Over this past year, becoming members of the B’nai Jeshurun community has been deeply meaningful for our family. I was raised with a strong connection to the cultural traditions, stories, songs, and music of the Jewish people, and Judaism has always resonated with me in a spiritual, rather than strictly religious, way. My wife grew up in a more traditional, observant home, attending synagogue regularly and celebrating her Bat Mitzvah in Israel, an experience she hoped our children would one day share. At B’nai Jeshurun, we’ve found the perfect home that beautifully weaves together the cultural, spiritual, and religious expressions of Judaism that speak to each of us. It is a community where both of our backgrounds feel valued and honored.

One of the things we cherish most about B’nai Jeshurun is how genuinely it values every generation, young families with small children, families with older kids, young adults, and older members alike. The breadth of activities and the many opportunities for the entire community to come together, whether for services or social gatherings, are planned with intention and have enriched our family’s life in countless ways. Our children, Arlo (10) and Zade (8), have especially thrived in Kadima, where they are learning to build community, think independently, and explore what being Jewish means to them. The BJ and Kadima staff has been warm, welcoming, and truly invested in getting to know us. Especially at Hanukkah, the season of light, we feel immense gratitude for the beautiful music, thoughtful people, and meaningful experiences that B’nai Jeshurun has brought into our lives. We are thankful to be part of such a caring, ethical community and to call B’nai Jeshurun our spiritual and religious home.