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, September 14 2025
21 Elul 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 ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2025
Sunday, Sep 14th 9:30a to 12:00p
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2025Learn to Read Hebrew Confidently
Sunday, Sep 14th 10:00a to 11:00a
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2025High Holiday Choir Rehersal
Sunday, Sep 14th 4:00p to 6:30p
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Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 16 , 2025Membership - Engagement Committee
Tuesday, Sep 16th 10:00a to 11:00a
Monthly meeting -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 16 , 2025Snow Ball meeting
Tuesday, Sep 16th 11:00a to 12:00p
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Wednesday ,
SepSeptember 17 , 2025Lunch & Learn - Ritual Ethics: Can God hear my prayers, and in what language?
Wednesday, Sep 17th 12:00p to 1:30p
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Wednesday ,
SepSeptember 17 , 2025Hebrew High School
Wednesday, Sep 17th 4:30p to 6:00p
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Thursday ,
SepSeptember 18 , 2025Sisterhood Board Meeting
Thursday, Sep 18th 2:30p to 3:30p
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2025Tot Shabbat
Shabbat, Sep 20th 10:00a to 11:00a
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 21 , 2025
Sunday, Sep 21st 9:30a to 12:00p
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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