needs. The music by our Cantor, Ruti Braier is inspiring and outstanding. The Rabbi's knowledge and ability to speak to many topics makes us feel lucky to have this kind of talent available to us on an ongoing basis. The services are renewing and thoughtful, filled with beautiful music. As a Jew by Choice I feel very welcomed and included. This is a synagogue with heart. read more

This is an amazing Synagogue. Rabbi is very intelligent and knowledgable. The education director and all the teachers are warm, nurturing and caring about all the kids. Everyone there is friendly and kind. The environment is safe and loving - it feels like one big extended family. read more

I went and visited University Synagogue at an open house. I had visited two other synagogues closer to my home and within minutes knew University Synagogue was the place for me. The members were so welcoming warm and friendly. This Synagogue is filled with down to earth friendly sincere people who share values such as family, education, social justice, worldwide betterment and inclusion. The Rabbi is very personable, approachable, and knowledgeable. The Cantor (who happens to be married to the Rabbi) is so caring, patient and kind. Her voice is breathtaking. They have a strong Havurah program, and a great sense of belonging to a strong caring community. With celebrations based in tradition, University Synagogue brings the freedom to choose what is important to you. read more

This synagogue has something for every age and spiritual need. From the moment we stepped inside we knew this was the right place for us, with intellectually stimulating and spiritual services, fabulous music, and a warm sense of community. People are friendly and the synagogue has an outstanding array of activities and programs. read more

As soon as we walked into University Synagogue on a Friday night, we knew we were home. We were welcomed by five different congregants and during one of the songs, a congregant put her arms around us and sang along with us. The Rabbi impressed us on every level and the Cantor's voice was as wonderful as her personality. This synagogue presents one excellent program after another and is not short on reaching out. I could go on and on but it's all good from Religious School to the hundreds of activities for all-aged kids and adults! Can't wait to spend our years here and wish we had found it sooner! read more

Warm, caring place with a variety of activities including wonderful speakers on different topics. Shabbat Alive services are special throughout the year. My favorite is Sukkot, which occurs a few days after Yom Kippur. Check their calendar! read more