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 7 2025
9 Iyyar 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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Thursday ,
MayMay 8 , 2025Ladies Who Lunch
Thursday, May 8th 11:30a to 2:00p
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Friday ,
MayMay 9 , 2025Joint BIC & TOI Shabbat Musical Service at Temple of Israel
Friday, May 9th 7:00p to 9:00p
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Sunday ,
MayMay 11 , 2025Hebrew School
Sunday, May 11th 9:30a to 12:00p
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2025Lunch & Learn - Bonfires and the Bonds of Life (Lag B'Omer)
Wednesday, May 14th 12:00p to 1:30p
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2025Hebrew High School
Wednesday, May 14th 4:15p to 7:00p
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2025Miller Intro to Judaism Class with Rabbi Bender
Wednesday, May 14th 7:00p to 8:30p
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Thursday ,
MayMay 15 , 2025Sisterhood Board Meeting
Thursday, May 15th 2:30p to 4:00p
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Friday ,
MayMay 16 , 2025Beach Shabbat
Friday, May 16th 5:30p to 8:00p
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Sunday ,
MayMay 18 , 2025Last Day of Hebrew School Brunch
Sunday, May 18th 9:30a to 12:00p
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 21 , 2025UJA Annual Luncheon
Wednesday, May 21st 12:30p to 2:00p
To see Upcoming Events, please log into your account
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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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