The aesthetic is amazing. The service was participatory. The music..oh, the music! Updated and also participatory. The Cantor's voices are outstanding. The backup singers, the violin, the organ, the guitar. A great experience.
I love the services here,my husband and I are from Albany NY and we affectionately call central synagogue our home synagogue. Not uncommon for us to drive the 3 hours one way to attend services.
My Jewish client and I, her Catholic caregiver look forward to watching the High Holy days every year on YouTube at the central synagogue, especially because we get to hear our favorite rabbi Angela. She makes us all feel included and loved by God!
I attended services from another state state that I used frequent Central Synagogue when I lived in New York. Both then and now, I love it there. There is a warm and inviting community as well as beautifully davened services and spiritual guidance.
The young man that played guitar and was singing today September 27th 2025 really moved me I'm very grateful for Central synagogue thank you
Akiva Cobain
Wonderful the kindest people with the warmest hearts can be found here. There’s a Coming Home program meeting here on Wednesday nights, for people in reentry. Beautiful space with giving people ??
Attended for the memorial service of a late Congresswoman. Top Democrats were there from Washington, DC. Catered food was excellent. The building was beautiful, seats comfortable, and the A/V system was flawless. There were 600 people in the audience.
My partner and I have been following your live stream since December 2024. Your site was referred to us by my sponsoring Rabbi Streiffer. Words can’t describe the joy that fills our hearts watching and listening to your services. You are now bookmarked and followed every Friday evening to begin our Shabbat tradition and candle lighting, May your team and incredible cantors continue to be blessed for the gifts you share with all of us watching from afar.
I’m in TN and I am not Jewish, but I watched your MLK Friday Night Service 1/17/2025 on YouTube and I am blown away by what I experienced! I came with no expectations but left with tears of joy, hope & love! I have watched your version of Glory and One Day about 30 times. Thank you for sharing your service with the world! I especially enjoyed the singing of Rabbi Angela Buchdahl and the glorious voice of the Cantorial Intern. ( was it Jeremy?) Breathtaking!!!! ❤️ I hope I am able to join a service in person one day!
Shabbat shalom! I have just been blessed with your beautiful service and wish you all a
peaceful, warm Sabbath filled with love.
from California,
Roz Aronson
below, with one of my sons, Steven, and his son, Mark, who is being married this weekend
A 71 year old new widow tries to find connection here. New to NYC, no contacts, no family. Told no exceptions to waiting list, which is 5000 families. clergy only talks to members because they are ‘busy.’ The Bible says to care for widows ,orphans and strangers I am allowed to go to services, but that’s it. Left crying. Guess they have their own Bible, not the one I grew up with nor the Jewish attitude of helping the widow and:or the stranger. Are they really Jews? I think not!
I was unable to go to synagogue in los angeles because of a health issue. This was the first time I ever missed a high holiday service. BUT in actuality I didn't miss it since I watched your amazing service on TV. I participated as if I was in my own synagogue. I am from NYC and when I visit next time I plan on attending shabbat services at Central Synagogue. L'Shana Tova!
Thank you for your warm hospitality. I was at the reform service for the first time. So much joy and love in one place. I am glad that we prayed for the victims on October 7 and that we remembered all those who gave their lives so that we could exist!
Attended the Friday night service on our recent visit from Australia. Wonderful way to celebrate the Sabbath! My first reform experience and whilst I was outside of my comfort zone it was a service conducted with such a positive energy! I felt welcomed as soon as I arrived, and the Synagogue itself is so beautiful.
As a livestreamer, my life has been enriched by Central. I've learned about holidays, and special days and events. I joined the neighborhood and it's great. Central Synagogue has given me the religious foundation I've needed for a long time. I've never met any of the Rabbis, yet I feel a connection to them. I've been livestreaming and participating in Friday night and Saturday services since 2018.
I just finished watching the Kol Nidre live stream service. It was outstanding! I felt as if I were there in person. Undoubtedly the best I’ve ever attended. I feel blessed to be able to join your virtual congregation.
Attending Shabbat services for over 16 years enjoying every service in the gorgeous sanctuary. The clergy are friendly to all. If it’s your first time the clergy welcomes you. The cantors voices are magnificent. Music is a potent part of praying enhanced with musical instruments. The melodies are familiar around the world, but unannounced a song or prayer is refreshed with a new melody and/or arrangement. The cantors seem to know when to introduce an original composition the congregants are always eager to learn. Services are broadcast live on JBS TV, and on Facebook and YouTube. The sermons are from the biblical text, the weekly Torah portion, and have a contemporary message if possible.
This community of worshippers, rabbis, cantors, and the many others makes the place feel abundant with love. I feel so accepted and loved when I attend. From the great architecture and structure. To the friendly and kind members. I truly love the environment.
The architecture, colors, feel & vibe is magical. The service includes a live orchestra which is just Incredible with the acoustics within the sanctuary. The congregation is very open & welcoming to all. Central synagogue gives me something to look forward to weekly. I am so grateful that I get to experience the sanctuary during shabbat.
Friday night service with great music. Beautiful Synagogue interior with organ. An incredibly uplifting and joyful experience even though I don't know the prayers or most of the sings or how to read Hebrew. I would go again.
This synagogue is beautiful and historic. The Rabbi is an excellent speaker. I had chills from the incredible music. Someone told me they use professional musicians. I can believe it. The music was sublime!
We have watched Central Synagogue on streaming. Beautiful synagogue, Rabbis and Cantors are warm and welcoming. Reform is not my particular level of observance but I enjoy their services and the synagogue does a great job of instilling Jewish רוּחַ to its members and viewers. כל הכבוד
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