Why is membership at B’nai Israel so important?

B’nai Israel is the only Jewish community organization that has dedicated itself for over 80 years to serving the needs of the Jews of North Central Florida. B’nai Israel has committed itself with full-force to continue to serve the needs of Jews in our area – regardless of affiliation or background for the next century and beyond.

B’nai Israel strives to serve the spiritual, educational, social, emotional and welfare needs of all who are affiliated with the synagogue. We see ourselves as much more than a “spiritual center” for we believe our mission to be one of building a whole community based on the values of Judaism and tradition. The term “community” implies our commitment to see to the multitude of needs of those who associate themselves with B’nai Israel.

B’nai Israel is local – designed to serve the needs of this community. Our congregation established the first Jewish cemetery to serve the needs of Jews in north central Florida and has continued to invest to insure that long into the future we will be able to provide a loving tribute to our departed loved ones. Because we are local we are committed to recognizing the unique nature of Jews and Judaism in this community – our goal is not to mold Jews into our image but rather to demonstrate and teach the beauty and meaning of the spiritual heritage of our people.

B’nai Israel is diverse and progressive. B'nai Israel has never forgotten its roots as the only Jewish institution to serve Alachua County and surrounding areas. We are affiliated with the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism but remain committed to serving Jews regardless of their personal practice or point of view. Our goal is to provide an atmosphere where authentic Judaism may be practiced and where innovation, creativity and originality are encouraged in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect. Points of views from all walks of Jewish life are represented within our walls. At the same time we are dedicated to an egalitarian vision that seeks to include rather than exclude and that looks toward finding ways of practicing Judaism that are open and welcoming to all who walk within our doors. We seek to provide harmony of modern life and traditional Jewish values.

B’nai Israel is dedicated toward building the Jewish community of north central Florida. Our facilities, staff and programs are open to all Jewish organizations of the area without charge. Our programs are open to all and we have striven to provide services that unite our community under the banner of Kehillat Yisrael (the Jewish community). Our rabbi is available for all in the community – Jews and non-Jews, affiliated and unaffiliated without charge. Our rabbi provides service to all local hospitals and prisons on a regular basis and is available with regular office hours and emergency availability 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

B’nai Israel believes in outreach to all those who are interested in Judaism or who are connected to Judaism through marriage or family relationship. Hundreds have found the path to becoming part of Am Yisrael (the people of Israel) through conversion classes and seminars at B’nai Israel. Hundreds more have gained a deepened appreciation of their own faith through learning about Jews and Judaism at classes sponsored by B’nai Israel. Within an atmosphere of acceptance and dedication to tradition we work to express compassion and love for all those who seek knowledge of Jewish tradition.

B’nai Israel is a learning community. Study and intellectual growth are at the very foundation of what it means to be a Jew. B’nai Israel conducts many opportunities for Jewish learning with weekly Torah study, seminars, ongoing adult education programs and evenings of discussion, book reviews, speakers and programs. Indeed, B’nai Israel maintains an excellent lending library dedicated to the finest Jewish books and periodicals. Our day school provides Jewish education within the context of a full-time educational program that covers infants to elementary school years. Our religious school provides a educational foundation from which our young people can build a lifetime of Jewish learning. Our Judaica High School program seeks to expand basic Jewish knowledge into pre-college preparation for Jewish living.

B’nai Israel is community within community for we maintain an active Sisterhood, Men’s Club, United Synagogue Youth (USY), and elementary age youth groups that serve special needs and support of the synagogue. Various special interest committees and groups operate under synagogue auspices including Kol Hadash (our own singing/choral group), The Chanting Group (Jewish chanting), Israeli Dancing, Jewish Widows and Widowers and other groups as needed. Many of our members serve as board members and active members of Hadassah, Jewish Council of North Central Florida (UJC/Federation), and Hillel. Each Wednesday our Friendship Club provides senior adult activities and programs that are open to the community at large.

B’nai Israel is a giving community. Our Lev Tov (Good Heart) committee serves meals to homeless Gainesville residents and conducts numerous drives for charitable items for those in need. The Hesed committee seeks to reach out to those who are ill and in need of visits or assistance. Through the work of the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund we are able to provide financial assistance for community members who would otherwise have no source of support or aid. Our Bar and Bat Mitzvah students complete major “Mitzvah Projects” to demonstrate the Jewish tradition of giving and mitzvah.

Your support insures that Congregation B’nai Israel will be able to continue its mission to support Jewish life in Gainesville and surrounding communities. Submit your membership application today! Welcome to our family!