Cong. B’nai Israel: Southern Community

By David Rosenberg | Congregation B’nai Israel

When coming to Georgia, you find a warmth and friendliness second to no other place I have ever been in the United States. You can imagine my family’s surprise when we learned there was a thriving Reform Jewish community south of the city of Atlanta.

Our original impression was that all the Jewish population was north of the city. And to some extent, that is true in terms of overall number of families.

David Rosenberg, the president of Congregation B’nai Israel, can be reached at drosenberg@bnai-israel.net

However, tucked away at the border of Fayetteville and Jonesboro, off Highway 54, is a wonderful Reform synagogue, Congregation B’nai Israel, founded over 25 years ago with hope and determination to provide a Reform Jewish experience to those who cannot make the schlep of over any hour each way to the next closest Reform community.

CBI is the “little engine that could.” Boasting over 75 families and growing, it draws people from four counties south of Atlanta proper.

Friday night services are incredibly inspirational. When not led by a guest rabbi, religious services are led by a motivating cantorial soloist/religious lay leader, Susan Burden, who incorporates members, students and Torah each week and brings everyone together in a truly meaningful way.

The warmth and family atmosphere at a CBI Friday night service are an experience not to be missed.

CBI has an active Brotherhood, a newly formed Sisterhood, a strong youth group presence, and multiple adult and family activities every month.

As we head into the High Holidays, if you live south of the city and have been wondering where you can find a strong and thriving Reform Jewish community, look at CBI. We cordially invite you to visit us for any Friday night service or join us for the High Holidays.

To learn more about CBI and how you can become a part of this amazing community, visit www.bnai-israel.net or www.facebook.com/pages/Congregation-Bnai-Israel/152177174841730.

David Rosenberg, the president of Congregation B’nai Israel, can be reached at drosenberg@bnai-israel.net.