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, April 16 2025
18 Nisan 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 ,
AprApril 17 , 2025Sisterhood Board Meeting
Thursday, Apr 17th 2:30p to 4:00p
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Friday ,
AprApril 18 , 2025Joint BIC & TOI Shabbat Musical Service at BIC
Friday, Apr 18th 6:00p to 8:00p
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Saturday ,
AprApril 19 , 2025
Shabbat, Apr 19th (All day)
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Saturday ,
AprApril 19 , 2025
Shabbat, Apr 19th 10:30a to 12:00p
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Sunday ,
AprApril 20 , 2025No Hebrew School
Sunday, Apr 20th (All day)
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Sunday ,
AprApril 20 , 2025Passover Day 8 Service with Yizkor
Sunday, Apr 20th 9:30a to 12:00p
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Wednesday ,
AprApril 23 , 2025Lunch & Learn - Studying Text with Rabbi Bender & Local Clergy Member TBD
Wednesday, Apr 23rd 12:00p to 1:30p
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Wednesday ,
AprApril 23 , 2025Miller Intro to Judaism Class with Rabbi Bender
Wednesday, Apr 23rd 7:00p to 8:30p
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Friday ,
AprApril 25 , 2025
Friday, Apr 25th (All day)
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Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025Hebrew High School, including 6th & 7th Graders - WJFF @ Thalian Hall (Bucky Stein Theatre)
Sunday, Apr 27th 10:00a to 12:00p
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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