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About Us

Bnai Keshet is an inclusive, welcoming, dynamic, progressive congregation and place of energetic spirituality. Founded in 1978, our name, Bnai Keshet, means Children of the Rainbow. This reflects our vision of a community that includes people of all races, family structures, ages, genders, sexualities, abilities, and educational, class and ethnic backgrounds. We celebrate Jewishness by birth, by choice, the curious, and the returning; single-faith and interfaith families. 

We celebrate our role in Reconstructing Judaism by engaging our tradition thoughtfully, so it remains meaningful and relevant to each of us. Our community is actively engaged in repairing the world. We understand that we are all enriched when we welcome the stranger and support those who are in need. We are Reconstructing a Judaism that is deeply rooted, boldly relevant and spiritually alive. 

There is always something exciting going on at Bnai Keshet. In addition to our lively, spiritual Shabbat services and holiday celebrations, we offer an extensive adult education program and a wide range of Jewish cultural events. We are committed to social action -- Tikkun Olam -- to help repair the world in which we live. We invite you to explore our site to learn more about Bnai Keshet or stop by any Shabbat. We can't wait to see you!

Our Buildings

99 South Fullerton

Bnai Keshet's main building is an architectural gem. Designed by Princeton architect Michael Mostoller it is fully contemporary, while at the same time complementing the turn-of-the-century Red Gables. The sanctuary entryway and windows, designed by pre-eminent architectural glass artist Sarah Hall, gives the space a glowing, spiritual presence. The ark doors, made from the root of a redwood tree, were designed by master woodworker Mira Nakashima of the internationally known Nakashima Studio. Ms. Nakashima also designed the Torah and the readers' lectern, while the ner tamid (eternal light) is another Sarah Hall work of art.

Members of Bnai Keshet were closely involved in the layout of the new sanctuary, which is designed according to Reconstructionist principles. It is round, allowing for a sense of intimacy and the ability to see and speak to other members of the congregation. There is no raised bima from which the services are conducted, highlighting the non-hierarchical nature of Reconstructionist communities and services. There is no fixed seating, allowing for maximum flexibility and experimentation with room set-up and service styles. The sanctuary has an organic, natural quality and is designed to be family-friendly, with a glassed-in, soundproof "baby gallery" for families with young children.

Red Gables

Bnai Keshet's historic home is listed in both the New Jersey and U.S. Registries of Historic Buildings. Bnai Keshet restored the building, a former residence known as "Red Gables," with the help of a $180,765 matching grant for the exterior from the New Jersey Historic Trust. The building once belonged to Florence Rand Lang, a prominent Montclair artist, woodcarver and cultural patron.

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784