About Us - Overview
Situated in historic Wilmington, North Carolina, Bnai Israel Congregation offers a place of worship, learning, social gathering, and a sense of community for those seeking to be part of a robust and lively conservative Jewish community. Click Here learn more about the earlier years of the Congregation which began 120 years ago.
Prayer & Worship
At Bnai Israel, Shabbat, Holiday, and other worship services are conducted in the spirit of modern Conservative Judaism. Our services are inclusive and fully egalitarian. Participation in our worship services is welcomed and encouraged for women, men, children, and families. Rabbi Chaya Bender creates many opportunities for participation in various aspects of worship and rituals, and reaches out to the congregation to encourage participation. She strives to introduce new concepts to worship services, such as music and song, often featuring our own synagogue chorale, The Kavanotes.
Learning
Our goal of Bnai is Israel Congregation to provide for a lifetime of Jewish learning. We provide educational opportunities for school age children, adults, and families. Our One Room ShulHouse allows children to participate in age appropriate Jewish educational experiences. We host off-site Shabbatons and Rosh Chodesh gatherings that enrich the learning experience, as well as frequent Lunch and Learn events open to all.
Library
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Community
Bnai Israel is the core of our Jewish Community. The synagogue's organizations, including Sisterhood and the Men's Club, bring people together for social, entertainment, educational, and community outreach programs. We never forget that we are part of a greater community, and as such, participate in City-wide events, provide help to those in need, participate in inter-faith meetings, and support other outside organizations. Our congregants prepare and deliver meals to family members of recovering hospital patients and hospice patients. At Good Shepherd, congregants cook and serve dinner for those in need Our choral group, the Kavanotes, participates in the yearly Harmony for Humanity concert. Bnai Israel also gives financial support to the UJA of Wilmington, AIPC, and the Jewish Film Festival of Wilmington. Additionally, many of our congregants serve on the Board of Directors of these organizations.
We are a Caring Community that believes strongly in Tikkun Olam.
Gift Shop
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Membership
We are proud of how each member brings his or her own story to our diverse community—including those who have a multi-generational history at our congregation and those new to Wilmington or to the Synagogue. Bnai Israel welcomes congregants of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking to be part of our active Jewish community and to have a place to call their Jewish home.
Come join us for worship services, social, and learning events. Make Bnai Israel Congregation your Extended Jewish home.