Congregation Beth Ahabah — Attraction in Richmond

Attended services here for the first time this past Friday. Beautiful synagogue. Didn’t realize they had their own dedicated parking garage across the street so we parked on the street. There was an officer posted out front for safety. The Rabbi greeted us & introduced himself within minutes of us arriving. Congregants were welcoming and made many suggestions for places us to visit as we’re new to the area. Cantor was friendly and had a beautiful voice. Excited to come back and will be considering becoming a member.

It seems custom for this synagogue is to do a “pre-neg” in place of an oneg. Most seemed to head home or go out to eat immediately...

To me, Beth Ahabah has always been about the Benjamin and politics. My grandparents were paying members and my parents for 50 years each, and they wouldn't have a short funeral service for my mother because she stopped her membership 5 years ago! Their policy for no funeral services for non-members doesn't reflect a closeness to God that I am proud of, and I attended Sunday school and services there for many years. Or Ami offered their services to my mother, they don't have such an exclusive policy. My Christian friends found my story quite amusing as their churches don't make those kind...

As a new comer to the city of Richmond searching for a fellowship community of other Jews, I was shocked by the way I was treated when I went to visit this morning. I had the door shut on my face when I asked if your holy place was open to the public. Shame on the woman at the door. Shame on the woman entering when she too looked at me with disdain. I won't return..practice what you say you believe in. This was...