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 3 2025
9 Av 5785
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SHABBAT
Friday evening service
6:00 pm
-returning August 1st-
Saturday morning service
9:30 am
All services on Zoom and
in-person.
Coming Events
Update this content.
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Sunday ,
AugAugust 3 , 2025High Holiday Choir Rehersal
Sunday, Aug 3rd 4:00p to 6:30p
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Wednesday ,
AugAugust 6 , 2025WJFF Summer Series
Wednesday, Aug 6th 7:00p to 10:00p
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 9 , 2025
Shabbat, Aug 9th 8:30a to 9:30a
With Rabbi Shull -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 10 , 2025High Holiday Choir Rehersal
Sunday, Aug 10th 4:00p to 6:30p
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Wednesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2025Lunch & Learn - Introduction to Jewish Ethics
Wednesday, Aug 13th 12:00p to 1:30p
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Wednesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2025Musical Shabbat Rehearsal
Wednesday, Aug 13th 1:30p to 4:00p
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Wednesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2025WJFF Summer Series
Wednesday, Aug 13th 7:00p to 10:00p
-
Saturday ,
AugAugust 16 , 2025Tot Shabbat
Shabbat, Aug 16th 10:00a to 11:00a
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Sunday ,
AugAugust 17 , 2025
Sunday, Aug 17th 1:00p to 2:00p
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Sunday ,
AugAugust 17 , 2025High Holiday Choir Rehersal
Sunday, Aug 17th 4:00p to 6:30p
Questions about membership?
BIC Weekly Newsletter
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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