Reviews
A wonderful Jewish community! As new nyc residents, we began exploring the neighborhood and found West End Synagogue. It was at the very beginning of the COVID lockdown, and we began attending services virtually through Zoom. We were impressed from the beginning with the way we were recognized as newcomers and very warmly welcomed. We were treated as part of the community from the start. Elevator construction is nearing completion, then we must wait for inspection. It will be a major improvement!
With the gradual fading of the Upper West side qualities, it is wonderful to find a community that holds those qualities dear. Intellectually stimulating, artistic, diverse yes even a synagogue can be and intergenerational, West End Synagogue is an outpost of traditional Progressive thinking congregants who value the core concepts of American Judaism. I joined for my kids but stayed for the deep friendships and community engagement.
Until my 60s, I never went into synagogues except for weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs and the High Holidays. Nothing about the services, the rhetoric, the participants attracted me, that is, until, at my wife's urging, I went to West End Synagogue. In brief, the fierce intellectual independence of the members, encouraged by the clergy, united by a desire to know more about their past and their present, has become addictive. It's not a place to stand pat, to ignore others, to abandon hope or curiosity.
Warm welcoming community. Amazing Rabbi. I adore this intimate synagogue occupies an old library, and remains a library for it's members. The shabbat lunch after services provided an opportunity to get to know people in a relaxed setting.
This synagogue as in the space of a former New York Public Library. Rabbi and Cantor are very very good. Unfortunately it does not have very good or no good handicap access. I was kind of surprised. The synagogue should do something about that.
Warm, welcoming and non-judgmental community. Wonderful programming from tot Shabbat, through school age and B'nai mitzvah and beyond. Intergenerational opportunities for young and not so young to explore Jewish experiences together.
Such a wonderful and welcoming community! Accessible, uplifting and meaningful services. I've been to WES for Shabbat many times and always leave inspired!
A welcoming Reconstructionist congregation. Even as an outsider, I felt welcome and safe in this community and enjoyed my time.
Nice meeting space. I have never worshipped there though
Beautiful Shul, beautiful people!