A beautiful community where each member of my family has found their own home. Spiritual, communal, intellectual, musical, loving. Best shul ever. read more

From the minute I walked into Bnai Keshet, I knew I belonged. Warm greetings made me feel comfortable and welcome. Since that beginning, I have enjoyed more aspects of this congregation over the years than can fit in one review, from hiking with an Affinity Group to weekly meditation to compelling Adult Ed programs to joyful celebrations and special events. I continue to expand my Jewish learning, even studying for and celebrating becoming an adult bat mitzvah, and always revel in truly spiritual experiences. My family was very pleased with the religious school program. The rabbis are incredible -- wise, approachable, creative, dedicated -- and the congregants are diverse, social action oriented and truly kind, committed people. BK is my happy place. read more

Bnai Keshet is an incredible group of people that work together to learn, pray, mark life cycle events, help each other, work to repair our world, and build a Jewish community. Whatever your passion, we have a group doing it Jewishly, so come join us in prayer, learning, discussion and fellowship. read more

Especially in this time of Covid, I am so happy to be part of this community! Really wonderfully caring, socially aware and active congregation of people to engage with on so many different levels: praying, studying (classes for all ages and at all levels), actively working on behalf of the causes I find most important in these crazy days... and having lots of fun too. There are affinity groups where you can find like minded folks engaging in passions that we share... Meditation... truly something for everyone to push and challenge you spiritually, socially, emotionally. Definitely worth checking out - tons of virtual offerings for all ages. read more

You may be wondering: What is B'nai Keshet all about in terms of Jewish practice? Here's my take on it after being a member for 13 years or so.... - Hamische and accessible Judaism. Uses the Kol Haneshama siddur and the Eytz Chayim Chumash. There is no chazzan - tefillah is often led by lay-leaders. Torah leyning often done from chumash with the gabbai following along. The kashrut policy veers on the vegetarian is kosher enough variety but varies depending on the simcha. Kipot and tallitot are worn by almost everyone. - Davenning is mostly in Hebrew. The two things that are not specifically Jewish that you will experience are: Reading the names of the U.S. servicemen who have died in the past week (for which many people stand) and the "everyone hold hands and connect to the person touching the challah" before saying the chomtzi at the oneg. - Divrei Torah. One guy dubbed it NPR Judaism. That sounds just about right. - Lay-led adult education: This is a strong suit at "BK" with Talmud study, Hebrew language study, Jewish ethics, and excellent guest speakers. Shabbes morning before services there is usually a session, and often a session in the afternoon. - "Tisch-like" tables in the back - with a sign that says "reserved for grumpy old men" -- a tongue-in-cheek reference to the many once yeshivah boys who are now hanging out in a more progressive shul. -High Holidays - unfortunately BK does not have enough room for yuntuf. Must meet in a Church. But the BK Choir is wonderful. - Gaga pit. Yes, that's right, BK has a gaga pit for the kiddies. Jewish ritual for the summer camp set. read more

This is an very different spiritual place to be. First off, the congregation is very progressive Reconstructionist Movement affiliated. The ark door is covered by a finely finished piece of driftwood or an old tree stump -a reminder that nature is our mother and the source of life. Give a care about our Mother and Planet Earth! Rabbi Elliot is an amazing person who bikes to work on weekdays. If you are looking for an inclusive egalitarian synagogue with members of all stripes and orientations with or without families, this is the place to be. This shul (Yiddish word for synagogue. Temple is a general term for a house of worship. Yiddish sounds like German but uses Hebrew letters.) is very active in the "greening" movement and fair-trade coffee from the Miremba/Thanksgiving Coffee Company whose members are Jewish, Christian and Muslim in Uganda of all places is served at kiddush/onegs (a little fellowship after services). Famous musicians and photographers are members here. Some services have musical accompaniment such as djembe drums, acoustic guitar, sephardi songs. There are also Jews from India here as well. Develop a deep and abiding faith that it is a holy act to walk in the woods, barefoot on grass, hug a tree, pet an animal, sing in the rain, lay on your back and watch the clouds, help your fellow homo sapien, rescue a creature, attend an alternative gift fair, buy Fair Trade/organic - become socially responsible, prevent genocide in Darfur and more... read more