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.

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!