Congregation Beth Israel

Beth Israel is a super welcoming modern orthodox shul, someone found me a seat right away even though the shul was very crowded. The Rabbis speak very nicely and I liked the fact that the women get to take out the torah and parade it around their section — unlike many modern orthodox shuls, Beth Israel is a bit on the progressive and open side and I like that.
They also had a very nice kiddush in honor of a Bar Mitzvah afterward and people at the kiddush were quick notice me as a guest and come over for a friendly chat.

i never would have imagined belonging to an orthodox synagogue, even «modern ortho». that being said, it gave us the warmest welcome of any synagogue in berkeley. the people were not only nice, but seemed actually sincere. the rabbi is young and energetic and his weekly «drashim» are lovely to contemplate. there are regular events, almost always involving food and often learning, and i’ve been honored to attend many of them, meeting new people all the time (it’s been about 2 – 3 years).
most importantly, all people are welcome, including jews of different customs and levels of observance. want to wear birkenstocks? ok. a woman wants to wear a kipah and talit? sure. a man wanders in in jeans? not a problem.

I moved to Berkeley 2.5 years ago and Beth Israel is the best synagogue I’ve been to. It is a warm and welcoming community and a bright and airy shul. The rabbi is really great and I recommend it to anyone looking for a modern orthodox shul that is also a community and a home away from home. Every week a member family offers Hachnasat Orchim (hospitality for visitors), so new people can have Shabbat lunch with a local family. Pretty nice. We don’t have to live in Berkeley but we do because of CBI.

better than beth jacob!
the kiddush is often a little on the pathetic side, but the people are nice. and the building’s new!

I might be biased since i have belonged to Beth Israel my whole life, but i do believe it to be one of the better Modern Orthodox shuls around. It has a very open and friendly atmosphere, there is always someone willing to take in a stray for shabbat lunch. If you’re looking for somewhere to spend a shabbat, drop on by.