A message from Rabbi adam Berman
Dear B'nai Jacob community,Dear B'nai Jacob community,
Thank you for spending a wonderful weekend of song together with us and with our friends from Temple Israel. Thank you to everyone from both congregations who worked behind the scenes to make the weekend a success. We are also deeply appreciative of the B'nai Jacob Cultural and Youth Fund, generously established in memory of Dorothy and Jonathan Kurland.
Some of you might have noticed a pink billboard in Kanawha City that reads: "You don't have to be a Jew to protect Jews." You will see it if you drive south on I-64. It looks something like this:
What is the deal with this sign? First of all, no, the synagogue did not put it up. The organization behind it is JewBelong, a Jewish organization that aims to engage young people. It is best-known for its campaigns combating anti-Semitism and strident support for Israel.
Needless to say, I share the goal of combating anti-Semitism, a timeless scourge that has terrorized Jews across continents and millennia. And I am all for empowering the next generation to support Israel.
I question, however, how suited these billboards are to our quiet bastion of West Virginia. I am not sure what type of protection these billboards are asking our neighbors to provide for us. Most of JewBelong's billboards seem part of an ongoing debate on highly charged college campuses or major urban centers; a public atmosphere notably different than that of Appalachia. As a recently new arrival to Charleston, I am curious to hear from you whether or not you think this positively contributes to our local discourse.
To draw a positive lesson from this puzzling sign, I hope this does inspire us to be proud and vocal about our Judaism. After all, in an area ripe with evangelical Christian billboards, when was the last time that a Jewish organization purchased a billboard in Charleston?
L'Shalom,
Rabbi Adam Berman
Thank you for spending a wonderful weekend of song together with us and with our friends from Temple Israel. Thank you to everyone from both congregations who worked behind the scenes to make the weekend a success. We are also deeply appreciative of the B'nai Jacob Cultural and Youth Fund, generously established in memory of Dorothy and Jonathan Kurland.
Some of you might have noticed a pink billboard in Kanawha City that reads: "You don't have to be a Jew to protect Jews." You will see it if you drive south on I-64. It looks something like this:
What is the deal with this sign? First of all, no, the synagogue did not put it up. The organization behind it is JewBelong, a Jewish organization that aims to engage young people. It is best-known for its campaigns combating anti-Semitism and strident support for Israel.
Needless to say, I share the goal of combating anti-Semitism, a timeless scourge that has terrorized Jews across continents and millennia. And I am all for empowering the next generation to support Israel.
I question, however, how suited these billboards are to our quiet bastion of West Virginia. I am not sure what type of protection these billboards are asking our neighbors to provide for us. Most of JewBelong's billboards seem part of an ongoing debate on highly charged college campuses or major urban centers; a public atmosphere notably different than that of Appalachia. As a recently new arrival to Charleston, I am curious to hear from you whether or not you think this positively contributes to our local discourse.
To draw a positive lesson from this puzzling sign, I hope this does inspire us to be proud and vocal about our Judaism. After all, in an area ripe with evangelical Christian billboards, when was the last time that a Jewish organization purchased a billboard in Charleston?
L'Shalom,
Rabbi Adam Berman
our services schedule for may 31 - JUNE 7, 2026
Services This Week
Evening Services
Monday - Thursday
5:45 PM - Evening Services
Morning Minyan
Wednesday morning
Breakfast to follow
7:30 AM - Morning Minyan
Shabbat
Shabbat candle lighting time for
June 6th, 2026 / 21st of Sivan, 5786 at 8:29 PM
Torah portion: Beha'alotcha
Numbers 8:1-12:16
Triennial reading: Numbers 8:1-9:14
Friday Night
5:45 PM - Friday Evening Service
Saturday Morning
10:00 AM
Note: We have transitioned our virtual Shabbat morning experience from Zoom to a YouTube livestream.
Shabbat concludes with the emergence of three stars at 9:35 PM.Numbers 8:1-12:16
Evening Services
Monday - Thursday
5:45 PM - Evening Services
Morning Minyan
Wednesday morning
Breakfast to follow
7:30 AM - Morning Minyan
Shabbat
Shabbat candle lighting time for
June 6th, 2026 / 21st of Sivan, 5786 at 8:29 PM
Torah portion: Beha'alotcha
Numbers 8:1-12:16
Triennial reading: Numbers 8:1-9:14
Friday Night
5:45 PM - Friday Evening Service
Saturday Morning
10:00 AM
Note: We have transitioned our virtual Shabbat morning experience from Zoom to a YouTube livestream.
Shabbat concludes with the emergence of three stars at 9:35 PM.Numbers 8:1-12:16
CLASSES
Classes this week
Our regular class offerings have gone on hiatus for the summer. But of course, Jewish learning never ends! Join us for Summer Shul, special study opportunities throughout the summer:
Tentative schedule, subject to change:
Get to Know: Mincha
A three-part series exploring the Jewish afternoon prayer-- its meaning, structure, and spiritual significance-- while also building practical synagogue skills, including how to lead the service.
Tuesdays, June 23rd to July 7th, 5:00–5:45pm, in person at B'nai Jacob (immediately preceding services)
Mourning the Temple in Jewish Texts
A two-part series exploring Jewish texts and teachings about the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, one of the most traumatic and formative events in Jewish history. Sessions are timed to coincide with the two major fast days that mark this loss.
Thursdays, July 2nd & July 23rd (17th of Tammuz & 9th of Av), 10:00am, online
Collective Dreams: The Kibbutz from Utopia to Today
A three-part OLLI course exploring the history of Israel's unique cooperative communities, from their idealistic origins to today (more details below).
Our regular class offerings have gone on hiatus for the summer. But of course, Jewish learning never ends! Join us for Summer Shul, special study opportunities throughout the summer:
Tentative schedule, subject to change:
Get to Know: Mincha
A three-part series exploring the Jewish afternoon prayer-- its meaning, structure, and spiritual significance-- while also building practical synagogue skills, including how to lead the service.
Tuesdays, June 23rd to July 7th, 5:00–5:45pm, in person at B'nai Jacob (immediately preceding services)
Mourning the Temple in Jewish Texts
A two-part series exploring Jewish texts and teachings about the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, one of the most traumatic and formative events in Jewish history. Sessions are timed to coincide with the two major fast days that mark this loss.
Thursdays, July 2nd & July 23rd (17th of Tammuz & 9th of Av), 10:00am, online
Collective Dreams: The Kibbutz from Utopia to Today
A three-part OLLI course exploring the history of Israel's unique cooperative communities, from their idealistic origins to today (more details below).
SUNDAY SCHOOL / hebrew school
Our regular class offerings have gone on hiatus for the summer. Keep an eye out for additional summer learning opportunities.
Did you know that for the past several months, in addition to Sunday School, there have been regular sessions of Hebrew School on Wednesday afternoons? We had six regular attendees, ages 9 to 11, who worked their way through the Hebrew alphabet, and learned about Jewish holidays and values along the way.
Did you know that for the past several months, in addition to Sunday School, there have been regular sessions of Hebrew School on Wednesday afternoons? We had six regular attendees, ages 9 to 11, who worked their way through the Hebrew alphabet, and learned about Jewish holidays and values along the way.
WEST VIRGINIA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
The West Virginia Jewish Film Festival is set to return on Sunday, June 21st. Join us at Marquee Cinemas for two Israeli films, at 1pm and 3pm: The Sea and The Road Between Us.
OUR CONDOLENCES
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Charleston, WV
January 15, 2026 The passing of James "Jim" Doria With deep sadness, we inform you of the passing of longtime member of B’nai Jacob, James Charles Doria (Yoel Chai ben Avraham). Son of the late Manuel and Catherine Doria, he is survived by his wife, Deidre Doria; his son Jason (Karri) Lord, and grandsons Gavin and the late Liam; his son Dr. Aaron (Christian) Lord; his daughter Dr. Elaina (Nolan) Tully, and grandchildren Nora and Samuel Tully; his daughter Blair Lord; special niece and nephew Maggie and Ike Goldman; and his sister Diane Santarsiero. The funeral will be held on Sunday, January 18th at 12:00 noon at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV, followed by a burial service at the B’nai Jacob Eternal Home. Shiva will be observed at the Doria home, 1418 Mt. Vernon Rd, Charleston, WV. Afternoon services will be held at the home on Sunday afternoon following the funeral. |
Evening services will be held at the home at 5:45pm on Monday, January 19th. The Monday evening service will also be on Zoom via the regular evening service link.
הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאַר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם May the Holy Blessed One comfort Jim's family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. -Rabbi Adam Berman |
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Charleston, WV
December, 30, 2025 The passing of Gary Cohen With deep sadness, we inform you of the passing of longtime member of B'nai Jacob, Gary Mason Cohen (Gedaliah Melech ben Moshe Ha-Kohen). Son of the late Marvyn & Marion Smith Cohen, he is survived by his daughters, Brittany Cohen and Brooke Cohen (Jason Verno), and grandsons Carter and Easton Verno. Click here to read the full obituary. The funeral was held Sunday, January 4th, at 12:00 noon at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV. הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאַר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם May the Holy Blessed One comfort Gary's family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. |
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wondering jews
The One Stop For All Things Jewish in West Virginia
Wondering Jews, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with the goal of connecting people who are physically or geographically challenged with the wide variety of educational, service, and faith activities in the local West Virginia Jewish congregations.
Moe and Janie Rubenstein have created a unique website which will allow all congregations and Jewish organizations who wish to announce activities and programs of interest for Jews throughout West Virginia. We have seen at B'nai Jacob how Zoom has opened the door to those who are challenged to allow people in isolation to join and be a part of our B'nai Jacob family.
The website offer us and Jews around our state an opportunity to further connect and be together.
Check out Wondering Jews here.
Wondering Jews, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with the goal of connecting people who are physically or geographically challenged with the wide variety of educational, service, and faith activities in the local West Virginia Jewish congregations.
Moe and Janie Rubenstein have created a unique website which will allow all congregations and Jewish organizations who wish to announce activities and programs of interest for Jews throughout West Virginia. We have seen at B'nai Jacob how Zoom has opened the door to those who are challenged to allow people in isolation to join and be a part of our B'nai Jacob family.
The website offer us and Jews around our state an opportunity to further connect and be together.
Check out Wondering Jews here.
CLassrooms without borders - germany close up
Germany Close Up
Classrooms Without Borders, a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, is excited to invite young Jewish professionals (from Pittsburgh, Charleston, or anywhere else!) to apply for the 2026 Germany Close Up (GCU) Study Seminar, taking place July 20-27, with an arrival in Munich on July 19, and departure from Berlin on July 28. Last spots are still available!
This highly subsidized program is an immersive leadership experience designed for young professionals. GCU offers participants a comprehensive look at modern Germany, highlighting both its history and contemporary society. The subsidized participation fee of $990 includes flights, hotels, and programmatic costs.
To be eligible, you must:
Classrooms Without Borders, a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, is excited to invite young Jewish professionals (from Pittsburgh, Charleston, or anywhere else!) to apply for the 2026 Germany Close Up (GCU) Study Seminar, taking place July 20-27, with an arrival in Munich on July 19, and departure from Berlin on July 28. Last spots are still available!
This highly subsidized program is an immersive leadership experience designed for young professionals. GCU offers participants a comprehensive look at modern Germany, highlighting both its history and contemporary society. The subsidized participation fee of $990 includes flights, hotels, and programmatic costs.
To be eligible, you must:
- Self-identify as Jewish
- Be a citizen of the U.S. or Canada
- Be under age 39
cAMP KEIF
Our friends in Huntington have invited the Charleston community to send children to the 11th year of Camp Keif, a free day camp at B'nai Sholom in Huntington. The camp will run from July 13th to 24th, 2026. Children can sign up for one or both weeks!
For more information, e-mail [email protected] or contact Susan Miller at 304-617-7488.
For more information, e-mail [email protected] or contact Susan Miller at 304-617-7488.
Announcing the B'nai Jacob Jewish Cultural and Youth Fund
Announcing the B'nai Jacob Jewish Cultural and Youth Fund
Est. 2025 in memory of Dorothy and Jonathan Kurland
Drs. Dorothy and Jonathan Kurland moved to Charleston in 1968. Dorothy was a professor of chemistry at West Virginia Institute of Technology, and Jon was a research chemist at Union Carbide. They were avid patrons of the arts in Charleston, and in Jewish culture and scholarship. They belonged to a visionary cohort of Charleston Jews that understood that a thriving Jewish community required a vibrant cultural life and youth activities. We hope that this fund will support the continuation of this tradition, bringing speakers, scholars, and musicians to the community and generally supporting cultural experiences and youth activities for members of the Charleston Jewish community.
We wholeheartedly thank the Kurland family for their generosity in supporting Jewish life in Charleston. Contributions to the fund can be made through the synagogue office or online. Make a note that your donation is intended for the fund.
Est. 2025 in memory of Dorothy and Jonathan Kurland
Drs. Dorothy and Jonathan Kurland moved to Charleston in 1968. Dorothy was a professor of chemistry at West Virginia Institute of Technology, and Jon was a research chemist at Union Carbide. They were avid patrons of the arts in Charleston, and in Jewish culture and scholarship. They belonged to a visionary cohort of Charleston Jews that understood that a thriving Jewish community required a vibrant cultural life and youth activities. We hope that this fund will support the continuation of this tradition, bringing speakers, scholars, and musicians to the community and generally supporting cultural experiences and youth activities for members of the Charleston Jewish community.
We wholeheartedly thank the Kurland family for their generosity in supporting Jewish life in Charleston. Contributions to the fund can be made through the synagogue office or online. Make a note that your donation is intended for the fund.
New Siddur (Prayer Book)
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New Siddur (Prayer Book)
We are proud to announce that our new weekday prayer book, Siddur Lev Shalem for Weekdays, has arrived! This is the completion of the series that includes the siddur we already use every Shabbat and the machzor we currently use on the High Holidays. Please join us for minyan at 5:45pm on Monday evening, May 4th, when we use our new books for the first time. Our festive service will mark this special occasion, as well as the minor Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer. If you would like to dedicate one of the new books in memory of a departed loved one, or in honor of someone or of a special occasion, you can donate $50 per book to the synagogue's Prayer Book & Prayer Shawl Fund. I would also recommend purchasing a copy to have at home for whenever you join our services online. Moreover, with its updated translation and commentary that reflects our movement's approach, this is a recommended resource to have on hand in any Jewish |
home. Click here to learn more about the new prayer book and to take advantage of the pre-order pricing, which is still available.
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