B'nai Israel Synagogue family and friends

02/04/2026

A wonderful project!

🎉 Community Shoutout! 🎉

A big shoutout to Caleb Waxman from B'nai Israel Synagogue family and friends, who recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah! For his mitzvah community service project, Caleb made fleece blankets and generously donated them to our JP families. We’re so thankful for his kindness and for such a caring community. Way to go, Caleb!

05/14/2025

Hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather.

08/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/100064367546663/posts/894711872684389/?

A glimmer of Jewish comfort, brought to you by..... you!

In an effort to spotlight all of SPJF's lesser-known partner organizations, we are highlighting the amazing work of Rabbi Michelle Werner at B'nai Israel Synagogue Rochester, MN. In addition to serving the community of Rochester, Rabbi Werner doubles as a member of the chaplaincy at Mayo Clinic.
Nancy was at Mayo Clinic's St. Mary's Hospital where her husband, Joel, was recovering from major surgery. Rabbi Werner was able to bring them a little bit of normalcy and serenity with one of her Shabbat bags. The couple was so elated as they usually host big Shabbat dinners with the whole family. Rabbi Werner visited multiple times throughout the ordeal and kept Joel's spirits up the entire time.

St. Paul Jewish Federation is partially responsible for funding the B'nai Israel Synagogue and Rabbi Michelle Werner's work for our extended Jewish family in Rochester and at Mayo Clinic. Stories like these are brought to you by people like you - our generous donors.

04/24/2023

https://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/how-a-rochester-teen-kept-the-memory-of-a-holocaust-victim-alive

For a year, Benjamin Hargraves kept Albert Bulka's name with him noting each day and experience he had that Bulka never did.

03/22/2023

We hope you will join us for a very special event:
The Mind and Music of George Gershwin on April 29 at 7pm!

"Julliard-trained concert pianist and Harvard-educated psychiatrist Richard Kogan, M.D., will give a lecture/concert exploring the impact of psychological factors and psychiatric illness on the creative output of the great Jewish American composer George Gershwin (1898-1937). Dr. Kogan will be performing portions of beloved Gershwin masterpieces, including Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess, to illuminate the discussion.

Dr. Kogan is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and Artistic Director of the Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Dr. Kogan has gained renown for his lecture/concerts that explore the role of music in healing and the influence of psychological factors and psychiatric and medical illness on the creative output of great composers. A master storyteller, he has given presentations at music festivals, medical conferences, and scholarly symposia worldwide. Learn more about Dr. Kogan’s career and performances."

Tickets going quickly! Get yours today: https://bnai-israel-synagogue.ticketleap.com/mind-and-music-of-george-gershwin/details

12/19/2022

Members of B’nai Israel Synagogue in Rochester marked the first night of Hanukkah together in person.

12/19/2022

In today’s newspaper!

Members of B’nai Israel Synagogue in Rochester marked the first night of Hanukkah together in person.

05/02/2021

Productive semi-annual meeting today! We are a full cycle into Zoom meetings and have found our strength and community continuing, despite our physical distance. Thank you all!

Minutes will be available and comments to the Board are always welcome.

09/08/2020

We spent a piece of our Labor Day weekend getting ready for a completely different sort of High Holidays this year. And while we cannot be together, we certainly will not be apart!

04/21/2020

The Gratitude Garden in the sunshine