Temple B'nai Israel is the Reform Jewish Congregation for the Kalamazoo area. The Temple was founded in 1866 and is affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. The Congregation owns a building at 4409 Grand Prairie, Kalamazoo, which is the site of services, Religious School and adult study activities. Temple B'nai Israel welcomes participants of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, national origins, religious or ethnic backgrounds. Jews by birth, Jews by choice, or non-Jews wishing to explore Judaism are welcome at all services and programs.

The congregation now numbers about 80 membership "units", totaling more than 200 men, women and children. We are growing steadily. Many of our family units include a non-Jewish spouse.

The Religious Leader of Temple B'nai Israel is Cantor Larry Charson, who was invested through Hebrew Union College. Cantor Charson graduated from Boston University and the New England Conservatory of Music. Cantor Charson also serves as the Religious Leader of Temple Beth El in Battle Creek. Patricia Ressler-Billion serves the Temple as a Synagogue Associate. She was trained through Hebrew Union College’s Sh'liach K'hilah program. Rabbi Emeritus of Temple B'nai Israel is Stephen Forstein, who was ordained by Hebrew Union College.

The Congregation offers the following services:

• Weekly Sabbath worship which includes a monthly Family Service

• High Holy Day Services with a professional choir (these services are combined with Temple Beth El in Battle Creek)

• Pre-School through 7th Grade Education

• Adult studies in the Jewish tradition

• Social and cultural events including monthly potluck suppers

• Social action

• Congregational outreach

• Preparation studies for conversion

• Pastoral counseling

• Monthly bulletin and an email announcement list