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We Grow Learners and Leaders
Our Philosphy
B’nai Tzedek is founded on a participatory model. Congregants play all roles in
our services, including leading and chanting services, reading the Torah and
Haftorah portions, delivering the dvar Torah (sermon), etc. Men and women
participate equally, and we actively encourage people to stretch into new
leadership roles. Because of this participatory model, our rabbis serve a
supportive role, joining in the general rotation of roles, taking a leadership
role in special events, and coaching the community in further leadership and
spiritual growth. Our diversity of leadership brings a diversity of styles and
melodies, enriching our services. In our own approaches to services, and in our
partnering with our Reform sister congregation, Beit Chaverim, we strive to be
inclusive and supportive.
Voices from the Bimah
Sermons delivered by our congregants provide a rich source of learning. Our
members and guest sermonizers draw on their diversity of Jewish backgrounds and
life experiences to share weekly lessons that often provide food for thought and
discussion during the Kiddush after services. The popularity of our sermons has
led to the publication of two books of members’ sermons, aptly titled: “Voices
from the B’nai Tzedek Bima– The Congregants Speak.” A third edition is in the
works. See examples of member sermons here.
We Grow Learners and Leaders
Change comes from the grassroots at B’nai Tzedek. Every member can lead
and learn to the full extent of his/her desire and interest. As we grew in our
learning, the congregation has supported members to learn major leadership
roles, including how to read/chant Torah, and leading High Holiday services.
Together, we have studied topics as diverse as approaches to prayer and what the
Torah teaches about family dynamics. Do you have an idea about how we can make
our services more meaningful? We’d love to hear it!
New to B’nai Tzedek?
If you are new to our community or unfamiliar with our services and would
like to sit with someone who can help orient you, our ushers will be happy to
direct you to such a person.
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