Temple B’nai Shalom Builds Community for Jews in CVE

Temple B’nai Shalom has been growing at a steady pace over the last few years. The growth of the congregation, which now totals in excess of 50 members, has been using the old axiom that you need to give people something worthwhile for their money.

Most synagogues focus almost solely on religious services and activities closely related to them. Temple B’nai Shalom, although also focusing on spirituality and Jewish rituals, is also addressing social interaction in an effort to build community for the Jewish residents of Century Village.

Some of the social activities in the past year included attending shows, acting in plays, cruises, comedy nights, movie nights, and other interactive events. The shows attended included The Producers, the Cemetery Club, and 9 to 5. B’nai Shalom also produced a Murder Mystery written and acted by members of the synagogue which earned rave reviews from the attendees. A Scavenger Hunt was held last summer and was a challenging and fun time for all participants. Saturday night ”special events” included a Comedy Night showing some of the great TV comedy skits by old favorites like Jackie Gleason, Lucille Ball, Phil Silvers, and Groucho Marx.  A Movie Night showed special well-known scenes from the great old classic movies including Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, Some Like it Hot, Psycho, etc. More events like these are planned for the coming year.

Last year members and friends sailed on B’nai Shalom’s second annual Caribbean cruise aboard Holland America. This January the cruise is on Princess. These cruises provide the perfect opportunity for building on, and forging, new and lasting friendships. A good time was had by all and another cruise for next year is already in the planning stage.

Temple B’nai Shalom conducts services every Friday evening in the Activity Center (LeClub). It is a welcoming community which caters primarily to the non-orthodox Jews in the area. They observe all the major Jewish Holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, Purim, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Succot, Shevuot and Tu B’Shevat.

Contact Paul Scheiner for more information at (630) 452-1131 and check out their web page at templebnaishalom.org.