Judaism is a world unto itself, encompassing rituals, ideas, and thousands of years of history. If you’ve been curious about Jewish learning but didn’t know where to start, this is the place for you! The American Jewish University’s On One Foot curriculum covers all of the essentials in an interactive format that encourages personal engagement. Join... Read More
Join Rabbi Ira Stone for a new year of exploring the Chumash. This year-long course will continue our close reading of the Torah, this year focusing on the book of Exodus (Shemot) and its many life changing and life affirming stories. The class will be conducted online until it is safe to return to the... Read More
Learning to read and understand basic Hebrew opens a world of opportunities for worship. Would you like to be able to comfortably follow along in the prayer book? Are you planning to read Torah for the congregation someday? Do you simply want to be able to easily tell each letter on the dreidel apart? Join... Read More
Our post-High Holiday book will be The Beauty of What Remains by Steven Leder. The author is a rabbi at Wilshire Temple in Los Angeles and may join us for the meeting. This inspiring and comforting book takes us on a journey through the experience of loss that is fundamental to everyone. Yet even after... Read More
What is Jewish law and how is it decided? Who gets to decide? In this six-week course, we will explore the halakhic process and how it has changed (and persisted) over the last two thousand years. We will focus, in particular, on contemporary Conservative responsa on a variety of issues, including kitniyot, kashrut, LGBT ordination,... Read More
In June, BZBI joined POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Respond), a grassroots organization committed to racial and economic justice on a livable planet. BZBI is now one of over 50 congregations in Pennsylvania who are part of POWER’s interfaith and multi-racial people’s movement. The BZBI POWER Committee is launching a Listening Campaign from... Read More
The confluence of a global pandemic, social upheaval, and increasingly devastating weather-related disasters have heightened urgent questions about society, community and the fate of our planet. We are now in the shemita (sabbatical) year—a year of pause, release, and renewal. On Wednesday November 3 at 7:00 PM via Zoom, we launch a study of shemita,... Read More
“What does it mean to be an American Jew?” This is the question that Becky Tahel ponders when her younger sister marries outside the faith. The action inspires Becky to probe deeper into her Jewish identity through a physical and spiritual journey that enlightens and helps her further embrace her Jewishness. With universal appeal and... Read More
BZBI is working with the the city and the Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) to plant a Honey Locust ’street keeper,' tree which will provide beauty and shade to our congregation and community L'dor v'dor - for generations to come. The tree planting will take place on Sunday, November 21 at 10:00 AM. You can see... Read More
Help us make the second annual Tikkun Olam clothing drive a success. Consider buying socks, belts and billfolds through Amazon Smile for clients of Project Home and the Bethesda Project. Gently used belts and wallets will also be accepted in the designated box in BZBI's 18th Street Foyer. Please contact Eileen Dwell at for the... Read More
300 South 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.735.5148
Map BZBI
Stay informed. Receive our publications, alerts and event information.
