Congregation Rodeph Sholom — Local services in New York

Whether you meant to or not, you just stumbled across the most inclusive, open minded, technology-inclusive place of prayer on this side of town! Here at CRS, as you walk in one can feel the level of security and safety simply by being in this space. The lobby is beautiful as it was just renovated a few years ago. There is a seating area in the lobby that includes a history of the Congregation, along with what it stands for and how it supports it's community. The main sanctuary is a grand structure, with amazing stained glass and subtle architectural designs to remind those inside what connects them all. At CRS afterschool, there are Sholom Sprouts, Adventures, and Discoveries classes, ranging from Pre-K all the way to 7th grade. The curriculums are well planed and the staff are amazing; take it from someone who works here. On the other side (84th street), there is the Rodeph Sholom School, where many people of all ages can be taught many different forms of history to enrich the learning experience. Overall, this is an amazing place to be. And it is not like many other temples, as the services are constantly changing with the modern world, while CRS embraces people of different backgrounds. Many of the clergy and staff are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you are trying to find a place to belong to, this is the place. Look around the website and you can find ways to become part of this...

I was visiting New York in June, 2018, because my friend of 50 years was dying. I attended Saturday morning services at Rodeph Shalom and was made very welcome by Rabbi Ben Spratt and the members with whom I spoke. Rabbi Spratt went out of his way to make himself available to me should I need him after my friend died. Although my rabbi back home in Tucson was available and comforting, he was 2000 miles away and Rabbi Spratt was there, and spent time with me after my friend died.

This is a large synagogue, about 10 times more members than my own. That the Rabbi, staff, and congregants were so kind to a stranger speaks highly of the values they...

Dishonest and untrustworthy — avoid doing business with them. They placed an order with us through Amazon two months ago and later claimed they never received it. After following up, they admitted they did receive the order. Since then, I’ve repeatedly contacted them — left messages, sent emails — and they’ve completely ignored me. No payment, no response. It’s extremely disappointing behavior, a place that claims to serve God but doesn’t honor...