Congregation Beth Jacob Synagogue

Unilocal lists this synagogue as being closed, but it’s not, they have two buildings — this main one used for regular services, and the old building on Court Street which is to my knowledge used to accommodate larger groups for events and/​or holidays. Although I’m pretty much a secular Jew I’ve been to Beth Jacob twice; I’m not a big proponent of Reform Judaism, but it was the closest synagogue to my house and I suppose something is better than nothing. What first struck me about the congregation is how small it was, the times I went there were maybe 25 people at most. I was informed most of the people there are from surrounding towns and on the Cape, which made me wonder how at times how they could even form a minyan, with so few people there on a summer Shabbat. I don’t think they even do Havdalah. The rabbi, Rabbi Silverstein is very easygoing, warm and engaging. Services were also relaxed and very pleasant and you could tell it was a tight knit group, and the people I met were eager to have me back. After services a few members even invited me to a Brockton Rox game the following week! I think for the Reform crowd this is a great synagogue, however I felt slightly out of place due to the lax atmosphere, the EXTREMELY casual dress of the patrons, and the Ashkenazi liturgical style. But as I said something is better than nothing, I’d recommend Beth Jacob to Reform or holiday Jews or just anyone looking for a shul to attend if you’re in the area.