We are a Reform Jewish Temple serving the Atlanta south side communities of:
Clayton County, Coweta County, Douglas County, Henry County, south Fulton County, Spalding County,
Fayetteville, Griffin, Jonesboro, McDnough, Newnan, Senoia, Peachtree City, and Stockbridge
Congregation B’nai Israel values the importance of life-long Jewish learning. While our current focus is on providing a strong Religious School program for children, we remain committed to fostering a culture of learning within our community.
Worship at CBI
At Congregation B’nai Israel, worship is joyful, welcoming, and deeply meaningful. Led by Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser and Cantorial Soloist Susan Burden. Our Shabbat and holiday services blend tradition with modern inspiration, music, and reflection. The result is a spiritually rich experience for all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re deeply rooted in Jewish life or just beginning your journey, you’ll find connection, comfort, and community here.
SHABBAT SERVICES
Three Friday Shabbat Services are offered every month.
One Saturday morning Shabbat service is offered every month.
*Please click here for the calendar of exact dates for Shabbat and other Holiday Services*
*Please click here to sponsor a pre-neg for Shabbat*
BOOK OF PRAYER
We use Mishkan T’filah, the Reform movement’s current Siddur (prayer book), which is designed to be engaging and accessible. Hebrew knowledge is not required to participate fully or find meaning in the experience. All are welcome to attend—whether you’re a member, a visitor, or simply curious about Jewish worship.
DRESS CODE
Attire is synagogue-appropriate (generally business casual), and we invite you to come as you are, ready to share in community and connection.
2025- 2026 HOLIDAY DATES
Tisha B’Av – Sat, Aug 2, 2025 – Sun, Aug 3, 2025
Tu B’Av – Fri, Aug 8, 2025 – Sat, Aug 9, 2025
Rosh Hashanah – Mon, Sep 22, 2025 – Wed, Sep 24, 2025
Yom Kippur – Wed, Oct 1, 2025 – Thu, Oct 2, 2025
Sukkot – Mon, Oct 6, 2025 – Mon, Oct 13, 2025
Simchat Torah – Tue, Oct 14, 2025 – Wed, Oct 15, 2025
Hanukkah – December 14th – December 22nd
Tu BiShvat – Sat, Feb 1, 2026 – Sun, Feb 2, 2026
Purim – Mon, Mar 2, 2026 – Tue, Mar 3, 2026
Passover (Pesach) – Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Thu, Apr 9, 2026
Yom HaShoah – Mon, Apr 13, 2026 – Tue, Apr 14, 2026
Yom HaAtzmaut – Tue, Apr 21, 2026 – Wed, Apr 22, 2026
Lag B’Omer – Mon, May 4, 2026 – Tue, May 5, 2026
Shavuot – Thu, May 21, 2026 – Fri, May 22, 2026
Rosh Hashanah – Fri, Sep 11, 2026 – Sun, Sep 13, 2026
Yom Kippur – Sun, Sep 20, 2026 – Mon, Sep 21, 2026
Sukkot – Fri, Sep 25, 2026 – Fri, Oct 2, 2026
Simchat Torah – Sat, Oct 3, 2026 – Sun, Oct 4, 2026
Hanukkah – Fri, Dec 4, 2026 – Sat, Dec 12, 2026
MAJOR HOLIDAYS CELEBRATED
ROSH HASHANAH: On Rosh Hashanah it is customary to eat apples dipped in honey. It is also customary to say the shehecheyanu, a blessing over something new, whether it be a piece of fruit, or a new article of clothing.
The Sephardic tradition also includes a Rosh Hashanah seder, which includes: dates, small beans, leeks, beets, gourds, pomegranates, apples and honey, and the head of a fish.
YOM KIPPUR: This is the holiest day of the Jewish year. We fast and gather as a community to atone for the misdeeds of the past year and pray for a year of blessing ahead.
SUKKOT: We go outside of our homes and build temporary shelters called sukkot, which we eat in for seven days. This symbolizes the Jewish journey in the desert on the way to the Promised Land. We also take hold of the four species, the lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadas (myrtle), and arava (willows), which represent different parts of our body and different traits of our character.
SIMCHAT TORAH: We conclude the reading of the Five Books of Moses by throwing a communal party for people of all ages. We dance around in circles as we renew the cycle of learning Torah once again.
PURIM: Purim celebrates the story of Queen Esther saving the Jewish people in ancient Persia. We read the Megillah (Book of Esther), dress up in costumes and enjoy festive foods like hamantaschen. At CBI, we celebrate with a big themed celebration full of fun, laughter, and community spirit!
TU BiShvat: Tu BiShvat is the Jewish New Year for trees, like a Jewish Earth Day. We celebrate with a seder that includes fruits, nuts, and juice or wine, along with blessings and reflections on nature and caring for the environment.
PASSOVER: We celebrate the Exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, on their way to receive the Torah at Mount Sinai. During this festival of freedom, we are reminded that we were once enslaved, and are gracious for the lives we live today.
SHAVUOT: On Shavuot, we celebrate giving of the Torah and revelation on Mount Sinai. It is a custom to eat dairy products on this holiday. We also read the book of Ruth.
HANUKKAH: The Jewish Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. We light the menorah each night, enjoy traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and play dreidel. At CBI, we come together for music, candle lighting, and a festive celebration for all ages!
Worship at CBI
At Congregation B’nai Israel, worship is a meaningful, welcoming, and spiritually uplifting experience for individuals and families of all backgrounds. Our Shabbat services, led by our Cantorial Soloist Susan Burden, are infused with music, reflection, and a sense of community. Whether you’re a lifelong member of the Jewish community or exploring Judaism for the first time, you will find a home here.
We offer a variety of Shabbat and holiday services tailored to meet the needs of our diverse, multigenerational congregation. Our services are joyful yet contemplative—blending traditional elements with modern inspiration and personal connection. Music is central to our worship, helping to elevate the spirit and bring the liturgy to life.
We use Mishkan T’filah, the Reform movement’s current Siddur (prayer book), which is designed to be engaging and accessible. Hebrew knowledge is not required to participate fully or find meaning in the experience. All are welcome to attend—whether you’re a member, a visitor, or simply curious about Jewish worship.
Attire is synagogue-appropriate (generally business casual), and we invite you to come as you are, ready to share in community and connection.
