Rating: 6/5 — My favorite Saturday minyan. Leader sings every page in the siddur, and every person is there to daven and have fun.
Leader Minyan operates as a very Modern Orthodox congregation with extensive singing incorporating tunes from different traditions (anything from Sephardic to Carlebach). Saturday services run from 8:00 AM to 1:45 PM, while holiday services extend much longer — Rosh Hashana until 3:45 PM and Yom Kippur through Neilah.
The mechitza is configured as a left-right division with minimal enforcement. The congregation features almost full leadership for women, who lead services, read Torah, and receive aliyot.
During Saturday services, worshippers spend approximately two hours on P’sukei D’zimrah with three rotating leaders each presenting distinct musical styles. A substantial kiddush breaks the service around 11:30 AM in their courtyard.
On holidays, literally every page of the Machzor was sung, and sung by the whole kahal. Recommended for any person that really wants to sing and enjoy themselves while they’re davening.
Location: 17 Hizkiyahu ha-Melekh Street, Katamon, Jerusalem.