Worship
Worship at Congregation B’nai Israel
We look forward to welcoming you into our warm community, where we make Judaism accessible and enjoyable. We are a community filled with a wonderfully diverse group of people. We welcome all Jews, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background or level of observance.
Congregation B’nai Israel offers Shabbat services for all ages. Our services are led by Cantorial Soloist Susan Burden. Music plays an important role in our worship services. Our services offer a combination of joyous worship and contemplative quiet reflection.
For Shabbat and holiday services, our congregation uses Mishkan T’filah, the Reform movement’s most recent Siddur (prayerbook), an engaging and user-friendly worship tool. You do not need to be familiar with Hebrew to have a fulfilling experience. Our worship services are open to all. Attire is synagogue appropriate (business-casual).
Our congregation is diverse and multigenerational, and is reflected by our worship and social opportunities.
Please see the calendar for scheduling information.
Lifecycle Events
Lifecycle events mark the seasons of our lives. Drawing upon Jewish traditions, our clergy, congregation and facilities celebrate and support our members at each of life’s milestones.
We are here to provide guidance and support for the major milestones in all seasons of our lives by drawing on our Jewish rituals and traditions for inspirations and meaning
Birth
In Jewish tradition, a bris (the traditional circumcision) and brit milah (the naming ceremony) are the first steps in welcoming your child to the Jewish community. For generations, we have marked this time with rituals and blessings, adding meaning and spirituality to this moment.
We look forward to welcoming your baby to our Jewish community. Contact us to for more information..
B'nai Mitzvah
A bar or bat mitzvah is more than just an event – it is an experience and journey that you take with your family and community.
This is the child’s first public act of personal commitment to Judaism, an opportunity to demonstrate a mastery of basic elements of the religion, such as knowledge of the central prayers of the service, the meaning of the liturgy, and the ability to read and understand a Torah portion.
We provide a meaningful journey, building a stronger connection to the synagogue and community for you and your family. Through the experience, you will develop a deeper personal relationship with the rabbi and community.
Adult B'nai Mitvah
A B’nai Mitzvah may be celebrated at any age. We offer the opportunity to those who never had a B’nai Mitzvah to enjoy this milestone as an adult.
Weddings and Marraige
At B’nai Israel, we offer weddings for all couples and ensure that each marriage celebration is memorable. We are LGBTQ+ friendly and officiate for Jewish and inter-faith couples.
Conversion
Our conversion program helps prospective Jews-by-choice explore all aspects of Judaism and Jewish life. Each conversion is an individual and deeply personal process. Following Jewish tradition, we emphasize education and understanding of Jewish spirituality, culture, and traditions.
Illness and Funerals
Our congregation offers community support and pastoral care to congregants during times of illness.
We are never truly prepared for the death of someone close to us. Our congregation provides meaningful support during this difficult time. We come together as a community for the burial of a loved one and support throughout mourning.
