Meet Congregation Tehillah, A Jewish Community That Moves to Its Own Rhythm

In Riverdale, Congregation Tehillah offers a vibrant and inclusive take on what a synagogue can be—one built on music, openness, and meaningful relationships.

Tehillah, founded just under two decades ago, has a modest membership of about 50 to 60 families, but it thrives on diversity and creativity. “We’re a tent with many entry points,” says Rabbi Linda Shriner-Cahn. “People come in because they’re looking for a place where they can be themselves.”

Members come from a mix of traditions, observance levels, and family structures. That range isn’t just accepted but embraced. Board member Tamara Fish adds, “It is one of the most radically welcoming communities that I have ever encountered.” 

She describes Tehillah as a space where “everybody from all walks of Jewish life and even beyond Jewish life” can “find a home and a welcome.”

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

When board member Adam Wiesen walked into Congregation Tehillah for the first time, his wife was deployed to Iraq, and he wasn’t sure what he was looking for.

“I was in my early twenties, with very little experience as an adult with organized religion,” he recalls. “I expected to feel out of place, maybe even judged. Instead, one of the elder members just walked up, shook my hand, and said, ‘Welcome, Shabbat shalom. Come join us.’ It was that simple.”

That small act of welcome changed everything. Adam not only found a spiritual home, he left, came back, and eventually raised his son there. Today, that son is a teen leader on Tehillah’s junior board. 

“We’re not a rich synagogue. We don’t have a big campus. What we have is people who care for each other and stay connected over the years,” Adam says.

This story is emblematic of Tehillah itself: a place that lives out the Jewish principle of ahavat ger, loving and welcoming the stranger, not as a slogan, but as part of its DNA.

A Musical Foundation

Music is at the heart of Tehillah. Instead of a formal choir or cantor, services often feature a band made up of community members who bring warmth, rhythm, and soul to every gathering. 

The music is informal, participatory, and intentionally woven into the service. Congregants join in with clapping, dancing, or simply humming along, whether or not they know the melodies.

 “You can’t do a service without music,” says co-president Kathy Schreiner. “People dance during L’cha Dodi … It becomes a part of you. So when you come into services, you’re singing that music again and again.”

Rather than polished performance, the goal is connection. The music helps break down barriers, making services feel accessible and joyful, even to those new to Jewish worship. 

At Tehillah, music isn’t just part of the service, it is the service.

Learning Across Generations

Beyond music, Tehillah encourages active participation from all ages, inviting members to take on meaningful roles throughout the community. Tehillah doesn’t just include young people, it elevates them through a junior board program that gives teens and college-age members a voice in shaping community decisions.

“We had teens designing programming and taking real leadership roles,” says Rabbi Linda. “They’re not the future, they’re the present.” 

The program gives teens and college-aged members meaningful influence in shaping community life. Former junior board member Alexis Muchnik, now away at college, was an early example of this model in action.

That value carries over into the new Tehillah podcast, driven by young members. “The podcast is a way for teens to talk about Jewish identity, life, anything,” says Tamara. “And the adults listen. That’s rare.”

Making Room for Curiosity

From its “Science in the Synagogue” initiative to adult b’nai mitzvah programs, Tehillah fosters learning that meets people wherever they are. Members explore how science and Judaism intersect, diving into thoughtful conversations designed to spark curiosity rather than dictate answers.

This openness extends beyond the congregation itself. The Science in the Synagogue program, funded through a community grant, brought together local Christian organizations and community members of all faiths for shared dialogue. It’s one example of how Tehillah steps outside traditional boundaries to create connections and deepen understanding.

The same spirit shapes its adult b’nai mitzvah program, which supports learners who may never have opened a Torah scroll or led a prayer before. By tailoring learning to individual needs and celebrating each step of progress, Tehillah ensures that everyone, no matter their background, has a place in Jewish life.

Growing by Listening

That same openness to new ideas shapes how Tehillah grows, allowing the community to evolve with the needs and energy of its members. Tehillah is constantly evolving, not through top-down strategy but by listening to its members. 

“We try something three times,” says Tamara. “If it sticks, you keep going. If it doesn't stick, forget about it.”

That openness shows up in everything from family Shabbat services with live music to backyard summer barbecues. “It doesn’t have to look a certain way,” says Kathy. “It just has to feel like us.”

The congregation’s growth has come not from rigid planning but from a culture of experimentation and trust. Rather than following a fixed formula, Tehillah embraces a mindset of “let’s try it and see.” 

New ideas, from musical Shabbat formats to community learning initiatives, are welcomed, tested, and refined based on the community’s energy and response. This flexible, grassroots approach gives members a sense of ownership and keeps the synagogue dynamic and responsive to change. It’s a place where traditions evolve naturally, shaped by the people who participate, and where creativity is not just allowed, but encouraged.

Finding Belonging

For many, Tehillah feels less like a synagogue and more like an extended family. “When people walk in, they’re seen,” says Kathy. “That’s powerful. You’re not just a name on a membership list, you’re part of something.”

It’s that sense of being seen, heard, and valued that keeps members coming back, across life stages and generations. As Rabbi Linda puts it, “we’re not just building a synagogue, we’re building a community that carries people through life.”

Now that you’ve been introduced to some familiar faces: co-president Kathy Schreiner, board member Adam Wiesen, longtime member and former president Tamara Fish, and former junior board member Alexis Muchnik, the invitation is open: come visit Tehillah and experience this community firsthand. 

If you’re exploring your Jewish identity or looking for a welcoming place to belong, there’s a seat waiting for you. Next time you’re in Riverdale, say hello to any of these members who help make Tehillah a vibrant, multigenerational community.

To learn more, visit Tehillah Synagogue online or stop by their worship location at the Riverdale Yonkers Ethical Culture Society (RYSEC) at 4450 Fieldston Road in the Bronx.