Sefer B’midbar

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Parashat B’midbar

Numbers 1:1-4:20

In the second year after leaving Egypt, in the Sinai wilderness, God orders Moses to take a census of the people. God also determines the positioning of each tribe around the Tabernacle. The tribe of Levi is appointed to attend to the Mishkan and to aid the Kohanim.

Parasaht Naso

Numbers 4:21-7:89

The Levites are to dismantle the Tabernacle when Israel sets forth and to set it up again when Israel encamps. God forbids unclean persons to dwell in the camp. Priestly intervention is required in cases of marital infidelity or the breaking of a Nazirite vow of consecration to God. God trains Aaron to deliver Birkat Kohanim, the three-fold

Parashat B’ha’a lot’kha

Numbers 8:1-12:16

God charges Aaron to light the seven-branched menorah. The Levites are purified; a second Pesah offering is ordained for those unable to participate in the first. Israel sets forth from Sinai. As the Ark is carried forward, Moses cries: “Arise, Adonai! May Your enemies be scattered; may Your foes be put to flight.” When the Ark rests, Moses declares: “Adonai, may You dwell among the myriad families of Israel.” In the wilderness, Moses’ leadership is challenged several times.

Parashat Sh’lah L’kha

Numbers 13:1-15:41

Moses dispatches twelve spies to Canaan. Ten report that the land is unconquerable. The people panic, wanting to return to Egypt. Caleb and Joshua exhort Israel to fulfill God’s plan. The uprising persists, and God condemns the people to wander in the desert for forty years. God also commands the wearing of tzitzit, to prompt Israel to remember and to observe all of God’s mitzvot and to be holy before God, who has brought them out of Egypt to be their God.

Parashat Korah

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Korah leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. God causes the earth to open, swallowing Korah and his followers. These deaths lead to grumbling among the people, further provoking God’s wrath. A plague befalls the people, killing many. God arranges for a divine sign – the flowering of Aaron’s rod – to affirm his priesthood and quiet the people. God reiterates the duties of priests and Levites.

Parashat Hukkat

Numbers 19:1-22:1

God ordains the sacrifice of a red heifer to purify those having contact with the dead. Miriam dies. When the people complain about a lack of water, Moses strikes a rock, instead of speaking to it as God instructs; consequently, God informs Moses that he may not enter the promised land. The Israelites skirt Edom when it refuses them safe passage. Aaron dies. After conquering the Canaanites and Amorites, Israel encamps in Moab, across the Jordan from Jericho.

Parashat Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Balak, king of Moab, sends for a diviner, Balaam, to curse the Israelites, so that Moab might drive them off. Balaam refuses, as God orders. Balak offers more gold; Balaam sets out. Yet his ass sees what Balaam cannot – God’s angel bars the way. Balaam then perceives his folly, atones, and proceeds as God’s messenger. “Mah Tovu,” says Balaam, overlooking the Israelite camp. “How lovely are your dwellings, people of Jacob.” Balak angrily dismisses Balaam, who divines Moab’s fall. Yet Israel, seduced by Midianites, indulges in harlotry and idolatry.

Parashat Pinhas

Numbers 25:10-30:1

God rewards Pinhas, Aaron’s grandson, for zealously halting Israel’s transgressions. A new census is taken – in order to divide Canaan proportionately. The daughters of Z’lofhad, who died without sons, successfully claim his portion. God now orders Moses into the mountains to look out over the promised land before he dies. Moses asks God to appoint a successor first, and Joshua receives the charge. God then instructs Moses regarding the daily and Festival offerings.

Parashat Mattot

Numbers 30:2-32:42

Moses counsels Israel about vows. God bids him wage war against Midian, to avenge the Israelites who were led astray. Midian is defeated, the spoils of war divided. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Menasheh ask to settle east of the Jordan where their cattle can thrive. Moses agrees, provided they first help conquer Canaan.

Parashat Mas’ei

Numbers 33:1-36:13

Moses had recorded, stage by stage, the journeys of the children of Israel: from Egypt to Sinai, from Kadesh to Edom. Now, “in the plains of Moad by the Jordan near Jericho,” God describes the extent of Israel’s inheritance. God provides for the division of Canaan, and for the establishment of Levitical cities and cities of refuge.

Sefer Va-yikra

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Parashat Va-yikra

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

God instructs Moses regarding sacrifices, to be offered on the Mishkan’s altar. The burnt-offering (olah), the grain-offering (minhah), the peace-offering (sh’lamim), the sin-offering (hattat), the guilt-offering (asham), and the sin-offering which varies according to one’s means (korban oleh v’yored) are all described.

Parashat Tzav

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

God decrees that the altar fire burn continually, to be tended by Aaron and his sons. Further details of the offerings are presented, as well as a description of the priests’ vestments. Moses sanctifies the Mishkan and the altar, and anoints the priests. After a consecration offering is made, Aaron and his sons remain secluded for seven days.

Parashat Sh’mini

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Aaron and his sons emerge from the Mishkan on the eighth day of its consecration to make atonement for Israel. Aaron’s two eldest sons, Nadav and Avihu, light “alien fire” on the altar, contrary to God’s precepts, and are struck down. Moses instructs Aaron not to mourn: Aaron continues with his duties. Thereafter God lists the kosher and non-kosher animals. “You shall be holy,” God asserts, “for I am holy.”

Parashat Tazria

Leviticus 12: 1-13:59

God teaches Moses the laws regarding physical purity, including purification after childbirth. The means of identification and purification of leprous skin diseases are set out, as are the laws concerning disposal of infected garments.

Parashat M’tzora

Leviticus 14:1-15:33

God sets forth the last steps for the purification of a leprous person. God even provides laws for when the Israelites reach Canaan and own houses that show evidence of leprous plague. Lastly, God addresses the impurity associated with bodily emissions, including a woman’s monthly cycle.

Parashat Aharei Mot

Leviticus 16: 1-18:30

God instructs Aaron to purify the altar, the priests, and the people. To purify the people two goats are chosen: one as a sacrifice, the other as a scapegoat, to be sent off bearing Israel’s sins. This ceremony of the Day of Atonement is to be “an eternal statute” on the tenth day of the seventh month. Other statutes, concerning animal slaughter and prohibited sexual relations, follow.

Parashat K’doshim

Leviticus 19:1-20:27

“You shall be holy, for I, Adonai your God, am holy.” God urges Israel to attain holiness by emulating God’s holiness. The people of Israel are asked to show respect for parents and for Shabbat, to refrain from idolatry, have concern for the poor and the stranger, and avoid gossip, anger, and improper sexual behavior.

Parashat Emor

Leviticus 21:1-24:23

God sets laws for the priesthood. The sacred days are ordained. Shabbat and the Festivals-Pesah, Shavuot, and Sukkot-along with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are prescribed for all generations.

Parashat B’har

Leviticus 25:1-26:2

God tells Moses that after Israel reaches Canaan, the land, shall observe a seventh year of rest, a Shabbat, and lie fallow. After seven sabbatical cycles, every fiftieth year, a Jubilee shall be declared. In this hallowed year, Israel will “proclaim liberty throughout the land, unto all its inhabitants.” Property will revert to its original owner and slaves will be free.

Parashat B’hukotai

Leviticus 26:3-27:34

“Observe My commandments,” says God, and be rewarded; “Reject My statutes,” and suffer consequences. Yet despite this Tokhehah-this litany of dire warnings-God will not utterly reject Israel. God vows to remember the covenant made with Israel’s ancestors.

Sefer Sh’mot

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Parashat Sh’mot

Exodus 1:1-6:1

A new Pharaoh fears the growing number of Israelites and enslaves them. He orders their newborn sons slain. Moses, cast adrift in the Nile, is rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter and grows up in the royal court. After slaying an Egyptian taskmaster, he flees to Midian and marries there. At a burning bush, Moses encounters God, who sends him back to Egypt to free the Israelites-only to anger Pharaoh, who increases the slaves’ burden.

Parashat Va-era

Exodus 6:2-9:35

God again charges Moses to confront Pharaoh and say: “Let my people go.” Aaron becomes the spokesman for a hesitant Moses. He performs a wonder before Pharaoh, but to no avail. Following God’s instructions, Moses calls down seven plagues, increasing in intensity, upon the Egyptians. Pharaoh will not yield.

Parashat Bo

Exodus 10:1-13:16

Three more plagues occur: the last and most dramatic is the slaying of the Egyptians firstborn, which leads to the Exodus. The Israelites dab the blood of the paschal lamb on their doorposts to avert death in their midst. Come midnight, God strikes the Egyptians; they are quick to let the Israelites go. After four hundred thirty years in Egypt, the Israelites depart that very night.

Parashat B’shallah

Exodus 13:17-17:16

Pharaoh regrets losing his slaves. Pursuing the children of Israel, he traps them at the Sea of Reeds. God splits the waters, allowing Israel to cross safely. The Egyptians follow-only to be engulfed, at God’s hand, in the swirl of returning water. Moses and Miriam lead the people in joyous song, extolling God. Yet the Israelites soon complain of thirst and hunger. God responds, providing water and manna. When Amalek attacks, God helps Israel prevail.

Parashat Yitro

Exodus 18:1-20:23

Moses spends much of his time explaining God’s statutes and laws to the people; his father-in-law, Jethro, suggests that he delegate some of this judicial authority. After ascending Mount Sinai to speak with God, Moses returns to prepare the people for Revelation. Amidst awesome thunder, lightning, and flame, God, glorious and holy, reveals the Divine Presence-and the Ten Commandments-to Israel.

Parashat Mishpatim

Exodus 21:1-24:18

The civil laws, along with moral and religious precepts, are presented after the Ten Commandments. The people accept the Torah wholeheartedly: “All that Adonai has commanded we will do.” Israel affirms the covenant, and Moses returns to Mount Sinai to receive the law, etched in stone, from God.

Parashat T’rumah

Exodus 25:1-27:19

While Moses remains on Mount Sinai, God provides detailed instructions regarding the construction and decoration of the Mishkann. This Tabernacle is to house the Ark and allow the Divine Presence to dwell among the people of Israel.

Parashat T’tzaveh

Exodus 27:10-30:10

God commands that a lamp, filled with oil, burn all night in the Mishkan, that priests serving therein wear holy garments, and that the High Priest wear a breastplate with twelve precious stones, one for each tribe. God provides direction for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, and prescribes their duties.

Parashat Ki Tissa

Exodus 30:11-34:35

God names Bezalel as chief artisan, to oversee the crafting of the Mishkan’s appointments. God then presents Moses with two stone tablets, God’s words etched upon them. In Moses’ absence, however, the people have made a golden calf as a god. God sends Moses down; Moses sees the calf, and, in anger, shatters the tablets. God punishes the Israelites, whereupon Moses intercedes on their behalf. He then returns to Mount Sinai to receive a new set of tablets.

Parashat Va-yak-hel

Exodus 35:1-38:20

The Israelites enthusiastically contribute precious materials for the Mishkan, until Bezalel finds there is more than enough to complete the work. Moses halts the donations. Bezalel crafts the Ark and other sacred furnishings of the Mishkan.

Parashat P’kudei

Exodus 38:21-40:38

The children of Israel bring the completed parts of the Mishkan to Moses, who confirms that the work has been done as God commanded. Moses blesses the people. God now commands Moses to erect the Mishkan and to anoint the priests. God’s glory then fills the Mishkan.

Sefer B’reishit

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Parashat B’reishit

Genesis 1:1-6:8

God creates the heaven and the earth, along with all living beings, enjoining them to “be fruitful and multiply.” Beholding Creation, God sees that it is “very good.” God’s plan, however, is disrupted by sin: disobedience in the Garden of Eden, Cain’s slaying of Abel. God regrets the creation of the human race, but finds hope in Noah.

Parashat Noah

Genesis 6:9-11:32

While the flood wreaks great destruction, life is preserved in Noah’s Ark. God establishes a covenant: Never again to destroy the earth. The generations of Noah’s descendants flourish. They build the Tower of Babel to pierce the heavens. God thwarts their efforts by confounding “the language of all the earth” and scattering its inhabitants.

Parashat Lekh L’kha

Genesis 12:1-17:27

Abram answers God’s call and leaves Haran for Canaan. In the new land, Abram and Sarai establish themselves as prominent and righteous figures; they gain God’s blessing along with new names – Abraham and Sarah. Ishmael is born, Isaac’s birth is promised, and circumcision is instituted as a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham.

Parashat Va’yera

Genesis 18:1-22:24

God sends three messengers to visit Abraham, confirming that Sarah will indeed bear a son. They also announce the destruction of Sodom. Abraham challenges this decree, but when his conditions cannot be met, God destroys Sodom. Isaac is born. In response to Sarah’s demand, Abraham banishes Ishmael. God then tests Abraham’s devotion by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved Isaac.

Parashat Hayye Sarah

Genesis 23:1-25:18

Upon Sarah’s death, Abraham acquires the Cave of Makhpelah as a burial ground. Before his own death, Abraham dispatches his servant, Eliezer, to Haran in search of a wife for Isaac from among his kin. Rebecca, Abraham’s great-niece, is gracious to Eliezer and agrees to the marriage.

Parashat Tol’dot

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Rebecca bears twin sons, Jacob and Esau, rivals from birth. Esau sells Jacob his birthright. Rebecca helps Jacob secure Esau’s blessing by deceiving Isaac, to Esau’s fury. Fearing for Jacob’s life, Rebecca implores Isaac to send Jacob off to her brother Laban, in Haran, to seek a wife.

Parashat Va-yetze

Genesis 28:10-32:3

As he begins his journey, Jacob dreams of angels, ascending and descending. Awed, he vows to return from this journey and follow God’s ways. After reaching Haran, he marries Laban’s daughters, Leah and Rachel, sires children, and prospers while raising cattle for Laban. After twenty years, Jacob finally fulfills his pledge to return to Canaan.

Parashat Va-yishlah

Genesis 32:4-36:43

As he prepares to face his brother Esau upon returning to Canaan, Jacob wrestles with an angel, who confers upon him the name Israel. The meeting with Esau goes well, yet Jacob, fearful still, is quick to part company with him. Jacob’s camp reaches Shekhem, where his daughter, Dinah, is raped; two of Jacob’s sons take brutal revenge. Jacob then builds an altar at Bethel, as God instructs. Rachel dies in childbirth; Jacob and Esau also bury Isaac.

Parashat Va-yeshev

Genesis 37:1-40:23

Joseph offends his brothers with his dreams of grandeur. They sell him into slavery and lead Jacob to believe his son is dead. Yet Joseph, in Egypt, finds favor with his master. Even when thrown into prison, Joseph’s abilities are recognized. He interprets the dreams of his fellow prisoners, the steward and chief baker of Pharaoh.

Parashat Mi-ketz

Genesis 41:1-44:17

When a dream troubles Pharaoh, his steward recalls Joseph’s gift for interpretation. Joseph is summoned and foresees seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh believing Joseph, places him in charge of Egypt’s preparation for the lean years. Jacob sends his sons to Egypt for grain; Joseph chooses to conceal his identity from them. Joseph orders that his goblet be hidden in Benjamin’s sack; when it is found, Joseph detains him.

Parashat Va-yigash

Genesis 44:18-47:27

With Benjamin caught in Joseph’s trap, Judah begs to take his place for Jacob’s sake. Greatly moved, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers at last. They reconcile, whereupon Joseph has them bring Jacob and the entire family to dwell in Goshen for the duration of the famine. The aged patriarch is formally received at Pharaoh’s court.

Parashat Va-y’hi

Genesis 47:28-50:26

Jacob, nearing death, blesses Joseph and his sons, Menasheh and Ephraim: he then offers his final words to each of his twelve sons. Pharaoh gives Joseph permission to bury Jacob in Canaan. Later, as Joseph himself is dying, he instructs his kin to carry his remains back to Canaan one day, for surely, he says, God will remember them and return them to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Beth Jacob Library

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EXPLORE THE JEWISH WORLD IN THE BETH JACOB LIBRARY

There’s Biblical history, the Holocaust, and Israel. Shabbat and the holidays. Lives of Jews. Literature. Jewish law. Talmud and Midrash.

THE SYSTEM

  • The BJ Library is organized using a classification system designed for Jewish libraries. We use only the categories and subcategories posted in the library.
  • Use the posted number system to find a book on the shelves. Within a given number, the books are alphabetized by author’s last name.
  • Currently, we do not have a catalogue of the collection. One of the Library Committee’s goals is to create an on-line, searchable database for the collection. If you are interested in helping, please contact one of the people below.

USING THE COLLECTION

Borrowing books

  • If the book has a number on the spine, and if it is stamped PLEASE RETURN TO BETH JACOB CONGREGATION, you may borrow it.
  • The BJ library operates on the honor system. To borrow a book, you simply take it with you. Please try to return the books within three weeks. But most of all, please return the book. Even if you have kept a book longer, returns are welcome — no questions asked.

Books that remain in the library

  • Reference books (Encyclopedia Judaica, Talmud, siddurim, some commentaries) may be used in the BJ library, but may not be borrowed. These books do NOT have a number on the spine.
  • Books on the shelf labelled “Tefillah Project” are to remain in the BJ Library for use as part of that project.

Returning books

  • Please return your books when you are finished with them. Remember that these are a resource that the community shares.
  • Please DO NOT reshelve book(s) you are returning. Place your book on the edge of one of the shelves, and the Library Committee will return it to its proper place.

DONATIONS

While donations are welcome, the BJ Library has limited space. If you want to donate books, please contact the Library Committee to check if the book is needed. With few exceptions, we are trying to avoid duplications. Please check with the Beth Jacob office before dropping off books so that we can arrange storage for them until we can process them.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Lydia Schultz: lydia.a.schultz AT gmail DOT com

Penny Simison: penelopesimison AT comcast DOT net

 

Limudim: Our Learning Community!

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Register for Limudim: Our Learning Community! 2025-2026 (5786)

Register Now!

Alt text: Limudim: Our Learning Community. Logo shows a purple Hebrew letter lamed incorporated into a stack of books, with the uppermost cover peaked like a rooftop

Limudim’s Mission

Limudim is where Jewish learning comes alive in an environment that fosters a foundation for a lifetime of exploration, connection, and meaningful Jewish engagement. 

At Limudim students acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become active participants who will proudly contribute to the Jewish community and the world. Limudim serves as the foundation for a lifelong journey of Jewish engagement, building a vibrant Jewish future, one student at a time.

PreK-7th Grade Learning

This year we are excited to invite ALL of our PreK-7th grade learners to Limudim on Tuesday evenings and Shabbat mornings*. See below for the schedule.

*PreK-1st grade learners can choose to ONLY attending Shabbat mornings OR attending Tuesday evenings and Shabbat mornings.

Shabbat Morning

  • 9:00am – 9:30am: Optional breakfast
  • 9:30am – 12:00pm: Classroom learning and tefilah tutoring

Tuesday evenings (optional for PreK-1st Grade)

  • 5:00 – 5:30 Dinner (optional) and welcome activities
  • 5:30 – 7:30 Engaging and interactive learning program 
  • Options for adults will include participating in adult-focused classes, supporting teachers in children’s classes, dropping off their students, or staying at Beth Jacob to use a “family lounge” area for work or rest.

If your student is unable to attend Tuesday evenings in person, please contact Rimon. We want to ensure all families are able to participate. 

8th Grade Learning

A NEW class option for our 8th graders! Join Rabbi Tamar and Rimon Reches on Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 and Shabbat 11am-12pm to explore interesting and meaningful sections of the Talmud.  Having just completed their b’nai mitzvah training, it is a prime time for these students to dive into more sophisticated topics in Jewish thought. We are specifically building this class to have it be able to accommodate all students, no matter the time commitment you have available. For questions, contact rimon@beth-jacob.org.

Teen Learning (9th-12th grade)

This year we are excited to offer more robust teen learning opportunities. Our high schoolers are encouraged to be part of our newly-revamped Madrichim program. On Tuesdays from 5:00-6:30 and Saturdays 10am-12pm, teens will help out and serve as dugmaot (role models) in the classrooms.

In addition, we are so excited to be offering a class in partnership with AJU this school year during Limudim for our teens. Join D. Marcos from 6:30-7:30 on Tuesdays for an hour of learning, debating, and questioning the thoughts of Jewish philosophers – and earn college credit too! To register for this class, please fill out the two forms linked below (one for AJU, and one for Beth Jacob).

AJU Registration Form (9th-12th Grade)

Pricing

The cost for the 2025-26 school year is:

Pre-K – 1st Grade Shabbat Only – $918.00
Pre-K – 1st Grade Tuesday and Shabbat – $1,136.00
2nd – 7th Grade Tuesday and Shabbat – $1,836.00
8th Grade American Jewish University’s Jewish Learning Experience (JLE) program (not eligible for college credit, paid directly to Beth Jacob) – $1,136.00
9th – 12th Grade American Jewish University’s Jewish Learning Experience (JLE) program for college credit (paid directly to American Jewish University, an application to JLE will be sent upon Limudim registration). – $1,390.00

A 10% discount is available for families with multiple children in the program, and a 50% discount for students enrolled in Jewish Day Schools. Consistent with our Beth Jacob values, cost will not be a barrier to participation, and scholarships will be available! In addition, depending on the success of our fundraising efforts, we may be able to lower costs for all participants.

While most B’nai Mitzvah preparation will occur in Limudim, there will be an additional fee of $45/hour for one-on-one tutoring. 

Registration

Registration signup is now open on ShulCloud here.

Note: You do not have to be a member of Beth Jacob to participate! If you’re not a member, you will have the option to set up a ShulCloud account during registration.

Stay Updated!

 Join our Limudim mailing list.

If you have questions or want to provide feedback about the program, please contact our Interim Limudim Coordinator Rimon Reches at rimon@beth-jacob.org

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Congregational Learning

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Read more

Kol Ya’akov: Our Monthly Bulletin

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KY-Logo-12-2014

Click here for the most current issue.

Archive:

Beth Jacob Funds

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May God who blessed our ancestors . . . bless those who unite to establish synagogues . . . and those who give funds for heat and light . . . . (Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals)

These funds have been established over the years by people who wanted to give something back to the shul for having provided them with both spiritual comfort and the warmth of community. They provide a range of opportunities for us to honor others on their special occasions or for their special achievements, to remember our loved ones or close friends who have left this life and await olam ha’ba in peace, to send wishes for a refuat ha’nefesh and a refuat ha’guf for those who are sick, or to simply thank God for the gifts bestowed upon us.

Please consider helping us provide “heat and light” for the shul with your donations. We will send a card on your behalf and acknowledge your donation in Kol Ya’akov for a minimum donation of $10. Tribute cards for your personal use can be purchased from the shul office: five cards for $25 or 10 cards for $50. Donations can be made directly from this site, or send a check, payable to Beth Jacob Congregation, to the office. For further information, please contact Debbie at 651-452-2226 or bjcoffice AT beth-jacob DOT org.

Endowment Funds

Bonnie and Alvin Abrahamson Youth Education Fund – provides resources to further youth education and youth education programming.

Allen-Gorin Education Fund – established in honor of Rabbi Allen and Dr. Phyllis Gorin, the fund provides for educational opportunities.

Bear/Schoenkin Leadership Development Fund – provides financial support for Board members, lay-leaders and staff to participate in leadership and professional development opportunities.

Sharon Phyllis Bloom Memorial Fund – dedicated to the memory of Sharon Bloom to be used for religious education for our youth.

Doroshow Family Endowment Fund – established for youth leadership development.

Godes Family Endowment Fund – provides general synagogue operating funds.

Samuel Goldberger Endowment Fund – provides scholarships for the St. Paul Talmud Torah day school.

Bess and Nathan Levinsohn Camp Scholarship Fund – provides scholarships to help children attend Jewish summer camps.

Oscar Mastbaum Scholarship Fund – to encourage artistic achievement by providing scholarship funds for pursuits in the visual and performance arts.

Office Endowment Fund – provides funds to maintain and update the office equipment.

Rabbi’s Tzedakah Fund – provides resources for charitable and educational use at the discretion of the rabbi.

Phillip Ravitzky (z”l) Rabbi’s Fund – supports the salary and benefits packages of our rabbi and professional staff.

Sarah Rivka Saide (z”l) Endowment Fund – used for the maintenance of the Saide Chapel.

Hilda Singer Jewish Life Fund – provides the congregation with Jewish life programming as an ongoing part of congregational life.

Betty and Bud Sweet Endowment Fund – provides funds to purchase and maintain kitchen equipment.

Zelda Katz Day School Endowment Fund – provides scholarships for Jewish day school education.

 

Restricted Funds

Beth Jacob Emtza President’s Scholarship Fund – created in honor of Etan Newman, it will be used to help young adults go to USY events that they would otherwise not be able to attend due to financial considerations.

Phillip Biel (z”l) Rosh Hodesh Fund – created in memory of Phillip Biel (z”l), who routinely chanted the announcement of the new month in shul, the fund will be used to provide innovative Rosh Hodesh programming for children, young adults, and adults that would not otherwise be provided.

BJUSY/Kadima Fund – provides scholarship for our USYers and Kadimaniks to participate in programming and conventions.

Building Fund – offsets expenses incurred for the construction, furnishing, maintenance and capital improvements of the synagogue.

Chesed Fund – defrays the costs of meals to the bereaved, new parents, returnees from the hospital, members moving into new residences, and others. Also pays for the Dorothy Day project, contributions to MAZON, and other acts of tzedakah.

Jim Dinerstein Adult Education Endowment Fund
Provides revenue for ongoing adult education programming.

Smaller/Petty Inclusion Fund – used to support Beth Jacob inclusion efforts.

Susie Drazen Fund – used for Beth Jacob programming and education.

David Cobin (z”l) Fund for Caring – to help the community and it’s members in need.

Bob Feldman (z”l) Fund for Jewish Life – established to honor the memory of Bob Feldman (z”l) through creative Jewish programs.

Ron Heiligman (z”l) Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund – provides scholarships to help children attend Jewish summer camps.

Zelda Johnson Camp Scholarship Fund – provides scholarships to help children attend Jewish summer camp.

Kiddush Fund – offsets the cost of kiddush when there is no sponsor.

Limud La’ad Fund (Adult Education Fund) – provides money for new and innovative adult education programming.

Nursery Fund – provides toys and other furnishings for the nursery.

Prayer Book Fund – provides prayer books for the shul.

Tikkun Olam Fund – used to address social justice issues within the Jewish community.

Torah Fund – used to pay for the cost of repairing and maintaining our beautiful Torah scrolls.

Yahrzeit Fund – donations to acknowledge and honor the memory of a deceased family member or friend.

Youth Education Fund – provides funding for general youth programming and regional event scholarships.

History of Beth Jacob

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From Beth Jacob: The Story Thus Far by Vicki Itzkowitz and Larry Savett

When Sons of Jacob, one of the Twin Cities’ oldest Jewish congregations, and the New Conservative Congregation, the Twin Cities’ youngest, merged in July 1985, it seemed like the natural thing to do. The congregations had been davening together on Shabbat since October 1984 and had found many common values and needs. Over a period of months, a strong feeling of affection developed between the members of the two groups. The new, merged synagogue became Beth Jacob Congregation.

The merger afforded members the opportunity to learn, enrich their knowledge of Judaism, expand their spiritual experience, and support each other during times of need and celebration.

The journey to the formation of Beth Jacob Congregation and our home in Mendota Heights began around 1870. Along the way, the congregation welcomed new immigrants fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe in the late 19th century and, later, survivors of the Shoah.

In the early 1870s, a number of people attended services in a wood-frame building on Payne Avenue in St. Paul. In March 1885, Hevrah B’nai Ya’akov, Congregation Sons of Jacob, was founded as St. Paul’s second Jewish congregation. The congregation grew and organized a Hebrew and Sunday school. By the mid-1940s, many members recognized the need to relocate closer to the Midway and Highland Park neighborhoods.

In 1944 the Hebrew Seminary Congregation formed and in 1946 the two congregations merged. Soon afterwards, the congregation moved into a new home at 1466 Portland Ave. The following years at Sons of Jacob were full and rich. The vibrant Orthodox congregation included an active Men’s Club and Sisterhood, a male choir, a mixed choir, a tallis and tefillin group for fathers and sons, and a dynamic Synagogue Youth Organization.

As children grew and moved away, the congregation endorsed a proposal to become a Conservative congregation in the early 1970s. The change did little to attract new members and in 1982 the congregation made the painful decision to sell the building. A core group of dedicated members dreamed of eventually reestablishing a home on land the congregation owned in Mendota Heights. They rented space at the St. Paul Jewish Community Center and drew on their experience to organize and conduct meaningful, traditional services.

At this point, the story shifts to a new, emerging community. What began as an exploratory meeting with a few men and women in St. Paul led to an announcement to prospective members of the New Conservative Congregation on October 8, 1984:

“We see this new congregation as one which will use Torah as its blueprint, for we recognize that the study of Torah and the use of the lessons and moral directions derived from Torah study provide a timeless resource by which we can learn more about Judaism, apply the principles and practice of Judaism to our daily lives, and find the support of the congregational community during times of need and celebration. Celebration of Shabbat will be a focus of this congregation and the congregational community will encourage re-creation of the customs surrounding Shabbat both in the home and in the community.”

The first service was held on October 27, 1984, at the Jewish Community Center. Earl Schwartz gave the first dvar Torah, and a number of congregants shared the responsibilities of leading services, reading from the Torah and chanting Haftorah. This pattern of congregant participation continues. By early December, the New Conservative Congregation and Sons of Jacob Congregation agreed to share Shabbat morning services and alternate responsibility for conducting those services.

During its first year, the New Conservative Congregation addressed a number of needs: the desire for youth programs and education, coordination with the St. Paul Talmud Torah, the search for a rabbi and merger discussions with Sons of Jacob. By June 1985, both congregations approved the merger and adopted the name Beth Jacob Congregation. At early meetings, the merged board voted to affiliate with the United Synagogue of America. The board affirmed that men and women would have equal privileges, rights and responsibilities, and they declared that financial hardship should not be a barrier to membership.

Lacking a rabbi, the board engaged Earl Schwartz as the congregation’s scholar in residence. From its beginning, the congregation welcomed strangers, recognizing that new people continually enhance the vitality of the congregation.

Saturday morning religious school opened in October 1985. From the beginning, the congregation recognized its responsibility to educate its children and integrate them into synagogue life.

The search for a rabbi began immediately after the merger. The congregation recognized that the rabbi should set the spiritual, moral, and halachic environment of the community, and the rabbi should be an excellent scholar, educator and pastoral presence. The congregation selected Rabbi Morris J. Allen in spring 1986 and moved him to St. Paul in August with his wife, Dr. Phyllis Gorin, and their newborn son, Avi. Under Rabbi Allen’s direction, the Shabbat morning service deepened in participation and content, the Shabbat morning children’s program expanded, and an adult education program began, including classes on Torah reading and synagogue skills.

At its outset, the congregation recognized the need for a building, a site to focus its activities. The community broke ground on October 25, 1987, and on September 2-4, 1988, Beth Jacob dedicated its new synagogue. Modeled after a wedding, the dedication ceremony reminded the congregants that the connection of members to the new building could be compared to the covenant between bride and groom. The program and the ketubah for this dedication ceremony hang in the lobby of the synagogue.

The story of Beth Jacob Congregation is a story of building and rebuilding a community of Jews over time. We study and pray together. The community exists seven days a week as we continually enlarge the range of chesed (kindness) within our lives. Each interaction—whether at Shabbat services, a study session, committee meetings, a visit to console or support, or a moment of sharing of joy—provides an opportunity to enrich these values and find new ways to express them.