While the synagogue is beautiful, the services are cold, little feeling of being in a Jewish house of worship. I come from the oldest reform Temple west of the Mississippi, but even there, you feel a Jewish connection. We sing our prayers together in Hebrew; we try to partake in the service. Here, I felt the last leg of anything Jewish. As a reform Jew with a history of 4 generations in California, I left here sad; I felt no sense of community, a service so void of anything that touched my heart as a Jew. Take away the magnificent building, to me, it could be any place of worship..... Jewish? unfortunately not.

If you enjoy visiting and learning about the many architectural gems of New York City, the Temple should definitely be on your list. This tour was through the New York Adventure Club and was definitely work it. Check with the temple to see when it is open to the general public.

The massive and beautiful building dates from 1930 (the congregation itself, from 1845). It’s open to the public Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Stunning. Yes, you can go in if you're a tourist. And yes, there is a (beautiful) bathroom.

Absolutely beautiful and stunning space. But the actual procedure and service in the building was a bit peculiar.

Secure. Friendly staff. Went for the museum/synagogue tour. The docent is knowledgeable and charismatic.

Became a member as a young adult, now a Sr. Citizen. All staff, Rabbis and members have been the very kindest and welcoming to the new member and to this Sr. Citizen over all these years. A wonderful and welcoming place to be a member. Just like a warm home.

This beautiful and historic landmark is open for self guided tours most weekdays. Worship is at 6pm on Friday nights and 1030am on Saturday mornings, with a world class choir, organ, and often other instrumentation, mixing classic and contemporary liturgical music. The preschool, religious school, and other family and adult programs are among the very best in NYC, as you would expect from this 175 year old institution. The community is friendly and visitors are always welcomed warmly.

This congregation that I visited for the first time had so much grace I was moved to tears. The Rabbi, a graceful female who was wholly and holy interested in current scientific and natural events gave a teaching of current events tied into a love for Our Father, the God of Abraham. The Cantors and adjoining delightful musical group can only be designed as Love and a graceful understanding of a moving and loving display for our God of Abraham , Isaac, and Jacob. Moved to tears during a sermon I chose to leave a little early as this felt as good or better then any Broadway show!!! I'd rate the leaders and the flock of this graceful Jewish display of love witnessed by myself, a proud Jewish man who will definitely be back this time with a handkerchief to dry the tears the whole of this congregation and it's display of an intelligent approach to bring the love to their most gracious leaders and the entity of the Temple's congregation where I'll definitely reach out to again. Unbelievable is the only word that describes this Friday night event that seemed the best show grace and love for Our Elo!!!

Temple Emanu-El, situated in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, is a renowned Reform Jewish synagogue. Established in 1845, it's one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the U.S. and is celebrated for its immense size. I recently visited and found it to be a welcoming place. It's essential to note that if you don't attend Shabbat prayers, you won't be able to enter during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday). The main entrance was closed during my visit, but David, who was with the Rabbi, kindly directed me to a side entrance. The warmth of the people there added to the overall positive experience.

It’s simply a classic NYC landmark, especially as seen from the west side far across Central Park

The lady at the front desk was really lovely and accompanied me to enable me to have a look around even though I hadn't turned up during a normal 'tour' time. She also let me look around the museum exhibition on my own which felt like a private viewing!

It had been years since my previous visit to New York. Thanksgiving weekend 2015 and the weather was simply lovely. I strolled along 5th Avenue and found this synagogue where there were numerous NYC police officers standing. I had attended a number of bar mitzvahs as a boy in Pittsburgh but hadn't been in a synagogue since. I asked if it was possible visit. Truly remarkable.

Came here on trip from England to see Hello Gorgeous exhibition. Lovely layout and not busy at all. Was also captivated by the beautiful Jewish artifacts on display. Would recommend a trip.

The Rabbis and members of this synagogue are truly among the warmest and finest people I have ever met. The services shine with both hope and inspiration.

Could only see it from outside but Biblical/Scriptural motives are very clear and beautiful.

I’m planning on visiting New York for the first time and I want to see when the Astor Mansion once stood, is there any remains of the old Astor house?

A very warm and welcoming synagogue.

Thank u so much

Temple Emanu-El is a prominent Reform Jewish synagogue located at 1 East 65th Street, at the corner of Fifth Avenue, in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Established in 1845, Temple Emanu-El is one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the United States and is also considered one of the largest synagogues in the world. As an important center of Reform Judaism, Temple Emanu-El boasts breathtaking architecture, with its vast sanctuary, magnificent stained glass windows, and high ceilings. The synagogue and its Streicker Center provide a wide range of religious, educational, and cultural programs, attracting both visitors and locals alike. Notable personalities, including the Guggenheims and the Rothschilds, have been part of this congregation. With its combination of historical significance and architectural splendor, Temple Emanu-El stands as a prominent fixture within the broader Jewish community and New York City itself.

We went on a Sacred Sights tour here and the people couldn’t have been any more welcoming and kind . This space is absolutely beautiful . I have been to events here as well and it’s always a pleasure .

Very Ancient temple.

We used to visit this Temple whenever we go to New York.Very well maintained temple. Added attraction is the Canteen attached this temple.

Great temple with live organ and chamber music for services

The most amazing temple I have ever been to. Gorgeous interior and great sound. There are events here with amazing guests worth becoming a member.

Very beautiful and nice place. Good performance and high-quality sound inside the building

Amazing building. Wonderful music. Always thought provoking messages from the Rabbis.

Went for an event with Lin Manuel Miranda. Very welcoming and a beautiful temple.

Beautiful synagogue, great programs, nice people,BUT- I was at an event and was shocked to see cheeseburger. Ok, I understand it's not a kosher place but in a synagogue to serve cheese mix with meat ?? At minimum put the cheese on a separate plate, it does not have to be mix in nor glatt nor kosher but mix together?? No one believed it and was sure it's was fake cheese till the caterer confirmed that it's real cheese(dairy) Sorry that was beyond...... Sad- it's a synagogue COL. Wow. I was shocked.. Out of respect for the synagogue it was in poor taste.

Very snobbish and racial discriminatory. Temple is listed to close by 5:00pm. The first time I arrived was at 4:00 p.m., and I was refused to enter. The second day I arrived around 3:40 p.m and was turned away again due to internal matter. During the time I rested outside there was no problem for a white female to enter! Very disappointed!