Congregation Agudas Achim

Love the congregation — very inviting and there is something for everyone — but what keeps me coming back every week (seriously, every week) is the Torah study before Shabbat morning services.
R. Blumhofe is great at moderating the discussion, the group is smart with many, many different points of view and a wide variety of backgrounds, and no one dominates the discussion (as can be the case). It never fails to be a rip-​roaring, laugh-​out-​loud, song-​and-​dance, yet thoughtful, provocative, meaningful and spiritual event. It’s an amazing group of people, studying timeless texts … what better way to spend Shabbat? I dare you to find a more interesting Torah study!

We joined CAA because of Torah Study led by Rabbi Blumofe. Not because of his knowledge of the text which is deep, or his delivery which is engaging — but rather for what he brings out of his students. We learn as much, if not more from each other because the Rabbi allows time for us to reflect and comment. Some of us have questions, others have theories, many have insight and a few even sing and dance. The responses are often entertaining, usually quite meaningful and always memorable. It is the highlight of our week and an uplifting as well as educational time. A time very well spent after all.

If you are seeking a genuine experience of the Spirit of the Lord, Agudas Achim is a good place to come. I say this as a Christian pastor who was invited to visit by Rabbi Blumofe. I came one week to the Torah Study, then a couple of weeks later to the main service, and the following week I attended both. The Torah Study was lively and provocative, with an active exchange of views. True, some of the views were less insightful than others, but everyone present evidently had a profound respect for the text and was committed to understanding both the historical and the symbolic meaning of the words which have been transmitted across the centuries.
Since the main service was mostly in Hebrew, and since my ability to read Hebrew is elementary, there was much of the service that I did not consciously understand. Nevertheless, in spite of my limited understanding, I found my spirit to be restored and renewed by the experience of worshiping with this community. I was warmly welcomed by multiple persons, and kindly helped to select the correct book and to find the proper page, once I had found my way to a seat. As the service progressed, I found the evident sincerity of everyone present to be quite heart warming. My experience is that the Spirit of the Lord is alive in Congregation Agudas Achim.

Sr. Rabbi is great, architecture and décor were very nice, and the service was nice. The morning Torah study was not to my liking. I attended to learn from a rabbi, not people wanting to throw their two cents in every other minute or to break-​out into song and dance from musicals. Just a bit too frivolous for my liking. I dislike the break between Birkot HaShachar and the Torah service. The sanctuary doors were left open and people in corridor are loud and inconsiderate of the prayer service going on. I plan to see how non-​Shabbat services are before I decide to join or not.

This is a great synagogue if you like a traditional service (and if you don’t, there is a more reform choice as well.) It is of the Conservative denomination, egalitarian, and big enough so you should fit in somewhere. Some members lean more orthodox, some more reform, and that’s okay too. There’s more musical services at a different location Friday night, and a North Austin one that I have not attended yet. Some people keep kosher, some don’t, some people are really good at reading Hebrew, some aren’t as good, and some can’t read Hebrew at all. There are classes to learn if you want, or not. The Hebrew school is very good, and the Director is pretty awesome. There are two rabbis, so if you don’t like one, go to the other one, although they both have their strengths. The only negative is that on the high holidays, it’s pretty crowded, although most synagogues are that way, and they have done what they could to alleviate it by having a second service.

I should first write that I have not attended services here (yet). Hillel is much closer to campus, but I will try to stop by for a Shabbat service when I am back in town.
I can say that Rabbi Blumofe is a wonderful, personable, and all around great man. He is a joy to talk to and always up for any conversation.
The building itself is exquisite. Lots of Texas limestone, wonderful natural light, and an ineffable beauty. If you are looking for a conservative synagogue, go check it out.
Congregation Agudas Achim just feels warm, as soon as you walk in. Yet, the modern architecture and décor is in no way stuffy or stifling. I felt an immediate inner peace while at the synagogue and I hope you find the same peace.

Easy place to walk in & feel at home. I have, since I first walked in. Spent high holidays there. I highly recommend it.