Congregation B’nai Israel is a participatory congregation affiliated with the Conservative Movement. Our goal is to enable uplifting and grounding experiences through Jewish belonging and spiritual expression. We seek excellence in all that we do, including our synagogue services, deeds of communal care-giving, Child Development Center, Religious School, Camp B’nai Ruach, B’nai Mitzvah training, USY youth programs, adult education, Women’s Club, Men’s Club, and social events- and the food that we serve (we are Jewish!).
We are a welcoming, diverse, and family-friendly congregation, with members at all levels of religious observance, those born Jewish, Jews by choice, young adults, older adults, LGBTQ, interfaith couples, and singles. We offer opportunities to learn and grow Jewishly, with an array of classes, guest lecturers, field trips, tours and the use of music and song in services.
We pray together every Shabbat and holiday, often following Friday night services with festive dinners, including special evenings for families with young children, families with school-aged children, youth “Shabbat Club” dinners, and discussions with guest speakers. Each Saturday morning we hold services in our main sanctuary and regularly have additional alternative services, chanting sessions, text study, and youth services. We always share Kiddush lunch as a community (we like to eat- we are Jewish!). And we facilitate Shabbat meals in each other’s homes.
As a central part of our mission as caregivers, we team with interfaith partners to prepare and serve meals for the hungry and homeless, hold Red Cross blood drives, and collect food, clothing, and other items for those in need, and support HIAS’ aid to refugees. Our b’nai mitzvah are required to invest ten hours of caregiving as an expression of Jewish adulthood. Our Chesed (Caregiving) committee prepares meals in our kitchen and delivers them, along with compassion, to community members in mourning, having just had a baby, or in financial need.
Community emerges from making friends and enjoying our current friends. Please consider joining us.