Congregation B'nai Israel (Sacramento, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congregation B'nai Israel |
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Hebrew: בני ישראל
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Mona Alfi |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 3600 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento, California |
| Country | United States |
 Location in California
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| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Synagogue architecture |
| Date established | 1852 (as a congregation) |
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Congregation B'nai Israel (which means "Children of Israel" in Hebrew) is a Reform Jewish community and synagogue. It is located in Sacramento, California, in the United States.
This congregation started in 1852. It is the oldest Jewish congregation in Sacramento. Jewish settlers came to California during the California Gold Rush in 1849. They gathered to celebrate important Jewish holidays. The community bought its first building in 1852. This made it the first synagogue west of the Mississippi River.
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A Long History
Congregation B'nai Israel has faced many challenges over the years. It has survived damage from fires and floods. In November 1852, a fire destroyed its first building. The community then met in people's homes until 1858.
In 1858, they bought a new building. But just three years later, in 1861, another fire destroyed it. In 1864, the congregation found a new home. They bought a former concert hall to use as their synagogue.
In 1904, the congregation moved again. This building also caught fire in 1912. After a year of repairs, it reopened. This was their home until 1954. That's when they moved to their current location. Over the years, the campus grew. It added a chapel, a library, and an education wing.
The congregation also owned California's first Jewish cemetery. It was called the Chevra Kaddisha Cemetery, Sacramento. They also helped start the Home of Peace Cemetery in 1924.
How the Community Grew
Over time, some members left to form new groups. Between 1858 and 1861, a group called B'nai Ha'Shalom formed. They had different ideas. But they reunited in 1861 after floods damaged a cemetery.
In 1879, the congregation changed from Orthodox to Reform Judaism. This meant they adopted a more modern approach to Jewish practices. Some members who preferred the older ways left. They formed a new synagogue called Mosaic Law Synagogue. Later, in 1970, some members left to form Temple Beth Shalom.
Standing Strong After Challenges
On June 18, 1999, Congregation B'nai Israel faced a terrible event. It was one of three Sacramento synagogues that were set on fire. This attack caused a lot of damage. B'nai Israel alone had over $800,000 in damage. Its sanctuary and library were badly hurt.
Even with the damage, the community stayed strong. They met for services that same evening at a local community center. A few days later, over 5,000 people from the wider community gathered to show support. This attack was not the first time the synagogue was targeted. In 1993, a 17-year-old also tried to set it on fire.
Our Leaders
A rabbi is a Jewish religious leader. Here is the current rabbi of Congregation B'nai Israel:
| Officeholder | Term start | Term end |
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| Mona Alfi | incumbent |
Find Out More
- Visit their official website:
