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.
Wed, May 28 2025
1 Sivan 5785
SHABBAT
Friday evening service
6:00 pm
Saturday morning service
9:30 am
All services on Zoom and
in-person.
Members Login Instructions
Coming Events
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 28 , 2025Lunch & Learn - Studying Text with Rabbi Bender & Reverend Jermaine Armour
Wednesday, May 28th 12:00p to 1:30p
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Friday ,
MayMay 30 , 2025Family Friendly Friday Night Meal & Services (Breakfast for Dinner)
Friday, May 30th 5:30p to 7:30p
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Sunday ,
JunJune 1 , 2025Shavuot Tikkun Leil
Sunday, Jun 1st 6:00p to 9:00p
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Tuesday ,
JunJune 3 , 2025Shavuot Service with Yizkor
Tuesday, Jun 3rd 9:30a to 12:00p
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Wednesday ,
JunJune 4 , 2025Book Club - Seven Days of Shiva, Forty-six years of puppy love
Wednesday, Jun 4th 2:00p to 3:30p
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Wednesday ,
JunJune 4 , 2025Port City Music Festival
Wednesday, Jun 4th 7:30p to 9:30p
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Thursday ,
JunJune 5 , 2025
Thursday, Jun 5th 6:30p to 9:00p
No matter where you’ve come from or where you’re going—your path is sacred. Join us for this year’s Pride Gathering as we connect across faith traditions to honor every journey, celebrate the diversity of God’s beloved community, and proclaim radical inclusion and joy. Expect music that stirs the soul, messages of hope, and a community that embraces every color of your story. -
Wednesday ,
JunJune 11 , 2025
Wednesday, Jun 11th 4:00p to 6:00p
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Thursday ,
JunJune 12 , 2025Men's Club Dine Out - Perla Raw Bar
Thursday, Jun 12th 6:30p to 9:00p
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Thursday ,
JunJune 19 , 2025Sisterhood Board Meeting
Thursday, Jun 19th 2:30p to 4:00p
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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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