BICENTENNIAL YEAR
Meet The Moment
In 1825, a group of visionary Jewish leaders dared to dream of a community rooted in the revolutionary ideals of religious freedom and inclusion. Breaking away from tradition, they founded B’nai Jeshurun, not just as a synagogue, but as the start of a movement that reshaped American Judaism. Through determination and faith, BJ established itself as a cornerstone of Jewish life in New York City, championing philanthropy, education, and social action from its earliest days.
Throughout our history, BJ has risen to the challenges and opportunities of each era. We extended aid to fire victims in our first year, stood for civil rights in the 20th century, provided community during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and guided our community through the tragedies of 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Time and again, BJ has evolved to meet the needs of a changing Jewish people, celebrating and mourning with each other countless times, while staying rooted in our core values of the power of prayer and music, love, and social justice.
Today, as we celebrate 200 years, we reflect on the milestones that shaped us and look ahead to the future. With a continual commitment to the future of Jewish innovation, BJ remains at the forefront of creating meaningful, vibrant Jewish life. Together, we will continue to meet the moment for generations to come.
As we celebrate 200 years of B’nai Jeshurun, we honor the vision of those who dared to dream of a Jewish community rooted in inclusion, courage, and transformation. We, too, have very large dreams: dreams of being a community that is a microcosm of the wider world we hope for—one of love, justice, and communal connection. This milestone calls us to reflect on our legacy and recommit ourselves to meeting the moment, creating a dynamic, vibrant Judaism that responds to the needs of our time. BJ remains a space of holiness, possibility, and shared purpose. Together, we will carry forward the revolutionary spirit that founded BJ, shaping the Jewish future for generations to come.
Rabbis Roly Matalon, Felicia Sol, Rebecca Weintraub and Hazzan Ari Priven
As we celebrate 200 years of B’nai Jeshurun, we honor the vision of those who dared to dream of a Jewish community rooted in inclusion, courage, and transformation. We, too, have very large dreams: dreams of being a community that is a microcosm of the wider world we hope for—one of love, justice, and communal connection. This milestone calls us to reflect on our legacy and recommit ourselves to meeting the moment, creating a dynamic, vibrant Judaism that responds to the needs of our time. BJ remains a space of holiness, possibility, and shared purpose. Together, we will carry forward the revolutionary spirit that founded BJ, shaping the Jewish future for generations to come.
Rabbis Roly Matalon, Felicia Sol, Rebecca Weintraub and Hazzan Ari Priven
BICENTENNIAL EXHIBITION
B’nai Jeshurun:
The Next 100 Years (1925-2025)
On Now @ Community House Gallery
Continue the journey through BJ’s storied history exploring an era of challenge and transformation in which the community meets each moment with creativity, resilience, and a bold vision for Jewish life.
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Honoring the Past,
Shaping the Future
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