Information on High Holiday Tickets for Non-Members
If you are not a member of Temple B'nai Israel or Temple Beth El in Battle Creek and would like to attend High Holiday Services, please pass on the following information, or have them visit the Temple Website www.templebnaiisrael.com
The following are details regarding admission to High Holiday Services:
· Students at the local colleges are admitted free with a student ID card.
· Guests can request tickets ahead for $50.00 donation/ticket. Children under 2 free.
· In conjunction with the recommendations from the Union for Reform Judaism, individuals who are members of another Reform synagogue will be provided with complimentary tickets, after sending in a letter from their synagogue.
Send requests and checks for tickets postmarked at least one week in advance to: High Holiday Tickets, Temple B’nai Israel P.O. Box 19666, Kalamazoo MI 49019.
· Children’s services do not require tickets.
· All proceeds from this policy will be used to off-set the costs of High Holiday services.
High Holy Days
Preparing for the Yamim Noraim As fall approaches, Jews throughout the world begin to prepare for a unique ten-day period of prayer, self-examination, fasting, and repentance. It is time for the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe, the High Holy Days: Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. This ten-day period is preceded by a month of reflection: the Hebrew month of Elul. During this time, morning worship includes special penitential prayers and concludes with the blowing of the shofar as a reminder of the approaching season of atonement. In some communities, this is also a time to visit the graves of loved ones.
S'lichot, a Hebrew word meaning "forgiveness," refers to the special penitential prayers recited by Jews during the High Holy Day season. The S’lichot liturgy contains some of the finest Jewish religious poetry ever composed. Reform congregations usually observe S’lichot on the Saturday night just prior to Rosh HaShanah, a solemn and fitting preparation for ten days of reflection and self-examination.
Temple B'nai Israel will be a home for the practice of Reform Judaism in Kalamazoo, foster the connection with the Divine for members of the community, introduce our children to Judaism and provide a forum for lifelong study of Torah.
Our website tells you a little about us. But only by worshiping with us, learning with us and sharing Shabbat with us, will you get to know the real Temple B'nai Israel. We are known for the warmth of our members and our clergy. People feel a part of our family as soon as they meet us. We’re glad you’ve stopped by, and we invite you to visit us in person soon. You’ll find us to be a diverse, caring, active Jewish community. Temple B'nai Israel welcomes people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, national origins, religious or ethnic backgrounds. Jews by birth, Jews by choice, and non-Jews wishing to explore Judaism are welcome at all services and programs
We invite you to visit our website and then visit us!
Who Leads the Shabbat Services?
We offer various types of Shabbat worship on Friday evenings. On the first Friday of each month, services will be a lay led service by Temple member Michael Tanoff. This is a 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service. The second Friday is a Family Shabbat Service at 6:00 p.m. and is led by Cantor Larry Charson. This unique service is dedicated to families with small children and is about 45 minutes in length. It is then followed by a vegetarian potluck and Family Game Night. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and families at Temple.
A 6:30 p.m. Shabbat service is held on the 3rd Friday of each month. Students from the Temple's Religious School particpate and lead this special service.
The 4th Friday of the month is a 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service is led by Cantor Larry. Should a 5th Friday occur, the Cantor also will lead this 7:30 p.m. service.
Just a reminder-it's a good idea to look at the monthly calendar located on this front page for Shabbat Services changes.
We invite you to come and experience Temple B'nai Israel!
Upcoming Events (click on event for time & information)
Once a month we come to share a community meal!
Please bring a dish to share.
Please note:
- Potlucks are no longer strictly vegetarian.
- No pork or shellfish
- Meat dishes will be placed on a separate table at the potluck
- Meat dishes should not contain dairy
Led by Cantor Larry. This service is especially designed for those with young children and is short in length. Celebrating Shabbat together is also a way to help your children feel positively connected to their Jewish heritage.
We offer various types of Shabbat worship on Friday evenings. On the first Friday of each month, services will be a lay led service by Temple member Michael Tanoff. This is a 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service. The second Friday is a Family Shabbat Service at 6:00 p.m. and is led by Cantor Larry Charson. This unique service is dedicated to families with small children and is about 45 minutes in length. It is then followed by a vegetarian potluck and Family Game Night. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and families at Temple. 