Congregation Zvi Jacob

This Synagogue is a small humble shul that upholds the Jewish law & Torah where you can always come to worship and feel closer to g-d. They pray in a primarily askenazi/orthodox style, but you do not need be orthodox to daven there, as I am not myself. You can pray at your own pace and no one will judge you. I grew up in a nearby neighborhood so I went there with my family since I was a small child. I have moved out of Utica many years ago, but whenever I come back to visit the doors are always open for me and they are happy to have me and I am happy to be there.nnI have been to many synagogues & temples in bigger cities from Buffalo to Boston & NYC, even Israel so I know even though not as large and glamorous as others, there is something special about this place. They have always had very good & passionate Rabbi’s who live next door to the synagogue and are very dedicated.nnDuring the high-holidays they always bring in an excellent cantor for the services. Unfortunately over the years the congregation has dwindled due to people dying off and the general lack of Jews in the area. Which has been sad for me to see, but like the light that burned miraculously for 8 days in the Temple in Jerusalem, this Synagogue still stands today.nnTo the person who left a bad review about converts abusing elderly & infirmed, I can tell you I have never seen this happen there in all the years I have experienced so I have no idea what he’s talking about. But I am sorry he felt that way. Most of the congregation are actually elderly and this would never be allowed in this Synagogue.nnZvi Jacob will always have a special in my heart, and I only hope that with the will of the almighty Hashem above that it will continue to exist. It will always have a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to come back for services. Amen.

Congregation Zvi Jacob is a beautiful synagogue. The people there are very warm and friendly and hospitable. Everyone is welcome to attend whether they are othodox, conservative or reformed. We offer a free membership for the first year.

Horrible place. They stand idly by and let their converts abuse the elderly and infirmed. Sorry excuse for yidden.