Union Temple House of CBE

"Great community resource that opens its doors to everyone of every stripe and color. Germany school, neighborhood gym, concerts/events, and cool activities for congregants or anyone just interested in learning more. Asian, Hispanic, Black, White, LGBTQ, interfaith/interracial...pretty common to have all this on a regular Shabbat dinner or event."

"I’ve grown up in this temple. I had my naming ceremony and bat mitzvah here and I will be married here as well. This is a supportive community with lovely services. The Rabbi is wonderful and there is lots of great music. I’m LGBTQ+, adopted and have struggled with mental illness and I find nothing but love and acceptance here. I’m very thankful for Union Temple."

"I realize that Jewish houses of worship have to make enough to pay their staffs and maintain the buildings. Union Temple rents out a large portion of their building and makes a great deal of money from that. Houses of worship often have fundraising events. However, when I wrote the Rabbi that I was considering joining the Union Temple but could not afford their very high membership fees she never wrote back or had other staff contact me. I am upset that most Jewish Houses of worship are like this and do not have rates for retired seniors just young adults. Young adults especially those working in the high tech industries or financial companies can make a great deal of money. I wish these houses of worship followed the models of fundraising that churches use. Many Jewish houses of worship are not accessible either for those with physical challenges, especially in the older buildings. Union Temple has elevators. One Temple that uses fundraisers like musicals and comedies for their funding needs is the Actors Temple in the theatre area in Manhattan. Their membership rates are among the lowest of all Jewish Houses of worship and they will work with you if you have difficulties even with these rates and for the High Holidays. I have been a member there for a number of years. I like the Rabbi and most of the members who are very caring. They even have made the Actors Temple more accessible for those with physical challenges recently with a lift and with a bathroom put on the first floor. I also wanted to go to a Jewish House of worship in Brooklyn since I live in Brooklyn not in Manhattan. So I advise you to not to go to the Union Temple, unless you are wealthy. Go to the Actors Temple instead in Manhattan or other Temples and Houses of Worship in Brooklyn if you live there and I will write about later. You do not have to be an Actor to go to the Actors Temple. They have some actors, singers, comedians, visual artists like me and a rich history of famous people, but all kinds of people go there and are welcome there with a reasonable membership schedule. All Jewish Houses of Worship should follow their model. So Union Temple staff ask how the Actors Temple does it and follow suit."

"You would think that a Temple committed to community betterment and neighborliness would... treat their neighbors with respect! Alas, that is not the case here. It seems perfectly apparent Union Temple would rather make money by throwing loud, obnoxious concerts, frequently running past 11pm on weeknights, than be respectful towards their neighbors and their kids. One of the great principles of the Torah is in Leviticus 19:18: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." It turns out that Union Temple does not practice what they preach. I was thinking of joining, but now I will assuredly not be."

"This place was opened for the use of B'nai Adath. Our house of worship was destroyed by fire on Nov.14, 2017. We have the ability for our members to worship together n 1 place again. This act of kindness generosity and compassion is greatly appreciated."