Town and Village is a really special place. Rabbi Sebert is absolutely fabulous; he's an incredible teacher and a generous soul. The leadership and community is warm and welcoming. This is a fabulous shul!
Town and Village Synagogue is the only conservative synagogue south of 42nd street. Its down-to-earth membership is welcoming and, for those interested in getting involved in synagogue life, the opportunities are plentiful. A recent project, T&V Together, is striving to reach out to the membership to build connections beyond the core of active members. If you are interested in working to improve community and finding a spiritual home, Town and Village is a place for you.
Since we moved to NYC we have not been able to truly feel connected and a sense of belonging to a synagogue. This High Holiday season at Town and Village Synagogue was definitely an exception. Very meaningful. Orly
We joined T&V about 15 years ago after "trying out" 2 other synagogues for Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur. We came in the morning and never left to visit one more shul. The warmth, caring and feeling of community were and continue to be so very strong.
This is a warm and spiritual shul. I started going because I needed a weekend activity for my two young toddlers during the cold weather months. Both of my children grew up there - and have a strong Jewish foundation. My husband truly enjoyed studying with Rabbi Sebert under the auspices of the Melton Workshop, and torah with Hugh Pollack. I regularly pop into the kitchen during Shabbat, roll up my sleeves and start cooking. When I was experiencing some profoundly troubling personal issues, during a Tzedakah (forgiveness workshop) Rabbi Sebert reassuringly, and sensibly affirmed what I felt from within. We have hosted and have been the recipients of holiday meals. Town and Village Syngagogue has been a wonderful anchor for our family.
I am a JBFCS social work consultant to Town and Village Synagogue. I have been at Town and Village one day a week for the past year. I help when congregants, children and adults hit a bump in the road. What has amazed me is the way this community shows up for each other in tough times and for simchas. They go and do for each other. This mitzvah has filtered down to their children who, with some guidance, have been able to use the frame of Jewish tradition to help each other through tough times. This happens because the practice of Judaism, in our the best understanding of "practice" word is alive and well in this community. Oh, one more thing...the members run the place
I am a fairly new member of this congregation. What propelled my membership is the Israel Action committee - which invited me to join even before I had paid dues - and its excellent chair; the welcoming Rabbi; and the many friendly long time members who warmly welcomed me and extended friendship.
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I "married into" the synagogue about 30 years ago, and now the synagogue is really part of my family. I recently celebrated a Bat Mitzvah at T&V - chanting Torah (I learned at T&V), Haftorah (taught by our wonderful Cantor) and delivered a D'var Torah (not my first at T&V). T&V is truly a place of learning, sharing and caring. My good friend, a 92 year old elder stateswoman of the congregation, states that T&V is her lifeline . Another senior member said that she could not have survived without T&V when she broke her ankle. Last year an 8th grader's mom died. Her Hebrew class formed a minyan for her and the class parents provided meals for the family when needed. My family celebrates its simchas at T&V : Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Baby naming, anniversary and even a Kiddush in honor of my husband's election. T&V is unique in so many wonderful ways: we have a full, free community service for the high holidays; members assist with a service at a local nursing home run by a Rabbi who is a lay member at T&V. I've met new and fun people when we were paired off on a Thanksgiving God's Love We Deliver project. We run and staff the community's weekly Shabbat service for hospitalized Jewish veterans at the local VA hospital. Our Bikur Choilm visits the local hospitals to bring cheer, and our Shofar blowers visit our home-bound members on Rosh Hashanah to bring the mitzvah of hearing the Shofar to them. The list goes on and on. TandV and its clergy provides the best in what we consider "uniquely Jewish menschlichkeit". All of which is done on a shoe-string budget, with volunteers, little paid staff and much love. The opportunities to give and to grow in a more compassionate, Jewish, way is available to all.
T & V is a most warm and welcoming place. As a place of Jewish observance, it couples a great spiritual tradition with highly egalitarian and participatory services. As a place of Jewish community, it offers compelling opportunities for learning, tzedakah (charity), and social action. It felt like home to me and my family from the first time we stepped in the door.
My family and I have had a wonderful experience in our 18 years at T and V. We have felt welcomed and nurtured and found a place to celebrate all the wonderful milestones of our lives as the children have grown. One can be involved from early morning services to high quality adult education in the evenings. The clergy is accessible, and the cantorial singing in beautiful.
Town And Village Synagogue is a great community. I made new friends the first day I visited the synagogue. T&V did not turn me away because I could not afford the membership dues. They tried their best to help and welcomed me with open arms. The community is full of wonderful people who are long term members from the neighborhood and treat one another like brothers and sisters. During high holidays T&V have community service for the open public, which is hard to find coz most synagogues hold services for members only.
I came to T&V over 10 years ago with my new husband. We were looking for a Rabbi to help guide us through a traditional Jewish wedding and found a community and family. From day one we felt a wonderful connection to the community. The members are warm and welcoming. As visitors to the shul we were invited to the homes of members for Friday night dinners, Passover Seders and even meals during the high holidays. We have formed deep meaningful bonds over the years and feel blessed to be able to give our kids an second home overflowing with honorary grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends.
T&V is my other life. I could be busy there every single day (or evening) of the week with classes, services, committee work. The warmth and friendships here are overwhelming. The prayer service is uplifting and even fun. What I especially love are the amazing classes that are available to us with absolutely first rate teachers who inspire. My life would be so much less rich and meaningful if I did not have T&V in my life.
I have found the synagogue a warm,friendly place with caring people. When we both lost our parents the people of the shul made sure we had minyonim and food etc. They have also been very supportive of my Torah reading helping me to feel better about it if I messed up and also making me feel good when I have done well. Are there down sides, yes. Sometimes the clergy is not as supportive as they can be in certain situations, such as not calling people when they are homebound or ill in the hospital. Also, sometimes they do not give people the correct amount of support or perhaps it is not the answer that they feel they were looking for. Overall though I am satisfied with the synagogue.
We have had many family life-cycle celebrations at T&V. We have also had two daughters participate in the hebrew school from tot programs to bat-mitzvah class. The process of working with the Rabbi & Cantor on the bat mitzvahs has been very positive for our daughters and it was a great continuation of their hebrew school experience. Both our daughters have made life-long friends in the Hebrew school and my wife and I have made dear friends among Hebrew school parents and among other members. The 8th grade Israel class and trip was a tremendously successful program. Even though my daughter had been to Israel before, she discovered Israel anew with her friends and developed a greater connection to the land and people. T&V is more than a wonderful community - it is an important part of our family's life.
Having joined as a child over 50 years ago, lapsed, and returned as an adult 30 years ago, I've seen how the community has evolved to a warm, participatory, egalitarian, traditional yet innovative congregation, with unusually warm, supportive, accepting clergy and a really interesting, diverse, caring, non-judgmental, multi-generational membership. The Synagogue has a wide variety of engaging classes, lectures, discussions and social programs for all ages. Both my son and I made life-long friends in the religious school, which really seems to engage and motivate kids; my wife and I have made close friends in the Synagogue. Committee work and special projects can be rewarding and an enjoyable way to meet people. In a very real sense, it is a "home away from home."
On a Shabbat in October, a 13 year old became bar mitzvah, a 27 year old man and an 67 year old woman both read Torah for the first time, a 93 year old woman wrapped herself in a tallis for the first time and with the Rabbi recited the Sheheheyanu - the prayer for new things, for reaching this time in her life. I was one of these. T and V is a place where people can grow into the Jews they want to become. The just- started Adult Bar / Bat Mitzvah class - a two year program - has nearly 20 people! Community and commitment - is more than a slogan. T and V is an inclusive community - welcoming individuals whose diverse paths to Judaism converge in this small shul. One whose vison and action in observance, programming and education are dazzling when one realizes they are done on such a financial shoe -string. T and V is repeated selected to pilot, demonstrate, innovate because it is already receptive to new ideas and can put them into practice. And still remain a participitory, egalitarian, traditional Conservative Jewish synagogue - buillding community and commitment.
I never could have expected what I found when I arrived at Town and Village synagogue over 25 years ago. What I found tranformed my life and the life of my family. While searching for a place which would provide services, I found a community. While searching for a place for learning, I found that I was now part of a family. This connection to community became so strong so quickly that it became the overwhelming priority in deciding to live downtown so that we could continue to always be part of this extraordinarily devoted and diverse community. All of our life celebrations - even birthdays, anniversaries, graduations etc. - are celebrated at our shul - as it our home and its members are our family. Its reputation for warmth and heimishness is well deserved and real - one need only enter one time to witness how one is greeted warmly by others in shul, immediately offered an honor or participation in the service and reached out to by so many during kiddush. One need only look around the shul and at the tremendous amount of participation to notice the diversity and how everyone is accepted for who he or she is. But some of my most memorable times reflects the humor and good will which flows through the shul, whether at a Purim shpiel, a spoof at a dinner dance or through some creative fun with the clergy during services. What makes Town and Village unique is that it takes our mission and what we do and what we learn seriously but we like to have fun while doing so.
I love Town and Village. They accept me and my family, however we are able to participate. I learned tremendous new skills, like reading Torah and leading services, taught lovingly by both clergy and lay members. I get to sing in the choir! I have made friends as well. On the High Holydays, there's no fashion show, no ostentation. It's a humble place where everyone is appreciated, and I'm proud that we include people from many diffeernt minority groups among our members. It's a shul I'm proud to call home.
From the day I walked in and was warmly welcomed at the door and included in a Learners Service, I have felt a part of the synagogue. I have met many people of all different ages and am impressed with the jewish learning and skills of the congregation and how they share those skills by teaching others. I have also found it a very warm and inclusive organization with extraordinarily talented clergy and educational director.
Town and Village Synagogue community is a warm, caring, friendly and compassionate one.The Rabbi is sincere and welcoming to all. The Cantor, and her wonderful voice, adds to the meaningfulness of the Prayer service while encouraging the congregation to fully participate. T&V is trying to be a synagogue for all Jews by providing Braille prayer books for the blind, a chair lift for those who cannot walk steps, a hearing system for the hard of hearing and ASL services for the Deaf. Hopefully, after the new renovation, all Jews will have access to the Sanctuary and the class rooms.
Shalom! I attended Rosh HaShanah services in September 2009. As a first time visitor to the Town and Village Synagogue - I must say that my experience was totally delightfulv -from the first introducutions in the Administrative Office to the spellbinding Shabbat Rosh HaShanah services (for the Public) led by the two spectacular women (Beth Mann and Abby Susskind(?). The two young women - a rabbi and a cantor were able to engage the entire multi-generational, multi-lingualand somewhat multi-cultural congregation. There were prayers for Peace and prayers for the release of the young soldier still held by Hamas, there were solemn moments and moments of song (and almost dance! ...so much energy). I loved it and told all my friends about it! TODAH RABAH!
My experience at the Town and Village synagogue thus far has been nothing short of excellent. In looking to expand my Jewish network in NYC, I attended one of their young professional Shabbat dinners. Often times, such dinner amed at this demographic are expensive and ill received by folks I'd be looking to meet. However, the dinner and T&V was affordable and because of that, the crowd was large, classy, down to earth and the kind of people I'd like to associate with. The dinner was well organized, food was tasty and it certainly had the warm Jewish feel I was looking for.
They offer free services for the High Holidays. Unbelievable! Especially for New York City. The High Holiday experience was so pleasant. Staff and clergy were inclusive and warm. I wil definitely be back.
This is a place where I have always felt instantly welcomed. The group of people involved is so warm and does everything possible to try and make everyone feel like they belong there. So much so that it then motivated me to get involved as a volunteer.
The minute you walk into this shul you instantly feel warmly welcomed and accepted. The services on Friday night and Saturday are uplifting and easily accessible. People are friendly and genuine. The Young Adult Program is a special asset to the shul because it's a great way to meet other young Jewish professionals - there is a bonding that happens when you pray, learn, laugh, and share a meal together on Shabbat... I highly recommend this shul to anyone who wants to enhance their experience of Shabbat and be part of a thriving Jewish community.
I've been going to the Town and Village Synagogue community services for the high holidays for seven years since I moved into the neighborhood. It is so difficult to find a synagogue that will take nonmembers on the high holidays. Not only do they accept us, but they accept us with open arms. Though I know I give donations every year, I'm sure there are plenty who attend the services who are either unable or forget to donate, and I'm sure it's at least a small (if not significant) financial burden to provide this service. But it cannot be underestimated how much this synagogue gives back to the community in this simple, though highly appreciated gesture.
Great synagogue! They are always welcoming. The monthly dinners are a great way to meet other young Jews in the community.
Town and Village Synagogue is a Synagogue where I feel at home, and I also especially enjoy the Young Adult Programming. The Rabbi is warm and welcoming - he introduced himself the first time I met him and always takes the time to say hello. The Young Adult Programming has a similar vibe - friendly welcoming people. The Young Adult Programs, particularly the monthly shabbat dinner, always have interesting themes, and are far less expensive than other similar dinners. Going to T&V helps me feel more connected to Judaism.
Town and Village is always welcoming. The free community services during the high holidays are a wonderful way to be inclusive of everyone in the area, and the Young Adult dinners are always fun. It's a great place to go to be part of a community, which is what Judaism is all about!
Wonderful synagogue, welcoming community. The monthly dinners are great. Each time I have gone I have met a diverse set of people from all over the city.
Town and Village Synagogue is a very welcoming environment and has excellent *Young Adult Programming*. They invite Jewish young adults over about once a month for an egalitarian shabbat service, a dinner and a lecture on a topic affecting the Jewish community. The shabbat service is always spirited, with a lot of ruach from both the young people and the regular congregants. The dinner is delicious - and I've made a few friendships, dates and professional connections through this venue. The lectures are typically relevant and and somewhat academic, provoking thought and discussion, no matter your level of involvement or observance. Probably the most important thing about this programming is that it provided a venue for me to find others who I could relate to about my trials and tribulations of being a Jewish young professional in NYC.
I am a deaf woman. There are not many synagogues in NYC or anywhere that a deaf person can come and be made to feel accepted and part of the congregation. Town and Village Synagogue makes sure to have interpreters so that deaf people can understand the prayers and what is going on. People are very warm and try very hard to welcome the deaf community and make us feel welcome Thank You Liora Rotem
I first started coming to T&V for the daily morning minyans. I am saying Kaddish for my dad, who passed away at the end of June. I did a lot of investigation into other synagogues and T&V really stood out. In addition to holding one of the only egalitarian, daily minyans in the area, there is a wonderful community. They were friendly and supportive from the very first morning. And after the first Shabbat I attended, I decided that this was a good synagogue for me to join. The feeling on Friday nights is very different from daily services and also from Saturday morning. But I really like it all. I love how warm and quirky the people in this community are and the clergy are amazing. I dont know what I would have done without this community during this very challenging time.
The Rabbi is a very done to earth, plain spoken person that exudes the proper mix of approachability, confidence and knowledge. WONDERFUL!! The Young Adult programming (Synaplex) hosts a Shabbot Dinner once a month. Rarely have I felt as comfortable and "at home" with a group of people. It is the highlight of my month. The dinners usually have a theme and/or a speaker that actually speaks about a topic of relevance to the audience. Authors, Artists, Social Workers, have all spoken about topics that bridge the spirt of Shabbot and the interests of the attendees. This is the place that someone that hates going to synagogue would love, but it also is the place that someone that loves synagogue would frequent. It encapsulates the diversity of Lower East Side and infuses it with the warm spirit of Judiasm. The people that run Synaplex have a contagious approachable enthusiasm that makes you feel you belong. Everyone has a "real" genuine affect-not the glazed over robotic smile that pervade so many similar programs. If I won the lottery I would give them money.
A fabulous, welcoming community, filled with interesting and caring people. By being so open-minded and positive, the rabbi, other clergy, and committee members helped the younger generation to build a genuine community for themselves. I am very happy to have shared in that and enjoy watching it live on.
I am an active member of the synagogue and have celebrated many life cycle events, both happy and said. I have been a board member and lay leader. The community is warm and caring and educated. The values that are taught and lived are social justice, care for community, education and meaningful observance. It is truly egalatarian, respecting everyone, regardless of income, age, gender or sexual orientation. The clergy lead by example and provide meanigful prayer and teaching.
Almost twenty years ago, I was looking for a "conservative shul" that was also egalitarian and open to change. When I first walked into T&V, I was stunned by the number of women on the bima, including the Cantor, as well as the number of volunteers who ran the service along with the Rabbi. Twenty years later, I am still struck by how this Shul brings together the best of NYC: warmth, diversity and community, along with the liturgical tradition that it preserves and observes. This is an open, questioning shul, best described as "conservative with twinkle in the eye" where you "don't have to get a new outfit for the high holidays".
I've been to many many syngagogues throughout North America and few in other parts of the world, and this one is close to my ideal. I am big on religious services and rate this one as world class. Cantor Postman's voice and Kavanah are truly superb. You can feel her drawing all of our prayers to the heavens along with hers. She involves the congregation as she leads them, and also has a very talented choir. Rabbi Sebert is an excellent Rabbi. Together they create a welcoming and moving spiritual environment and I attend there whenever I am in Manhattan.
My parents and I have been members of T&V since I was 6 years old. I am now 31. The synagogue community is like my 2nd family. I have celebrated many happy times and unfortunately some sad at T&V. Even during tough times, I have felt comforted by the warmth and energy at T&V. The energy and spirit during Shabbat and other services is amazing. Rabbi Sebert, Cantor Postman, Shanee Epstein, and the countless members who present and volunteer make this community what it is.
T&V is now in its 5th year of offering Services interpreted into American Sign Language (ASL) for the Deaf congregants whom we attract. These Services are known throughout the tri-state area and are publicized widely, typically drawing at least a minyan just of those from the Deaf Community. Last year, our sponsorship also grew to such a point where we were able to expand these Services to monthly, and we're now also beneficiaries of a UJA grant that was recently established for programs like these. We're very fortunate that our diverse list of sponsors affirms how much "it takes a Town and a Village" for us to be able to achieve successes like this.
Great, warm & welcoming place for all. The rabbi & cantor are warm people and genuinely enjoy helping members live better lives. The congregation is warm, friendly and very diverse.
Is a welcoming, warm congregation. The Rabbi is a kind man and is very good at making people feel welcome and special.
I don't live in the neighborhood and found T&V through an out of town visit by a friend. I had done some shul shopping earlier but hadn't yet found the right place. I knew immediately when I first came to a Friday night service, that I wanted to come back. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and made me feel at home in an atmosphere that embraced me. I love the emphasis on learning and education for everyone from the youngest children to the most senior among us. For me it is definitely worth the trip to attend and I not only come to services but attend many adult education classes as well.
If you want to talk about schlepping....we drive in from Connecticut, two hours each way for both services and classes. We investigated for some time to find the synagogue that would best meet our needs. The Rabbi talked to us about the importance of community in Judaism, and in all of my life, I have never seen such an active and supportive community. Our only regret is that we do not live in NYC so that we could take advantage of even more of the many programs that T & V has to offer. It is truly a synagogue like no other, with members and staff that are always there for you. Finding Town and Village has been a blessing in our lives.
Town And Village Synagogue is a great place to pray and a great community of people. Prayers are said and holidays are observed with deep knowledge, joy and sincere intention. Town and Village Synagogue is an inclusive group of people who help to increase everyone's knowledge, visit the sick and remember those who are not there, and has programs for different age groups on most occasions.
We were first atrracted to T & V because of the Shabbat service. The congregation was fully engaged, the liturgy was traditional but the service was egalitarian, one of the first Conservative synagogues to adopt that positon. That was almost 30 years ago. When we moved out of the neighborhood to the Upper West Side, we tried to leave - it was a "schlep" going to services. But we were unable to find another congregation where we felt so comfortable and at home. My husband is a convert and the congregation was very welcoming. It remains our spiritual home and our community after all these years.