This synagogue is a true testimony to Jewish survival and continuity. It is the last remaining full…read moretime synagogue in Co-Op City, after the passing of Rabbi Solomon Berl and the subsequent closure of the Young Israel of Co Op City in section 1, and before that, the closure of several other synagogues, such as the Co Op City Jewish Center (Conservative). Despite the official name, this shul is Orthodox and a member of National Council of Young Israel, although members of all levels of observance and affiliations are welcome. The shul is friendly, welcoming, and heimishe, a warm place for all to come, worship, and enjoy a delightful kiddush luncheon after services. I encourage all in the area to come and pay us a visit. Your week will be greatly enhanced by the opportunity to come and pray with others on shabbat, the day of rest. We are available for all life-cycle events, including funerals, unveilings, conversions. weddings, and baby namings (for girls), and we can help arrange a kosher bris for boys. Welcome to your Jewish home in Co-op City.

Temple Beth-El is a trans-denominational synagogue that will be celebrating its 90th year of…read moreinclusive, musical and spiritually inspired service this year. this is the first synagogue I've stepped into in 50 years. I came here because the rabbi invited me to play guitar to back-up his piano. Five or six years later, I'm still here, playing guitar and even leading Shabbat services every now and then. If you want to welcome in the day of rest and restoration with song, dance and folks of all stripes.... this is da place!

This is the one and only synagogue on City Island in the Bronx. Though it's not the most ornate of…read moresynagogues, I find it to be very cool that this congregation was able to survive when so many other synagogues have come and gone, as Jews have taken off for sunnier climes. Check this place out for a piece of Bronx history!

Romemu isn't your traditional congregation. All are welcome for Shabbat services, regardless of…read moreyour age, level of religiousness, race, or ethnicity. In fact, I even met curious non-Jews here at the Shake It Off event. The only reason you should stay away is if you're offended by microphones, a band, female prayer leaders, a live stream, or a mixed-sex audience. But if you've felt alienated by other synagogues for whatever the reason (sexual orientation, skin color, ethnicity, atheism), then Romemu is what you've been searching for. They're based out of an UWS church, for reasons having to do with both efficiency and unity. So prepare to see images of angels during prayers. The group was mainly made up of females under thirty and male baby boomers. Most striking to me was meeting people who were all over the denominational spectrum. The leader (David Ingber?) is quite soulful in his sermon, and I'll admit he got a bit too preachy for me (touching on parsha to gun control to kashrut to Hebrew origins, whoa buddy), but his passion for creating community and connection is clear. If you go to dinner on their third floor for events, you'll notice a less traditional ambiance than other Jewish social scenes. With its same-sex bathroom, chill area on the rug, and passing around challah for interactive community discussion, Romemu has more of a "kumbaya" feel. We were one step away from sitting in a circle and holding hands. It's very sweet! They're working to not only bring more awareness to Jewish traditions, culture, and identity, but also they're being engaging and innovative about it. It may be a bit new-agey for you. But you won't know until you try, and I believe it's worth a try if you're looking for services that's at the very least more open-minded than most.

My wife and I recently joined this congregation. We immediately felt welcomed into the community…read more While we have not attended a ton of the services, we have enjoyed the Sha'baby services with our toddler, the high holidays services, and some Friday night services. I like that the temple offers a new member orientation. It is held in three parts and one of the nights is even at the rabbi's apartment. If you are looking for a non traditional temple where people take off their shoes during the service, dance, sing, and leave pretense behind -this is a place for you.

Where everyone knows your name and is thrilled you came! The Pelham Jewish Center welcomes…read moreeveryone. We immediately fell in love with this diverse,  egalitarian and intimate congregation that is into hugging, eating, laughing, sharing, and singing together. The Pelham Jewish Center has an amazing Learning Center, book group, cooking (and eating!) club, international movie discussions, social action and more. It is so different from the typical synagogue - this is what being Jewish always should be like!

Amazing synagogue! Small, warm, friendly with a fabulous Rabbi! Great energy in the davening,…read morenon-judgmental. A lot of focus on using texts to open a path to serious Jewish engagement. An undiscovered gem.

I grew up going to this synagogue and it has only flourished and grown since I was there. The…read moreRabbi gives wonderful and thoughtful sermons, and is a commanding speaker. The Cantor has a lovely voice and does great music programming with the choir and other members of the community. The environment is very welcoming, and they make a huge effort to make new members feel welcome and happy. Although the leadership has changed, and things are updated, it will always be my religious "home" so to speak, I mean, besides Jew Camp and all. Seriously, if you are looking for a congregation to belong to, this is one great place.

From the owner: Reform Synagogueread more

We have been members of this Synagogue for almost three years, and we love it! It is a warm…read morecommunity that is full of life and energy. The sanctuary is packed almost every Shabbat, and there are many events going on during the week. While there is a small elderly population, most of the people who attend are Modern Orthodox people in their 20s and early 30s. It is very singles-friendly, and is also becoming increasingly baby/kid-friendly. The membership is very active, involved and knowledgeable. It is very lively, and you can definitely expect to have the opportunity to meet new people if you check it out. Don't be intimidated by the large crowd during kiddush, and just introduce yourself to someone explaining that you're new. We love this Synagogue, and hope it will follow us if we ever leave Washington Heights.

Excellent Holocaust Library…read more An older congregation has now attracted a younger crowd.