Trip to synagogue

As I mentioned, last Friday I organized a trip to sabbath worship the people of my congregations. We had a group of 23 people, including several kids, which was a terrific response! We went to B'nai Israel Synagogue, a community associated with Reform Judaism that has a beautiful new building in Rochester.

Rabbi Michelle Werner was very gracious in familiarizing us with their space and worship service. She encouraged questions, and our folks asked some great ones. Then we joined them in worship, and I was so impressed with our kids!

Between the rabbi's discussion and the worship service, those kids stayed engaged and respectful for over two hours. They followed the English translation in their books (back to front) and they even sang in Hebrew.

Check out the beautiful worship space.


Front of the worship space. The eternal flame pendant fixture is a reminder of the constant presence of God. The beautiful cabinet-type fixture in the center is the ark, which contains the congregation's Torah (scripture) scrolls.

B'nai Israel has a Torah scroll from a village in Eastern Europe (I think the former Czechoslovakia but I can't remember with certainty) that was destroyed during World War II. It is over 350 years old, and is being restored by an expert. The hope is that someday it can be returned to its village if the Jewish population is re-established there.




Candles that were part of the blessing I referenced on Friday.




On the wall: the Shema, one of the central prayers of Judaism. It comes from Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one."




I think everyone enjoyed the experience and found it educational and interesting, and we're so grateful for the hospitality of B'nai Israel!