Bala Cynwyd, PA Shul Map
The Main Line's Modern Orthodox center — five shuls along Montgomery Avenue, two day schools, its own eruv, and leafy Lower Merion housing a few minutes from Center City.
Mikvahs
- Mikvah at Torah Academy · Women's mikvah on the Torah Academy campus
Day schools
- Kosloff Torah Academy · Orthodox girls high school
- Torah Academy of Greater Philadelphia · Elementary & middle school
Price range
$$$
Find apartments here ↗Bala Cynwyd and the surrounding Lower Merion Township are where Philadelphia’s Modern Orthodox community has settled. Lower Merion Synagogue on Old Lancaster Road is the anchor, joined by Young Israel of the Main Line and Aish Chaim on Montgomery Avenue, Anshei Sfard at the Kosloff Torah Academy campus, and Congregation Beth Hamedrosh — which moved out to Wynnewood from Philadelphia in 2007, following the community across City Avenue.
That migration is the thing to understand about this area: the frum community’s center of gravity shifted from Overbrook Park in the city into Lower Merion, and the eruv now spans both sides of City Avenue. Torah Academy of Greater Philadelphia (elementary and middle) sits on Argyle Road in Wynnewood alongside the women’s mikvah, and Kosloff Torah Academy serves high-school girls. Housing runs from row homes on the Philadelphia side to substantial single-family and twin homes in Wynnewood, Merion and Ardmore — priced accordingly, with the city about fifteen minutes away.
Note: the Lower Merion eruv covers Bala Cynwyd and neighboring sections on both sides of City Avenue. Confirm its boundary and weekly status with Young Israel of the Main Line or your rav before carrying on Shabbat.
Thinking of moving to Bala Cynwyd?
The full relocation guide covers what housing costs, which section to look at, kosher shopping, schools, and how families actually get around on Shabbos — written for someone deciding whether Bala Cynwyd, PA is the right community for them.
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Frequently asked questions
How many shuls are in Bala Cynwyd, PA?
Bala Cynwyd, PA has 5 shuls on ShulMap in Philadelphia: Lower Merion Synagogue, Young Israel of the Main Line, Aish Chaim, Anshei Sfard at Kosloff Torah Academy, Congregation Beth Hamedrosh.
What is Bala Cynwyd, PA like for an observant family?
The Main Line's Modern Orthodox center — five shuls along Montgomery Avenue, two day schools, its own eruv, and leafy Lower Merion housing a few minutes from Center City.
Are there Orthodox synagogues in Bala Cynwyd, PA?
Yes — shul is the traditional term for synagogue, and Bala Cynwyd, PA has 5 Orthodox synagogues listed on ShulMap, each mapped with the kosher amenities and housing around it.
What county is Bala Cynwyd in?
Bala Cynwyd is in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, within Lower Merion Township on Philadelphia's Main Line. It sits immediately across City Avenue from the Philadelphia city line, and the community's eruv spans both sides of that boundary.
What is the Jewish population of the Main Line and Lower Merion?
Greater Philadelphia's Jewish population is commonly estimated at well over 200,000, and Lower Merion Township is one of its principal centers. The specifically Modern Orthodox community around Bala Cynwyd and Wynnewood numbers in the low thousands, having shifted westward out of Overbrook Park in the city over the past two decades. These are community estimates, not census counts.
Is there an eruv in Bala Cynwyd?
Yes — the Lower Merion eruv covers Bala Cynwyd and neighboring sections on both sides of City Avenue. Confirm its boundary and weekly status with Young Israel of the Main Line or your rav before carrying on Shabbat.
Where can I find housing in Bala Cynwyd, PA?
Use the apartment and home search on this page to see current listings in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Walking distances to shuls are approximate — confirm what's comfortable for your family.
Walking distance: Walking-distance circles are approximate and do not assert a halachic standard. Confirm what is walkable for you locally.
ShulMap is an independent directory. Listings and routes are informational — verify all details directly with the source.