Temple Akiba

I have been a member of Temple Akiba since I got married there in 1982. My husband’s family joined in 1968. Rabbi Maller welcomed me even though I hadn’t converted to Judaism because I was a Jew «at heart» and agreed to raise my children Jewish and to establish a Jewish home. Rabbi Shapiro is the same: warm, welcoming as is Cantor Lonee. Temple Akiba is a very inclusive synagogue. It is a home away from home for me and my family.
Our 3 children went to the pre-​school, were bar and bar mitzvahed there and went onto Confirmation. My daughter is now the Youth and Resident Camp Director. When my father-​in-​law died recently, both Rabbi Maller and Rabbi Shapiro officiated at the funeral. The Akiba community supported us through our grief. We have also made wonderful friends there.

Warm, friendly, and spiritual. Rabbi Shapiro and Cantor Frailich ensure that each service is fulfilling. They have found the perfect mix of traditional and contemporary melodies in the music and Rabbi’s sermons are always thought provoking. Both the Rabbi and the Cantor are always engaging. I also enjoy the Saturday morning Bible study.

My husband and I tried to attend this temple three years ago after moving to the neighborhood. Rabbi Shapiro and the Cantor told us that their temple was not the «right» temple for us due to the fact that my husband is from Israel. They said that Israel was primarily secular and therefore my husband and I probably should find a different temple. Astonishing.
So you have a Jewish temple here that doesn’t like Jews from Israel to attend their temple… It was very uncomfortable and every time I need to drive near this temple I shutter. I will leave you with the names of two temples that we would both recommend with open arms, Temple of the Arts and Sinai Temple in BH.

Every Friday evening service is different. The 1^st Friday of the month is a family service and lots of children come with their families. Many children are enrolled in the preschool and afterschool programs. Sunday school and Hebrew school are very popular with the children and parents. The teachers are well trained and develop a wonderful relationship with the children. The children get to participate in the Family Shabbat services helping to lead the congregation. Different grade levels take turn leading the services each month. Birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated at this service with invitations to come up to the bima for Rabbinical blessings. The children become very comfortable on the bima and are motivated to learn their songs and prayers. One Friday a month is designated a Torah service and the rabbi and cantor read from the Torah and explain in modern terms the meaning of the Torah portion. The last Friday evening of the month is the popular Kabbalat Shabbat that is held in the social hall. Most of the service is with melodies that everyone is encouraged to sing along. The rabbi plays his guitar or banjo, a song leader also has a guitar, other instruments like the dobro, bongos, harp, violin and percussion instruments, often distributed to the children. Come early not to miss the candle lighting and Kiddush. Everyone is invited to the Oneg Sabbat following the services. Check the temple website for more information.

If there is a nicer, friendlier, rabbi, we’ve never met him or her. We’re huge fans of Rabbi Zachary. He’s a pleasure to be around and to listen to.

The best part of our wedding was the service. Rabbi Zach Shapiro explains every ritual he does before conducting it so that everyone of all denominations understands the meaning and purpose of different parts of the ceremony. Jews, non-​Jews, and non-​practicing Jews all commented on how great the service was. The Rabbi is young and hip (bonus points for conducting the service using an iPad) and he managed to personalize the service based on our wishes and our own feelings about each other.
My complaint about other weddings I’ve been to is that the service often feels impersonal and generic. We met with the Rabbi several times before we got married and he did a good job of answering our questions, making us feel comfortable, and incorporating our own personalities in the wedding ceremony.
Services at this temple are also very good.