Visitors

"The world stands on three pillars: Torah, Service and Deeds of Loving kindness"  
Pirke Avot 1:2 (Ethics of the Fathers)

Experience B'nai Israel through one of our many programs that enhance Jewish life in Gainesville, Florida!

Within our three pillars of excellence, B'nai Israel strives to provide strong religious and spiritual experiences, educational opportunities for all ages and enhance community relationship among and beyond the Jewish community. Our congregants play a vital role in making that happen--serving as the fundamental core of what we do and how we do it. We have a congregation made up of people who are dedicated, generous and full of heart to make our synagogue the best that it can be.

Join us at B'nai Israel and you can be a part of this unique community.

THREE PILLARS OF B'NAI ISRAEL ENGAGEMENT

 Religious and Spiritual Experiences - Torah

• Volunteer service leaders

• Holiday Programming

• Life Cycle Events

• Alternative Service Options

• Kid's Shabbat Spot

• Musica

• Jr. Congregation

• Family Shabbat

Educational Opportunities - Service

• Torah Study

• Day School

• Chavaya Religious School

• Adult Education

• Judaica Library

• Israeli Folk Dancing

Community Relationships - Deeds of Loving Kindness

• Sisterhood

• Cemetery

• Social Action and Social Justice

• Kiddush Lunch

• Judaica Gift Shop

• USY and Kadima

• Friendship Circle

• Knitting Circle

A VISITOR'S GUIDE TO OUR SERVICES

We look forward to welcoming you to services at Congregation B’nai Israel! Members of our Board of Trustees as well as members of our Membership and Welcoming Committee serve as greeters during Shabbat and holiday services. Our ushers will be pleased to meet you and make sure you feel comfortable at B’nai Israel.

We are affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Our services are egalitarian with men and women participating together in ritual life and prayer.

All men are required to wear a yarmulke (available in the lobby) during services and women may choose to wear a yarmulke or lace head covering. Many adults also wear a tallis, a prayer shawl.

Most of the service is conducted in Hebrew. We use the Sim Shalom prayer book which includes Hebrew and English translations. Alternative prayerbooks which include transliteration as well as additional readings are also available.

We hope you will feel comfortable in the services, even if you are not familiar with the Hebrew prayers or tunes. We ask that you rise when the congregation rises. You should also feel comfortable to hum along even if you do not know the words. There is usually a greeter available when you enter the sanctuary – please let the greeter know if you would like to be paired with someone who would be willing to guide you through the service. The greeter will do his/her best to be of assistance.

Please also note that we offer alternative services. Circle Minyan meets the first Saturday of each month.