Welcome to B'nai Israel Synagogue

On behalf of our entire congregation, I would like to say welcome. No matter what brings you to Rochester, we want to be your Jewish home. Whether you and your family are relocating to Rochester or you are visiting Rochester to receive care at one of our local medical clinics and hospitals, we look forward to seeing you. B’nai Israel Synagogue provides worship services and holiday celebrations, education programs, congregational activities and hospitality to all who enter our doors.

As Rabbi, I serve both as spiritual leader of B’nai Israel Synagogue and Jewish chaplain of Mayo Clinic. Bridging the gap between practical and spiritual needs is an integral part of our mission. In other words, we are here to help.

Since our congregation was established over one hundred years ago, many things have changed in Rochester, but our commitment to warmly welcome those living in or visiting southeastern Minnesota has not.

I look forward to welcoming you to our Jewish home.

-Rabbi Michelle
rabbi@bnaiisraelmn.org

bnai

Our Mission: 

Be a welcoming Jewish home for members, visitors and the local community for worship, 

study, friendship and support to increase the understanding and appreciation of Judaism.

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

The Art of Wisdom: Proverbs, Adages, and Maxims, and the Images They Inspire

The Art of Wisdom: Proverbs, Adages, and Maxims, and the Images They Inspire jemerman

Curator Phyllis Friedman has assembled "Proverbs, Adages, and Maxims" at the Heller Museum at Hebrew Union College in New York, featuring 57 artists of diverse backgrounds who offer visual interpretations of familiar sayings and worthy shorthand advice.

Talking to Children About Jewish Identity in an Interfaith Family

Talking to Children About Jewish Identity in an Interfaith Family jemerman

For children in interfaith families, clarifying the role of religion in the family dynamic is important.

Proud JEWS

Proud JEWS jemerman

Right before Sukkot, I noticed the word "JEW" carved into my sidewalk. I began to grind out the word, but rather decided to replace the space by adding "Proud JEWs" to the sidewalk.

Sacred Spaces, Sacred Responsibility: Practical Lifesaving Steps

Sacred Spaces, Sacred Responsibility: Practical Lifesaving Steps jemerman

Very few people plan to save a life; but maybe it's time to change that thinking.