A message from Rabbi adam Berman
Dear B'nai Jacob community,
We live in a rapidly changing digital world. I am proud that B'nai Jacob has an active social media presence. In the past month, our content got nearly 10,000 views on Facebook and Instagram. I am grateful for the work by Rabbi Urecki and the synagogue's lay leadership to make our services accessible virtually and in establishing this online newsletter with over 500 subscribers. How wonderful that the broader B'nai Jacob family has so many ways to remain connected!
During these summer months, I have begun tinkering with the B'nai Jacob website, adding in more general "About Us" section as well as details about our rabbinic leadership, past and present. This is a work in progress. I plan to add in information about our cemeteries, a section about B'nai Jacob in the news, and page with frequently asked questions about our community. Maybe by the time you peruse the website, such sections will already exist!
This is not only an opportunity for visibility and engagement, but a chance to ask serious questions. What is most important about our community for people to know? How would you sum up B'nai Jacob in a few sentences or paragraphs? What activities are most important to highlight?
If you have more thoughts about what should be on our website, or would like to be involved in crafting our online presence, please reach out to let me know!
L'Shalom,
Rabbi Adam Berman
We live in a rapidly changing digital world. I am proud that B'nai Jacob has an active social media presence. In the past month, our content got nearly 10,000 views on Facebook and Instagram. I am grateful for the work by Rabbi Urecki and the synagogue's lay leadership to make our services accessible virtually and in establishing this online newsletter with over 500 subscribers. How wonderful that the broader B'nai Jacob family has so many ways to remain connected!
During these summer months, I have begun tinkering with the B'nai Jacob website, adding in more general "About Us" section as well as details about our rabbinic leadership, past and present. This is a work in progress. I plan to add in information about our cemeteries, a section about B'nai Jacob in the news, and page with frequently asked questions about our community. Maybe by the time you peruse the website, such sections will already exist!
This is not only an opportunity for visibility and engagement, but a chance to ask serious questions. What is most important about our community for people to know? How would you sum up B'nai Jacob in a few sentences or paragraphs? What activities are most important to highlight?
If you have more thoughts about what should be on our website, or would like to be involved in crafting our online presence, please reach out to let me know!
L'Shalom,
Rabbi Adam Berman
our services schedule for JUNE July 13-19, 2026
Services This Week
Evening Services
Monday - Thursday
5:45 PM - Evening Services
Morning Minyan
Wednesday morning - Rosh Chodesh Av
Torah reading: Numbers 28:1-15
Breakfast to follow
7:30 AM - Morning Minyan
Shabbat
Friday Evening Service
10:00 AM - Saturday Morning
Note: We have transitioned our virtual Shabbat morning experience
from Zoom to a YouTube livestream.
Candle Lighting and Torah Readings
Shabbat candle lighting time for
July 17th, 2026 / 3 Av, 5786 at 8:30 PM
Shabbat Hazon
Torah portion: Devarim Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22
Triennial reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-2:1
Shabbat concludes with the emergence of three stars at 9:34 PM.
Evening Services
Monday - Thursday
5:45 PM - Evening Services
Morning Minyan
Wednesday morning - Rosh Chodesh Av
Torah reading: Numbers 28:1-15
Breakfast to follow
7:30 AM - Morning Minyan
Shabbat
Friday Evening Service
10:00 AM - Saturday Morning
Note: We have transitioned our virtual Shabbat morning experience
from Zoom to a YouTube livestream.
Candle Lighting and Torah Readings
Shabbat candle lighting time for
July 17th, 2026 / 3 Av, 5786 at 8:30 PM
Shabbat Hazon
Torah portion: Devarim Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22
Triennial reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-2:1
Shabbat concludes with the emergence of three stars at 9:34 PM.
The Nine Days and Tisha B'Av
This week the Hebrew month of Av begins. Tisha B'Av (the Ninth of Av) is the Jewish date on which we mourn national catastrophes, including the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
The Mishna teaches, "When Av begins, we decrease in rejoicing." During the first nine days of the month of Av (beginning on Tuesday evening, July 15th, and continuing through Tisha B'Av), the custom is to refrain from certain joyous behaviors: Eating meat, drinking wine (or grape juice), purchasing or wearing new clothes, and getting a haircut. The restrictions on meat and wine do not apply on Shabbat.
Tisha B'Av itself is one of the two major, full-day fast days on the Jewish calendar (the other being Yom Kippur). The fast begins at sunset on Wednesday, July 22nd, (8:45pm in Charleston) and ends on Thursday, July 23rd at 9:18pm. Some have the custom to fast only until the afternoon service. Fasting customarily includes the following prohibitions: Eating and drinking, wearing leather shoes, bathing, and applying skin or bath oils. As always, health and safety is paramount; do not fast if you are not safely able to do so.
We will have special service times for Tisha B'Av: Wednesday, July 22nd: 8:30pm. This service will include the afternoon and evening services, as well as the recitation of Eicha (Lamentations). Thursday, July 23rd: 2:10pm. The afternoon service on Tisha B'Av includes Torah and Haftarah readings. Tallit and tefillin are worn at this service.
Note that services will not be held at 5:45pm on either of these days.
Click here to learn more about Tisha B'Av from Exploring Judaism, the digital home of Conservative Judaism.
Adult 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)
Tuesday, June 30th, 5:00pm, in person at B'nai Jacob (immediately preceding services).
Last week we had an interesting conversation on why Jews pray three times a day, and why we have fixed prayers at all. We will continue that conversation and delve into the specific pieces that constitute the afternoon prayer. Even if you missed last week-- please join us!
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)
Tuesday, June 30th, 5:00pm, in person at B'nai Jacob (immediately preceding services).
Last week we had an interesting conversation on why Jews pray three times a day, and why we have fixed prayers at all. We will continue that conversation and delve into the specific pieces that constitute the afternoon prayer. Even if you missed last week-- please join us!
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).
jewish classes through olli
Four separate classes with Jewish content are being offered this summer through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WVU. Three such classes are taking place this week!
Rabbi Adam Berman: Collective Dreams: The Kibbutz From Utopia to Today
(Edgewood Summit. Tuesdays, July 14 - 28, 10:00 - 11:30)
Rabbi Joe Blair: An Eclectic Collection of Prayers and Liturgy That Speak to Me
(Zoom. July 14, 12:45 - 2:15)
Dr. Arnie Hartstein: Shlemiels, Shlimmazels, and Other Nobodies
(Edgewood Summit. July 15, 11:00 - 12:30)
Rabbi Victor Urecki: The Journey of Life Through Dialogue and Encounter (Edgewood Summit. August 10, 1:00 - 2:30)
OLLI membership required, but there is a trial membership for those who have never joined OLLI. $45 for a term of unlimited classes and benefits. Click here for more information about OLLI at WVU, and click here for the Summer 2026 catalogue.
Rabbi Adam Berman: Collective Dreams: The Kibbutz From Utopia to Today
(Edgewood Summit. Tuesdays, July 14 - 28, 10:00 - 11:30)
Rabbi Joe Blair: An Eclectic Collection of Prayers and Liturgy That Speak to Me
(Zoom. July 14, 12:45 - 2:15)
Dr. Arnie Hartstein: Shlemiels, Shlimmazels, and Other Nobodies
(Edgewood Summit. July 15, 11:00 - 12:30)
Rabbi Victor Urecki: The Journey of Life Through Dialogue and Encounter (Edgewood Summit. August 10, 1:00 - 2:30)
OLLI membership required, but there is a trial membership for those who have never joined OLLI. $45 for a term of unlimited classes and benefits. Click here for more information about OLLI at WVU, and click here for the Summer 2026 catalogue.
Collective Dreams: The Kibbutz from Utopia to Today
Collective Dreams: The Kibbutz from Utopia to Today
Rabbi Berman will be offering a series of three classes on kibbutz life through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WVU. The sessions will be held on Tuesdays, July 14-28, from 10:00 to 11:30am at Edgewood Summit.
Click here for more information about OLLI at WVU, and click here for the Summer 2026 catalogue.
Full course description:
The kibbutz, a unique form of cooperative communal living in Israel, sits at the very heart of the story of modern Israel. From the idealistic pioneers who drained swamps and worked the land in the early 20th century, to the thriving communities and painful privatization debates of recent decades, the kibbutz offers a vivid window into the history, ideology, and soul of Zionism. This course traces that journey from founding vision to present day. The instructor has lived on three Israeli kibbutzim, and was living in Israel when the October 7th attacks devastated kibbutz communities along the Gaza border. His firsthand experience will bring the history alive in a personal way.
Rabbi Berman will be offering a series of three classes on kibbutz life through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WVU. The sessions will be held on Tuesdays, July 14-28, from 10:00 to 11:30am at Edgewood Summit.
Click here for more information about OLLI at WVU, and click here for the Summer 2026 catalogue.
Full course description:
The kibbutz, a unique form of cooperative communal living in Israel, sits at the very heart of the story of modern Israel. From the idealistic pioneers who drained swamps and worked the land in the early 20th century, to the thriving communities and painful privatization debates of recent decades, the kibbutz offers a vivid window into the history, ideology, and soul of Zionism. This course traces that journey from founding vision to present day. The instructor has lived on three Israeli kibbutzim, and was living in Israel when the October 7th attacks devastated kibbutz communities along the Gaza border. His firsthand experience will bring the history alive in a personal way.
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.
