Meet Our Rabbi
Rabbi Chaya Bender
Rabbi Bender joined the Bnai Israel Congregation in 2020. She previously served Temple Sholom in Greenwich, CT as Assistant Rabbi and Youth Director from 2016-2020. She has 15 years’ experience in Jewish education and is passionate about helping individuals chart their unique Jewish path. Through innovative programming, classes, services and one-on-one conversations she emphasizes positive Jewish identity formation for all.
Despite the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, Rabbi Bender has reinvigorated synagogue offerings for all ages and cultivated intergenerational community building. She introduced tot shabbat programming for young families, rebuilt the religious school, and brought in world-class visiting scholars and musicians for adult education.
Rabbi Bender is committed to fostering inclusivity and equity. She iss part of the inaugural cohort of Rimonim for Rabbis, a collaborative effort of the Rabbinical Assembly and USCJ to examine Interfaith inclusion within Conservative Synagogues. She co-authored the article “As rabbis, we believe a new intermarriage narrative can strengthen Conservative Judaism.” In the greater community, she is a member of multiple Jewish and interfaith round tables, and is now serving as President of Wilmington Faith Leaders United. She also engages with the greater community by preaching at local town events and houses of worship.
Rabbi Bender was born and raised in Southern New Jersey. She earned a BA in Anthropology with two minors in Near Eastern, Judaic Studies and Gender Studies from Brandeis University. She received Rabbinic Ordination and an MA in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
She, along with her wife, Emily Jaeger, daughter, Shlomtzion, and dog, Isaiah, love being a part of the Bnai Israel Congregation Family.
Contact Rabbi Bender.
Sun, August 24 2025
30 Av 5785
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SHABBAT
Friday evening service
6:00 pm
Saturday morning service
9:30 am
All services on Livestream and
in-person.
Coming Events
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Sunday ,
AugAugust 24 , 2025High Holiday Choir Rehersal
Sunday, Aug 24th 4:00p to 6:30p
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Wednesday ,
AugAugust 27 , 2025Lunch & Learn - Business Ethics: Employer Wrongdoing & Whistle Blowing
Wednesday, Aug 27th 12:00p to 1:30p
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Sunday ,
AugAugust 31 , 2025High Holiday Choir Rehersal
Sunday, Aug 31st 4:00p to 6:30p
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Monday ,
SepSeptember 1 , 2025
Monday, Sep 1st (All day)
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Monday ,
SepSeptember 1 , 2025Labor Day Weekend Cookout
Monday, Sep 1st 4:30p to 7:00p
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Wednesday ,
SepSeptember 3 , 2025Dillard's Fashion Show
Wednesday, Sep 3rd 9:15a to 11:00a
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Wednesday ,
SepSeptember 3 , 2025ALICE Training
Wednesday, Sep 3rd 6:00p to 9:00p
Instructional and interactive training provided by Deputy Gordon, Support Services Division of the New Hanover County Sheriff's Department. -
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 4 , 2025Adult Education - Thursday Night Talks: 2nd Generation Holocaust Survivors
Thursday, Sep 4th 7:00p to 8:30p
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2025Family Friendly Friday Night with Playground Ribbon Cutting
Friday, Sep 5th 5:30p to 7:30p
Please join us on Friday, September 5th to officially open the newly updated Herbert Moskowitz Playground, recognize the Playground Project donors, and to receive a special blessing for the start of the school year, Students of all ages, remember to bring your backpacks! -
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 6 , 2025
Shabbat, Sep 6th 8:30a to 9:30a
With Rabbi Shull
Questions about membership?
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Bnai Israel Congregation - 2601 Chestnut St - Wilmington, NC 28405 - (910) 762-1117
Mailing Address - PO Box 7104 - Wilmington, NC 28406-7104
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