Congregation B'nai Israel

09/01/2026

If you can identify this person of interest please contact the Police Department at 731-989-2201. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/25/2026

August 28. David Cohen – Parashat Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8)
In Ki Tavo, the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land by bringing their first fruits as an offering of gratitude. Moses reminds the people to remember where they came from and to acknowledge God's faithfulness throughout their journey. Gratitude becomes more than a feeling—it becomes a way of life. As we approach the month of Elul and prepare our hearts for the High Holy Days, Ki Tavo encourages us to reflect on our blessings, renew our commitments, and enter the new season with humility and thankful hearts.

08/23/2026

08/18/2026

August 21. Millie Kelley – Parashat Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19)
Containing more commandments than any other Torah portion, Ki Teitzei teaches that holiness is found in everyday life. The portion addresses family relationships, business ethics, care for workers, concern for animals, and protection of society's most vulnerable members. Rather than separating sacred life from ordinary life, Ki Teitzei reminds us that every choice we make becomes an opportunity to practice justice, dignity, and kindness.

08/11/2026

August 14. Lucy Scarbrough – Parashat Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9)
Shoftim calls upon Israel to establish judges and leaders who will pursue justice with integrity. The Torah famously commands, "Justice, justice shall you pursue," reminding us that fairness, honesty, and accountability are the foundations of a healthy society. As communities continue seeking peace in a complicated world, Shoftim challenges us to become people whose words, decisions, and actions reflect both compassion and righteousness.

08/07/2026

Dont worry about a little rain. Come and join us to start your Shabbat.

08/04/2026

August 7. David Cohen – Parashat Re'eh (Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17)
In Re'eh, Moses places before Israel a profound choice: blessing or curse, life shaped by faithfulness or by turning away from God's teachings. Throughout the portion, we are reminded that holiness is expressed through compassion, generosity, and justice. The commands to care for the poor, celebrate the festivals, and protect the vulnerable reveal that faith is measured not only by belief, but by the way we treat one another. Re'eh invites us to choose blessing each day through acts of kindness and responsibility.

08/01/2026

Service Schedule August 2026:
August 7. David Cohen - Parashat Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)

August 14. Lucy Scarbrough - Parashat Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)

** August 16. Board Meeting. 2:00pm. ALL are invited to attend. Many service positions available**

August 21. Millie Kelley - Parashat Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19)

August 28. David Cohen - Parashat Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)

*All Evening services will begin at 6:00pm in the sanctuary.

07/23/2026

A Bit of Parashiyot: Join our service leaders for a deeper discussion of Torah.

July 24. Lucy Scarbrough – Parashiyot Vaetchanan & Shabbat Nachamu (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11)

Following the sorrow of Tisha B'Av comes Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Comfort. In Vaetchanan, Moses recalls the giving of the Torah, proclaims the Shema, and reminds Israel that love of God is expressed through faithful living. This week's message is one of reassurance: after loss comes healing, after despair comes hope. We are called to renew our covenant with grateful hearts and steadfast faith.

07/16/2026

A Bit of Parashiyot: Join our service leaders for a deeper discussion of Torah.

July 17. David Cohen – Parashiyot Devarim & Shabbat Chazon (Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22)

The Book of Deuteronomy opens with Moses' final words to the Israelites, urging them to learn from the past before entering a new future. Read on Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath before Tisha B'Av, these passages invite honest reflection on the consequences of division, injustice, and forgotten values. Even as we mourn past destruction, we are challenged to become builders of compassion, unity, and hope.