The Adams Street Synagogue

A warm, welcoming synagogue. It’s very small and it’s easy to meet people. The synagogue is traditionally Orthodox and so are most of the members, however there is a large minority of less religious members who join for various reasons (it was their childhood synagogue, location, finances-it’s very inexpensive), etc. Some of the less religious members have leadership positions, so it’s not ‘discriminatory’ in that respect. Women also have board positions, though be aware that there is separate seating (women sit in a balcony; the Torah is supposed to be and usually is brought up at the appropriate time).
At various points in term the synagogue has hired a part-​time rabbi; otherwise the synagogue is lay-​led. Sometimes rabbis or cantors are hired for High Holiday or other special services.
There is no religious school (or wasn’t when we were members a few years ago) as most of the children attend Jewish day school. It may be possible though for one of the members to help find an alternative (private instruction, etc) if the day school option does not work for you.
The synagogue sponsors a number of educational and social events; most are open to non-​members and they are usually very good.
Physically, the synagogue, which I believe is on the National Register of Historic Places, is lovely. The building is fairly small and older but is very well kept up. It exudes an informal, welcoming atmosphere. Parking is not a problem and no one is going to condemn you if you drive rather than walk.
I would definitely attend services here if you live in the area and are looking for a synagogue, or even if you already belong to another synagogue and just want to see what it is like. It is really a special place and worth attending a few services to see a type of synagogue that is pretty rare today,