Congregation B'nai Israel's Sunday Service Aims To Build Bridges

TOMS RIVER, NJ — It's a message of inclusiveness, and it's one Congregation B'nai Israel hopes will bring all kinds of people together.

Gesher Minyan, the synagogue's new outreach initiative for New Jersey’s Jewish LGBTQ population, begins this Sunday at the synagogue on Old Freehold Road, officials said.

Gesher —Hebrew for bridge — Minyan aims to seamlessly integrate diverse Jewish communities, Jewish LGBTQ individuals, couples and families, together with the established Jewish mainstream. Interfaith couples and families and anyone curious about Judaism are welcome to attend as well, officials said.

"While Congregation B’nai Israel is fully egalitarian and warmly welcomes all LGBTQ people into our synagogue, Gesher Minyan is intended to be our welcome mat for those who are anxious about entering a Jewish house of faith; to those who have stayed away for fears of being ostracized," the synagogue said in a letter announcing the service.

"Gesher Minyan actively demonstrates that all who enter our doors are complete equals; that all are invited to participate in all synagogue events and functions they may have interest in, including religious education for all Jewish children," congregation officials said.

The goal is to make all members of the community realize and feel welcome to participate in what the Conservative synagogue has to offer, officials said.

The services, which will be held at 9 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month, will be attended by existing mainstream and LGBTQ congregants and a Coffee Klatch & Chat hospitality will follow the services each month.

Congregation B’nai Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

"We are dedicated to full inclusivity," synagogue officials said.

Congregation B’nai Israel is located at 1488 Old Freehold Road. It is led by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Hazzan Steven Walvick, Rabbi Emeritus Richard Hammerman, D.D., Cantor Emeritus Daniel Green and President Philip I. Brilliant.

For further information, call the synagogue office at 732-349-1244, or visit the website at www.cbitr.org and signup for the monthly Kolenu newsletter and for periodic email announcements.