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.

Activism at SAJ

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

High Holidays 2026/5787

High Holiday registration is now open to SAJ members.

100 Years at SAJ Campaign

Check out our 100 years’ campaign!

Events

SAJ Clergy & Staff

Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann

Rabbi

Cantor Lisa Shapanka Arbisser

Cantor

Adam Rudich

Executive Director

Rabbi Adam Graubart

Director of Education and Family Outreach

Ilana Marcus

Operations Manager

Dubbs Weinblatt

Director of Communications and the Tzedek Initiative

Lucas Torres Minaya

Building Superintendent

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.

Hebrew School