Bonim is Hebrew for builders. Bonim preschool builds friendships, community and thoughtful, creative Jewish children. Our goal is to support children in their earliest year of Jewish learning and to educate parents through their child’s activities, thus enriching the whole family. Our philosophy is to develop appropriate social independence and a positive self-image for each child. We are dedicated to helping your child become more accepting of and comfortable with themselves and others, and their Judaism. We help them recognize their loving and creative potential as individuals. Learn more.
Kehilah is the Hebrew word for community, and it is the name for our school activities for children in grades K-7 through their Bet Mitzvah year. We believe that Jewish identity comes from learning and experiencing as part of a community of peers. We find that kids are far more interested in coming to temple to be with their Kehilah than they are for more school. We believe that our kids form and develop their Jewish identity through relationships. Our job is making connections—with other kids, adults, ideas and traditions—and we do it by having fun and getting to know one another. Experiential learning techniques and Jewish values make the Kehilah experience different from religious school. Here we learn by doing, by learning how to make decisions based on Jewish values and our individual and family priorities. Learn more.
We consider Merkaz, the Community High School for Judaic Studies, to be an extension of our school. Our high school-age (grades 8-12) students meet with students from other area congregations to get a meaningful and relevant Jewish education that builds character, positive values, leadership, a strong Jewish identity, and creates a sense of unity with the Jewish people. The sophomore year for B’nai Israel students also includes preparation for Confirmation. Learn more.
Jewish learning does not stop at graduation. We we know that learning is essential to the maintenance of Jewish values, identity and continuity. Congregation B’nai Israel aims to create a community where people can experience Jewish learning together and become energized by it. Learn more.