Zagat's for Shuls

For all the problems with market-driven Judaism, there is one major benefit - it keeps synagogues and other institutions accountable to the needs of their members. I've often joked that given American Jews different tastes and preferences, what is really needed is a Zagat's guide for shuls, to help guide the serious shul shopper.


So, I can only say that the latest idea from the fertile mind of Mobius, Shul Shopper is genius:


Imagine the possible reviews:


Temple Beth Suburb (Services: 15, Facilities: 25, Programming: 17)

Congregants "dressed to the nines" flock to this stately, large, Conservative synagogue known for its "erudite rabbi" and "golden-tongued cantor." If your mind wanders during Musaf, there is plenty to gaze at in the spectacular stained-glass windows of the sanctuary or the brilliant Judaica collection in the lobby. The prized Speakers Series features a literal who's who's of American Jewry, capped by an annual lecture in which Alan Dershowitz presents his latest book. Critics claim that the davening lacks ruach, that the Hebrew school is a "soulless, Bar Mitzvah factory" and "good luck finding a kosher kitchen outside of the shul."


Minyan Meah Achuz (Services: 28, Facilities: 12, Programming: 25)

What began a traditonal egalitarian minyan is now considered to be "one of the most dynamic communities in America." Meah Achuz feauturs spirited prayer led with hauting melodies sung in 6-part harmony, lunch and learns from rising rabbinic stars and holiday programs with overflowing attendance. While the church basement decor is "not much to look at," survey applicants say the exact opposite about the "hip, attractive" 20 and 30-something crowd. Dissenters kvetch "if you don't know the service well, you'll get lost real quick" and snark "not everybody went to an Ivy League School - some of them went to Wesleyan and Duke..."

Any similarities to actual congregations are fully intentional.