History
Since our founding immediately following the birth of the modern State of Israel in 1948, the values and traditions of The Village Temple, Congregation B'nai Israel, have reflected the creative, cultural and liberal sensibilities of its surrounding East Village and Greenwich Village neighborhood.
Specialties
Come as you are. Discover who you are. The Village Temple is a place for kesher - connection. It is a progressive synagogue for Reform Jews who are seeking to find connections to Torah and the search for spiritual fulfillment; establish relationships with other members of our congregation; discover links between past and present and one generation to the next; build bridges with the downtown Reform community, Israel and the world; and find the balance between our daily lives and the turn off your cellphone respite of Shabbat. We invite all who wish to join us to enter our doors: Jews by birth, Jews by choice, interfaith and non-traditional families, believers and skeptics. Inside, you will find a community of people who are on a quest to reshape Shabbat and holiday worship, educate and inspire our children for a lifetime of active engagement in Judaism, reinvigorate Jewish learning for people of all ages, and renew our commitment to tikkun olam through social action and justice. What do we ask of you? Add your voice to our songs and prayers, bring your doubts and questions, be an active member of our community, and join us in our shared journey of exploration for meaning and joy.