SAJ is a joyous community of New Yorkers – a Jewish home where everyone’s voice is valued and heard.
Imagine a school kids run towards and a synagogue where all can come together for social justice, study, and Shabbat. Ever since SAJ introduced America’s first bat mitzvah in 1922, it has been reconstructing Judaism, wrestling with God, questioning tradition and expanding its boundaries to ensure that Torah remains relevant, engaging, and welcoming to all.

High Holidays

High Holidays

Celebrate the High Holidays with SAJ.  We have services, programs and social activities for all ages. 

Hebrew School

Hebrew School

Learn about educational programs for every member of the family.

Activism At SAJ

Activism at SAJ

See how SAJ comes together with all communities to take action for justice.

SAJ Hosts Christmas Party For Newly Arrived New Yorkers

SAJ hosts Christmas Party for Newly Arrived New Yorkers

Read the story in The New York Times.

Events

View full calendar 

View Calendar

SAJ Clergy & Staff

Lauren Grabelle Herrmann

Rabbi
Email

Lisa Shapanka Arbisser

Cantor
Email

Debra Fricano

Director of Education & Family Engagement
Email

Rabbi Michael Strassfeld

Rabbi Emeritus

Hear from Our Members

SAJers are seekers and non-believers alike; families with children and without children; single, married; young and old; white, black, Asian, Latino; gay, straight, transgender; Jewish by birth, by choice or friends of other faiths living in a Jewish household. We believe that everyone who throws in their lot with the Jewish people and with our sacred community should have a voice in the interpretation of Jewish tradition and the shaping of its future. Here’s what some of our members say about SAJ:

“We’ve found our hidden gem- we’ve found our community. We felt welcomed and seen from day one. I feel so lucky that my son will get to learn for his bar mitzvah and celebrate at SAJ.”

Shira E. & Gabriel E.

“I discovered SAJ almost by accident 50 years ago when we were both considerably younger. I stayed at SAJ because it gave each of my three children a strong grounding in a Judaism they could live and believe in. It has been a consistent place of serious intellectual inquiry, a place fiercely interested in the world with an increasing commitment to preaching about, studying and acting for justice, and an institution able to change and grow as that has made sense over a half century.” 

Ruth M.

“We are empty nesters and new to NYC. We were searching for a new community and fortunately found SAJ! People are extremely welcoming, and Rabbi Lauren and Cantor Lisa are so inspiring.”

Sue and Mike B.

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