According to Eisenstein, Beth Hamedrash Hagodol provided an atmosphere that was "socially religious", in which Jews "combinepiety with pleasure; they call[ed their "shule" a "shtibl" or prayer-club room; they desireto be on familiar terms with the Almighty and abhor[red decorum; they wanteveryone present to join and chant the prayers; above all they scorn[ed a regularly ordained cantor." In contrast to the informality of the services, members scrupulously observed the Jewish dietary laws, and every member personally oversaw the baking of his "matzos" for use on Passover.