Judaism That
Stands For All.

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.

SAJ 100 Years Events

SAJ 100 Years Events

Join SAJ programs to mark 100 Years of reconstructing Judaism.

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 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:

“Peishi and I have always felt warmly welcomed by SAJ. Our family’s mixed heritage has never been a hindrance to our participation– rather we have been able to be seen and celebrated for who we are as individuals and as a family.”

Gary L.

“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’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.

SAJ Blog

SAJ 100 Media Roundup

March 24, 2022

See @JudithKaplan1922 Stories on Instagram

February 14, 2022
Abe Clott, SAJ 100 Years Co-Chair

Reflection by Abraham Clott, SAJ 100 Years Co-Chair

February 14, 2022
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