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 Brutalist: A Jewish Immigrant Saga for the Ages

The Brutalist: A Jewish Immigrant Saga for the Ages jemerman

Holocaust
Photo of Adrien Brody in a scene from the movie "The Brutalist"
Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist" opens with Hungarian architect, Jewish Holocaust survivor, and soon-to-be freshly minted U.S. immigrant László Toth in the shadowy depths of a ship headed into New York Harbor.

Proud JEWS

Proud JEWS jemerman

Antisemitism and Hate Crimes
Photo of the words "Proud Jews" written in chalk on the sidewalk
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.

Broadcasting the Miracle of Fat Liberation

Broadcasting the Miracle of Fat Liberation jemerman

Hanukkah
Photo of a menorah with 7 candles lite
At Fat Torah, Hanukkah is our favorite holiday. Hanukkah in particular is a holiday that celebrates fat. On Hanukkah, we remember that miraculous oil that was meant to only last for one day and ended up lighting the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem for eight days. Eating foods fried in oil, in fat, is a key part of this commemoration.

Winterfaith

Winterfaith jemerman

Secular Holidays
Photo of two kids sitting on a snow board surrounded by a lot of snow and trees
"Winterfaith" seems a much more apt description for me than "interfaith." We're not observing two religions; I was raised Jewish, and my partner was not. Together, we are raising our children as Jewish campers, and even after 15+ years of our relationship, 11 of which with at least one child, the winter holidays are when our "interfaith" background proves to be the most challenging.

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