|
 Our Profile
We are a vibrant, growing Orthodox community, situated in a city which was
recently rated by Money Magazine as the #1 City In The South (with a population of over 1
million people).
Our membership numbers approximately 225 families, and includes people of all ages:
singles, young families with children, "empty-nesters" - and everything in
between!
The atmosphere in our shul is predicated on the Torah's charge: "Love Your
Neighbor As Yourself". B'nai Israel is truly a family, built on the overriding
principle that we don't judge each other. This has made it possible for Jews of differing
levels of observance to all feel right at home. After all, this is the South, and we have
a tradition of hospitality to uphold!
Our History
B’nai Israel Congregation has a rich history in the city of Norfolk. As
the oldest and largest Orthodox congregation in the Tidewater area, we have a history and
customs that remain from the merger of two synagogues. The Twentieth Street Synagogue and
“Kahal Chasidim” from downtown united themselves and became the United Orthodox
Synagogue in 1946, when our present building was established.
In its early stages, the congregation focused on outreach to the young American-born
generation and obtained an English-speaking Rabbi. Years later, the synagogue merged with
the B’nai Israel Congregation of downtown Norfolk and assumed this name in the
1950’s.
The synagogue was, and is, to an extent unique in that it opened its doors to all
Jewish worshippers whether or not they could afford membership. The focus of the
congregation is to provide an outlet for traditional Judaism in the Tidewater area..
B’nai Israel Congregation is oriented to serving the needs of all generations, both
the young and the old.
Office
and Gift Shop Hours
The synagogue office is open from 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM Monday through
Friday. The Gift Shop is
open during office hours or by appointment. Please call Lesile Rothman
685-8806 to make an appointment (See
Contacts).
|
