Congregation B’nai Israel is a Reform Synagogue and a Member of URJ
URJ defines Reform Judaism in the following way:
OUR FAITH
Reform Judaism maintains faith in the Covenant between God and Israel as expressed over the generations in the teachings of an ever-evolving Torah and tradition. Stirred by the mandate of , Reform Judaism seeks to be the living expression of those teachings. It welcomes all who seek Jewish connection to pursue a life of meaning as inspired by the Divine and proclaimed in the truths grasped by Jewish teachers throughout time.
IN COMMUNITY
In sacred attachment to the Jewish people and with connection to the State of Israel, Reform Jews, as members of a group and as individuals, in holy congregations and in diverse settings, strive to make thoughtful choices about how we put our values into action. Reform Judaism asks us to seek the holiness that is present throughout creation through reflection, critical study, and sacred acts so as to renew our living Covenant with God, the people Israel, humankind, and the earth.
WITH LEADERSHIP
The organizations of the Reform Movement exist for the purpose of bringing the teachings of Judaism to the world. In partnership with one another, these organizations hope to realize the many lessons contained in those teachings by nurturing individual Jews, by sustaining congregations and groups that foster authentic and innovative community, and by shaping a shared destiny for Reform Jews with fellow Jews in Israel and around the world.
CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL’S MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Congregation B’nai Israel in Spartanburg, South Carolina is to establish and maintain a Reform Synagogue with traditional practices and such additional religious, educational, social and recreational activities as would strengthen Judaism.
MEMBERSHIP:
Any Jew, being of age, shall be eligible to membership in the Congregation. To be considered a Jew, one must be a member of the Jewish people, A Jew is defined as any child born to two Jewish parents. A child of one Jewish parent, who is raised exclusively as a Jew and whose Jewish status is established through appropriate and timely public and formal acts of identification with the Jewish faith and people is Jewish. These acts include entry into the covenant, acquisition of a Hebrew name, Torah study, b’nai mitzvah (bar/bat mitzvah) or through conversion by an ordained Rabbi