Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot

We’ve been members for over 4 years and just love it. We have two elementary age children, so our activities at SHM center around kids (usually). It is a VERY family friendly shul, and extremely inclusive of everyone (they have a special support group for special needs members; that attracted us to the shul and they do walk the walk). I’ve also attended some of the more «adult» events, and am pleased to see so many mature members as well. Rabbi Steinberg is wonderful with everyone, and a gifted teacher and orator. When we «temple shopped» we did not feel very welcome in other shuls, but from day one we felt welcome and appreciated at SHM … 4 years later, that «vibe» remains. As a teenager my temple (in the midwest) was my home away from home … I hope my kids feel that way about SHM. As Rabbi Steinberg always says at the youth service «it’s cool to be Jewish,» and that’s a message my kids like to hear … and I do as well! It’s cool to be Jewish, and nice to be a member of SHM.

I had been here before, but it was years ago under their old rabbi (who was wonderful) so I decided to check it out again since I’ve been shul shopping. Their Friday evening services are at 7:30 which is great for me since I work in Newport Beach but live in San Clemente: if I have to work late on Friday I can stop by for services on my way home and if I leave the office at my usual time then I have time to go home first, grab some food and let the dog out for bit and then go.
Building: nice. They changed the layout of the sanctuary since I was last here and I like it: they have it «compartmentalized» so they can open up more space as needed. They have a glassed-​in (and I’m assuming sound-​proofed and speaker-​equipped) «crying room» off to the side of the sanctuary where one can take a fussy child if needed and still enjoy the service. THANK YOU to the designer — and please work on a way to add that to airliners. :)
Service: nicely done. The two rabbis did a little tag team thing: and the senior rabbi’s sermon was nice and focused on outreach to the hungry (which the synagogue engages in via an «adopt a family» program) and the idea that the prayers we espouse in shul need to translate into actions in our lives outside of shul. The senior rabbi (Steinberg) announced his engagement and introduced his fiancé during the service which was cute. I love their cantor (Arie) and remembered him well from my attendance in the past. He is a wonderful performer and does a great job of setting the pace and mood of worship. Last night he was backed up by a few other musicians: I don’t know if that’s a regular thing or not but it worked well.
Demeanor: was greeted with a «Shabbat Shalom» as soon ad I entered the door and again by the guy handing out the programs at the entrance to the sanctuary. Later when I asked a lady where the restrooms were she asked if I was new there and then welcomed me, showed me where the restrooms were, and made sure I knew that if I needed anything else to please let her know. They also begin their services by asking everyone to introduce themselves to someone they don’t know and wish them a Shabbat Shalom.
Overall: this place really does a good job of making a newcomer comfortable and the service itself was very nice. I don’t know what it would be like as a long-​term attendee but I definitely will go again to find out.

Rabbi Craig Lewis is fantastic! He married us it was just incredible. He took the time to make it very personal and relevant and fun at the same time. He is also very personable and approachable. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!