B’nai Jeshurun

The experience I have had with my wife at BJ by attending a Kabbalat Shabbat is just spiritually refreshing and traditionally enjoyable for us. I do recommend my friends either they are jewish or not to attending the ceremony with that kindly community who welcomed us.

We wandered in to a special evening where a community came together for Yom Zikaron and to usher in Israel’s birthday. Did not know what to expect. It seems that this is a good place to find your community. After hearing about the upbeat Friday nights services, I expected a stronger sing along, but it was nice that people stayed and the musicians were wonderful. The prayer part, which is a more traditional mumbly kind of service was comfortable for me, but not so for my husband. I give 5 stars, because this synagogue seems to seek a balance between traditional and modern. Kol Ha Kavod.

Bnai Jeshurun (BJ) has a spirit and immediate appeal which I believe is largely due to its band, which gives it a huge advantage over almost all other Conservative synagogues and makes dancing during Lecha Dodi work. When observing the large Friday eve attendees closely, it is the few stalwarts who really know and participate in the service led by 2 rabbis and a cantor on keyboard, with the band covering up the lack of congregant participation. The large attendance from the BJ formula does not work at traditional Conservative synagogues, whose rabbis are unwilling to break with the halacha (laws) and bring in musical instruments. Many melodies used at BJ come from the Orthodox Carelbach Shul down the block and from other modern orthodox singing congregations (who have adopted the melodies of the Shira Chadasha congregation in Jerusalem) as well as Middle Eastern melodies introduced by the BJ clergy. The Cantor, who has the best voice is unfortunately mainly relegated to accompaniment, while the quality of the Rabbis’ singing is uneven.
Many smaller Conservative and modern orthodox congregations are more spiritual with very good singing, without the feeling that you are in a Broadway theater.

Even though I am not sure I could give a place of worship less then 5 stars… I’m pretty sure I would abstain :)
However, not a worry here because this place deserves it for its friday night service ! It is beautiful, their are a lot of people so if it’s your first time you blend right in. Lots of good seats (we sat in the balcony). The service was high energy with people dancing during L’chah Dodi (don’t worry, its optional ha).
Overall it’s as great as everyone says!

Congregation Bnai Jeshurun.
I was not much of an observer, but in the past 2 years I decided it is time to water my roots. :) I am so glad I have. I tried out a couple of places, but the minute I walked into Bnai Jeshurun and heard the melody’s, the music, I felt my body moving, my heart opening, my spirit rising. At some point I had the chills and noticed I even had a tear. I instantly knew this place resonated with me, but wanted to come back and see if it was not just one of those special evenings. So I returned and I knew this place feels good, and what is different is they are very social conscious and very sprit aware. I kept going back and my spirit always keeps on rising. The music enamors me, and the warmth touches me. I even wake up on Shabbat morning and read my book. Maybe next time, I will go on Shabbat morning too.
I think Congregation Bnai Jesurun is special because it talks to your heart. :)
I am not religious, but I am a believer and that is all you need to come. :)
followup post.
PS: I just started to go on Shabbat mornings and it is just as wonderful.

B’nai Jeshurun is a warm place to go for Shabbat in Manhattan. The sanctuary is beautiful, and the Rabbis are really great with leaving you feel rested and glad for another shabbat. It isn’t affiliated with any movement, so if you’re looking for something traditionally reform or conservative, this hits somewhere in the middle. The service is mostly in Hebrew, so also if you’re uncomfortable with that, you may want to try someplace else. But, most of the liturgy is in song, so that’s a nice change from other places. Oh and yeah, they use instruments. So if you’re shomer shabbat, it may not be for you. Some of my friends think it’s a little touchy-​feely for them (at some points in the service, some congregants get up and dance and do a little hora around the room). I’ve gone to some events, and have made a few friends at BJ, but people tend to find it a bit clique-​y in the young Jewish scene. It’s definitely an awesome place to go if you’re looking for a cool shabbat experience.

I attended a Yom Kippur Saturday morning service today through B’nai Jeshurun and actually rather enjoyed it. It felt like I was in an audience at a musical — very theatrical and engaging service. I’d like to attend a normal Shabbat service here to see how it is, too.

BJ is an amazing community. Friday nights are more emotional with wonderful musicians. Saturdays are more traditional in format, holidays each wonderful in their own ways. Fridays are very age-​diverse and packed, which is refreshing and unique.
It is a non-​denominational shul that resists categorization, but if you need some context, the practice appears like conservative and the dominant attitudes are progressive, like a very traditionally oriented reconstructionist community. I hate even to put it in boxes like that. It’s a pretty diverse community in terms of theology and practice.
I would recommend anyone to visit BJ. The services are terrific, the rabbis are wonderful people, the classes are also interesting and fulfilling and the community groups are also very active (social action/​social justice etc).

Beautiful synagogue on the Upper West Side. I attended a service a few months back, and it was surprisingly laid back and fun! Great music, funny and friendly Rabbis and a lively crowd. The congregation seems to be very active — I heard about a lot of social and cultural events mentioned.

Where do I begin? Are you even allowed to bless a place of worship with less than five stars? That will have to wait for another time and another place because Congregation B’nai Jeshurun is one of the best. A joyous and spirited service coupled with an inclusive and progressive atmosphere. What can top this, friends? And I am not even halachichally Jewish! I am a damn Halfsie! Thanks, Dad!
I put off exploring the Jewish side of me for twenty six years and gravely regret it. Not that I am going to convert or become a religious Jew or anything, but the Synagogue experience at BJ is just spiritually refreshing and enjoyable for all shades of folk. Not to be missed.
Luckily the Jewish girls are off-​limits to me because there are far too many to choose from!

Even I, a barely-​observant Jew who spent most of his time in Hebrew school drawing pictures of the teacher and throwing chalk at his fellow students, had a good time at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Whether you’re there to sample the professional quality musicians, dance in the aisles, pick up a hot Jewish girl to take on a date, or simply experience Friday night services, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun has something for Jewish person in us all, even if you’re not all that religious.