About Us

We are Congregation B’nai Torah

"Children of Torah"

We value lifelong learning,
We endeavor to improve the world,
We celebrate Jewish life.

Tradition and Change

“Judaism is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it.”
~Proverbs 3:17

Congregation B’nai Torah is rooted in ancient Judaism, but maintains an openness to change and evolution over time. Torah are not only the physical scrolls that are housed in the Ark, but is the totality of Jewish wisdom and teaching throughout the generations. We consider it the responsibility of each person to interpret Judaism according to the way in which one listens to the voices of the past and responds to the calls of today and tomorrow. As a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, Congregation B’nai Torah embraces modernity and the endless possibilities it offers us. Judaism can and should be observed meaningfully and creatively in the context of twenty-first century American Jewish life.

Diversity within Community

“A gate once widened stays wide."
~Talmud, Bava Batra

We believe in opening our doors widely to all – both those who are Jewish and those who are exploring Judaism for the first time. At Congregation B’nai Torah, you will have a voice and will be known by name. At the foundation of Judaism is a Jewish community that learns together, worships together, and gathers together often. We welcome non-Jewish family members and do not have any one pre-conceived definition of “family.” As the most liberal branch of Judaism, our congregants include those who identify as GLBTQ+, represent a variety of races, come from different countries, and have non-Jews in their immediate or extended families. We believe that such diversity strengthens the fabric of our community and makes our collective story as a congregation rich in variety.

Transmitting Torah

"One who teaches a child is as if he or she had created it."
~Talmud, Sanhedrin 19b

Our religious school program spans from Kindergarten through Grade 12. We partner with parents in the endeavor of shaping children into young Jewish adults that only possess knowledge of Judaism, but that are resourceful, compassionate, and responsible human beings. We achieve success when our students view their Jewish identities as relevant, and their Jewish studies as applicable to their contemporary choices and decision. We engage faculty members that not only teach Judaism, but that live and model the finest Jewish values. Our life-cycle ceremonies are warm, personal and customized to each individual and each family, and our worship services blend traditional words and melodies with contemporary sounds and sensibilities.