Congregation Schaarai Zedek Preschool & Cdc

When my children were young they attended Amy Gail Buchman Preschool. They received a fantastic education by a kind, patient, and attentive faculty. Congregation Schaarai Zedek is a wonderful synagogue. The staff and clergy are highly engaged, supportive, and caring. I encourage members to volunteer and to immerse themselves into this wonderful community. My family and I love this welcoming and inclusive congregation.

We have been coming here for years. Both of my children have had their b'nai mitzvahs here and both are confirmed here. My youngest is extremely active in youth group and I cannot speak highly enough about the youth group director, the clergy, and the staff. I feel like this is our second family and that's saying a lot considering how many congregants there are! We pass 3 reform synagogues on the way here from home.

I’d keep Temple shopping. I converted there 3 years ago. Became a member and attended most of their events, high holy days, a Passover with family etc. After Hurricane Milton I emailed if they needed any help I’d be glad to in anyway. No return email but that seems to be the modus operandi. So below is my complaint; This year has been beyond horrific for me. My husband began drinking the last few years. Unbeknownst to me he spent all our retirement money with scam investors. I’m 58 years old and presently living with my terminally ill mother, as I am trying to get back on my feet. I’m also facing an eviction as I wasn’t aware he also was not paying rent. Essentially my life took an awful turn within one month. So I called to speak to a Rabbi and was told he had sometime before his next call. I was then told if I’d ever read the book “ when bad things happen to good people.” Basically that call consisted of text me if you need anything. After never hearing back from anyone for weeks to even touch base with me. I reached out to accounting to stop charging my monthly dues as I no longer wish to be a member. With all the financial issues I’m going through I still budgeted for my monthly dues. Within two days of retracting my membership I get a compassionate email from the senior Rabbi. Keep in mind again weeks went by and I NEVER heard from anyone at the Temple. Obviously when they stop receiving your money you are contacted promptly. Not only promptly but kindly and even compassionately. I was asked to set up an appointment to come in and speak in person. WOW what it took for them to reach out. I actually watch Central Synagogue in New York on YouTube weekly. It’s wonderful and my mom and I look forward to watching it weekly. I have to give them one star. Sincerely I’m not feeling sorry for myself but as your “supposed “ spiritual family” I should have been treated better. Paul

There is a very good reason this school is as popular as it is.The children attending receive the best of the best in terms of curriculum and enrichment opportunities. More importantly, the staff is extremely professional and very nurturing. As a person who was once a child care professional, it was important to me that I find a school outfitted with well trained teachers and this school has that and much more. They also have stellar parent inolvement and are very welcoming to parents and families. I am in my 2 year old's classroom all the time for special events year round. Yes, they are always full so expect to be on a wait list for 2 years. I'm glad that they don't over populate the school so that each student is given the proper attention and space.

I called today to find out if they have any open spots in their preschool for a 2 year old. The lady was so rude, didn't even give me any information. Basically her exact words were "We have no space, and our waiting list is over 20 kids"...She didn't want to talk to me at all. How terrible! Regardless of their waiting list, how rude of them to just brush people off. They should be thankful to be so popular, one day they might need people. The least she could of done is been nice about it. They probably treat the kids who are enrolled as terrible as they treat people on the phone. I would NEVER put my child in a place like this. I feel sorry for those enrolled.