About B'nai Israel
B’nai Israel of Southbury is a warm, welcoming and diverse congregation that is among the most prominent, yet intimate Jewish houses of worship in the region. The congregation has a rich history of tradition dating back more than a century while enthusiastically embracing the future. B’nai Israel takes pride in its inspiring music, educational excellence and sense of community. Setting B’nai Israel apart, too, is its spiritual leadership, commitment to advocacy, and inclusiveness with a welcoming of traditional, single parent, interfaith and other modern families among the greater B’nai Israel family that is a home for all generations. B’nai Israel is located in northwestern New Haven County on a sprawling 17-acre campus — one of the region’s largest community, cultural, spiritual and educational centers of its kind — at 444 Main Street North in Southbury, CT. B’nai Israel shares its gorgeous campus with its partner organization, The Federation: Jewish Communities of Northwestern CT, and is home to families and their loved ones from a wide radius of Connecticut towns, including Bethany, Bethlehem, Brookfield, Litchfield, Middlebury, New Hartford, Newtown, Oxford, Roxbury, Sandy Hook, Southbury, Washington, Waterbury, Watertown, Woodbury, and other surrounding communities. Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, B'nai Israel is also active in the area Jewish and interfaith communities.
Our Leadership
Rabbi Eric Polokoff
Rabbi Eric is our founding rabbi, serving the congregation since 1997. He gives great attention to his roles here as a teacher, pastor, speaker and community leader. His interests and activities begin locally and extend beyond our community: Moderator of the Southbury Clergy Association, Executive Committee of the Connecticut Community Foundation, and Executive Committee of CT ADL and an ADL Associate National Commissioner. He is also known locally as one of The Three Amigos, working with a Monsignor and Imam to extend interfaith understanding.
Rabbi Eric’s educational background:
Johns Hopkins University, BA
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, MAHL, Rabbinic Ordination, DD Yale Divinity School, STM
Contact Rabbi Eric at: rabbi@bnaiisraelsouthbury.org
Linda Goodman, Director of Sacred Music
Linda co-leads services and participates in lifecycle events, directs our choir and oversees a talented group of singers and musicians, teaches students Jewish music, and is a pastoral presence within our congregational family. In her current position for a dozen years, her music and vision is grounded in inclusiveness and celebrates community and spiritual connection. Linda also coordinates our highly successful Mitzvah Garden. Linda’s husband Dan is likewise dedicated to our congregation and promoting Jewish life. Contact Linda at 203.267.3394 ext. 303 or music@bnaiisraelsouthbury.o
Abby Peklo, Director of Education
Abby Peklo was delighted to be named Education Director in August 2016. She has extensive experience teaching at B’nai Israel Religious School. She is passionate about teaching the contemporary Jewish American experience, the history of Jewish immigration, Holocaust studies, the founding of modern Israel, Jewish values and environmentalism. Contact Abby at 203.267.3396 or
more about us
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP
We're the place you've been looking for!
We pride ourselves on being a warm, sensitive and welcoming community with a diverse population. Our membership includes Jews by birth, Jews by choice and their loved ones. We are LGBTQ friendly. We invite you to be an active part of our community as we join together to continue our rich heritage rooted in Torah, God and the People of Israel.
Become part of our family.
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THE SHOP
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP
Visit our store for all your Judaic needs. We offer the option of custom orders, many of which are manufactured in Israel. For more information and shop hours please contact Michelle Rosen at 516.320.5089 or theshop@bnaiisraelsouthbury.org
Click the picture to view some of our in stock items.
OUR BOARD
MEMBERSHIP
OUR BOARD
2021-2022
Officers
Steven Reps, President
Patti Berkowitz, 1st V.P.
Sheri Kipperman, 2nd V.P.
David Augenbraun, Treasurer
Eric Linnetz , Secretary
Trustees
Kathryn Albee, Charlene Blatter, Phil Feinman, Melissa Fleischer, Bill May, Adam Price,
Michelle Rosen, Allison Schwartz, Jodi Wasserstein