The B’nai Israel that has entered the 21st century would in many ways surprise its Civil War era founders, but they would be pleased with what they see. Newly located on the campus of the Jewish Community Center in Sylvania, Congregation B’nai Israel offers a welcoming and friendly environment for worship, study, cultural events and social activities. We are a member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and take seriously the tenets of the Conservative movement.

B’nai Israel is a truly diverse congregation. We have approximately 350 families and individuals as members– but we count them one by one. Our members live not just in Toledo, Sylvania and its suburbs, but also in surrounding communities such as Bowling Green and Findlay, Ohio, and Monroe, Michigan. Congregation B’nai Israel was an early leader in the U.S. in the movement toward equal participation of men and women in Jewish religious life. This is a tradition we proudly maintain.

Cantor Ivor Lichterman joined us in 2011, having previously served as cantor at Congregation Anshei Israel, Tucson, Arizona.