Temple B'nai Chaim

About Temple B’nai Chaim

TBC has reopened for IN PERSON Shabbat Services in our beautiful sanctuary and for IN PERSON learning in our Religious School.

COVID Safety Policy: Wearing a mask inside our building is now optional; full vaccination is required. See TBC COVID Safety Policy.

Check out our News and Chailites page and our Events Calendar for information on how upcoming services and events.

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Temple B’nai Chaim is a modern Reform congregation inspired by over 3000 years of tradition. We believe in a living Judaism compatible with contemporary science, historical understanding, and ethical sensibilities, and which reflects everyday reality and is refined by it. We are a member congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism. Interested in finding out more about membership? Send email to membership@templebnaichaim.org to contact us or call 203-544-8695.

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We welcome all Jews, their partners and families regardless of background. We affirm the equality between men and women, members of all ages, races, physical conditions, and sexual orientations. News and announcements are in our Chailites / Email Archive and on our Facebook page.

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See Temple B’nai Chaim’s mission statement ….	See Cantor Harriet Dunkerley’s Sermons and Messages…

In the Spotlight!

Join Temple B’nai Chaim for the High Holy Days!

The High Holy Days are a time for reflection, introspection, prayer, and re-connection. We welcome you to join us in celebrating and observing these special holy days at Temple B’nai Chaim. Come share the spirit and wisdom of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This year all services will again be held on site at TBC. We will offer a variety of services to meet the spiritual needs of our diverse community. Erev Rosh Hashanah is September 25. Join us for a festive services and a sweet, honey tasting at the oneg. More information…

Check out the TBC Calendar, TBC Chailites and TBC Shutterfly galleries for more information and upcoming events!

DON’T FORGET TO RSVP FOR SISTERHOOD’S YOM KIPPUR BREAK-FAST ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5 AT 7:15 pm. (RSVP link here.)

TBC Photos @

Upcoming Events

04 Oct

Kol Nidre Service

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
05 Oct

Yom Kippur Family Service

9:00 am - 10:15 am
05 Oct

Yom Kippur Traditional Service

11:00 am - 1:00 pm
05 Oct

Study Session

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

Antisemitism Finally Hits Home for Me

Antisemitism Finally Hits Home for Me jemerman September 29, 2022

Interfaith Family

In the many years (57 to be exact) that I have been in an interfaith marriage, I felt somehow removed from antisemitism. I was raised in a Roman Catholic family, and, while there were a few comments from aunts and uncles when I got engaged, it was the 1960s, and I was in love. I believed we would figure it out as we went along.

Rebuilding After the Storms of Life: An Interview with Rabbi Joseph Meszler

Rebuilding After the Storms of Life: An Interview with Rabbi Joseph Meszler jemerman September 22, 2022

Children's Books

We sat down with Rabbi Joseph Meszler, author of "The Sukkah in the Storm: A Sukkot Story," to discuss the ways this story teaches children about strength, resilience, community, and asking for help.

Keeping Family Close, Regardless of Distance

Keeping Family Close, Regardless of Distance jemerman September 21, 2022

Israel

a laptop on a table with apples and honey, kiddish cup, candle sticks and flowers

As I boarded the plane to Israel in the summer of 2002 for my first year of rabbinical school at HUC in Jerusalem, my mother said, "Please, just don't meet an Israeli." As soon as the plane touched down at Ben Gurion airport, I knew that I was home. A few months later, I met that Israeli. From our first conversation, he understood that I was studying to be a rabbi, and I understood that he wanted to live only in Israel.

A Vegan Rosh HaShanah for a Sweet New Year

A Vegan Rosh HaShanah for a Sweet New Year jemerman September 14, 2022

High Holidays

I am vegan because I am Jewish. Everything that led me to a vegan practice came from my childhood where I kept kosher, learned by asking thoughtful questions, and practiced daily rituals like hand washing and reciting brachot that brought intention to aspects of daily life.