Who We Are
B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim (BJBE) is an inclusive and welcoming community that encourages participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life. As a Reform synagogue, we embrace individuals of all religious backgrounds, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, political affiliations, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
With roots dating back to 1893, BJBE has a rich history; we are a diverse congregation made up of 800 families, and the entire community collaborates to develop an abundance of opportunities to engage and connect with each other and our clergy. We believe in helping individuals discover their own meaning and purpose by identifying what connects, fuels, and inspires them.
We ground our commitment to Judaism and each other in five core values:
TORAH (Jewish Learning)
BJBE's commitment to lifelong learning through experiences that challenge the mind and uplift the spirit emphasizes the value of education beginning in early childhood and continuing through K-12 and into adulthood. Through programs geared toward specific age groups and interests, we aim to provide a comprehensive Jewish education and differentiated instruction for all learning styles
AVODAH (Worship and Spiritual Practice)
Our services are designed to provide an array of opportunities for families and individuals to connect with one another and with God. Judaism teaches us that Avodah, spiritual practice, is one of the three pillars on which the world stands, and the principles of Avodah serve as a guiding force in our commitment to enhancing the spiritual life of our congregation through prayer, programs, and services for all ages, knowledge levels, and interests.
G’MILUT CHASDIM (Acts of Loving Kindness)
G'milut Chasadim is the obligation to give away three things: time to make the world a better place, money to ease someone’s pain, and kindness to heal a world that is broken. In the spirit of tikkun olam (healing the world), BJBE engages in activities that benefit both our local and global communities, embodying the core values of Reform Judaism.
COMMUNITY
BJBE is nothing without our people. There is an energy that runs through our building that connects us all. We feel seen, held, and cared for. We often hear, “I could not have walked through this moment without my BJBE community.” We share our values, live them out in this world, and build sacred Jewish life together.
ISRAEL
We are proud of our historic connection to the Land of Israel and pledge our support for a secure and prosperous State of Israel. This connection strengthens our ties with the global Jewish diaspora, bridging the BJBE community with Israel. In the wake of the events of October 7, this core value has gained even more significance, highlighting our commitment to solidarity and support for Israel while reinforcing a sense of unity and shared purpose within our congregation.