BICENTENNIAL YEAR
Meet The Moment
In 1825, a group of visionary Jewish leaders dared to dream of a community rooted in the revolutionary ideals of religious freedom and inclusion. Breaking away from tradition, they founded B’nai Jeshurun, not just as a synagogue, but as the start of a movement that reshaped American Judaism. Through determination and faith, BJ established itself as a cornerstone of Jewish life in New York City, championing philanthropy, education, and social action from its earliest days.
Throughout our history, BJ has risen to the challenges and opportunities of each era. We extended aid to fire victims in our first year, stood for civil rights in the 20th century, provided community during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and guided our community through the tragedies of 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Time and again, BJ has evolved to meet the needs of a changing Jewish people, celebrating and mourning with each other countless times, while staying rooted in our core values of the power of prayer and music, love, and social justice.
Today, as we celebrate 200 years, we reflect on the milestones that shaped us and look ahead to the future. With a continual commitment to the future of Jewish innovation, BJ remains at the forefront of creating meaningful, vibrant Jewish life. Together, we will continue to meet the moment for generations to come.
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Honoring the Past,
Shaping the Future
Upcoming Ways to Celebrate
As we celebrate BJ's historic bicentennial, join us in honoring our legacy, lifting up the stories of those who have shaped our present, and securing the future of this community, ensuring that the next 200 years are as transformative as the first. This list will continue to grow throughout the year.
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Get Involved
If you want to get involved, have a question, or have a story to share, please email bicentennial@bj.org.
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As we celebrate 200 years of B’nai Jeshurun, we honor the vision of those who dared to dream of a Jewish community rooted in inclusion, courage, and transformation. We, too, have very large dreams: dreams of being a community that is a microcosm of the wider world we hope for—one of love, justice, and communal connection. This milestone calls us to reflect on our legacy and recommit ourselves to meeting the moment, creating a dynamic, vibrant Judaism that responds to the needs of our time. BJ remains a space of holiness, possibility, and shared purpose. Together, we will carry forward the revolutionary spirit that founded BJ, shaping the Jewish future for generations to come.
— Rabbis Roly Matalon, Felicia Sol, Rebecca Weintraub and Hazzan Ari Priven