Congregation Beth Israel - Meridian, MS

Welcome

At Congregation Beth Israel, we pride ourselves on being Meridian, Mississippi's first and only Synagogue. We are a close-knit Reform congregation made from a history of tightly-woven fibers that help define our southern-influenced Jewish heritage. Our congregation and members are led by a spirit of tzedakah (righteous charity) and mitzvot (good deeds) both ritual and ethical in nature as our vehicle for achieving Tikkun Olam (perfecting the world.) Our synagogue is located on 57th Court and 14th Avenue.

Our Mission

"Our goal is to maintain and strengthen Congregation Beth Israel's footprint within Meridian, and the state of Mississippi. We will always strive to expand on the almost 150-year Jewish history in this city and to continue our contributions to civic, economic, philanthropic, and community social life of Meridian. "

What we offer

Congregation Beth Israel provides a variety of services to members and guests. Though small in numbers, our congregation provides a rich selection of Judaic programs:

• 6:00 P.M. Shabbat services

• 5:30 P.M. Pre-Shabbat wine and cheese

• Shabbat discussion groups/Education programs

• High Holiday services

• Life cycle events

• Bar/Bat Mitzvah training

We are always looking for ways to further integrate the congregation within the populace of Meridian, along with the larger American and Jewish global community. We welcome your suggestions for how Congregation Beth Israel can get involved in additional community happenings.

About Congregation Beth Israel

Congregation Beth Israel was founded in 1868. We've seen a lot of changes in our town and within the congregation. In 1964, our current synagogue (57th Ct. and 14th Ave.) was constructed. In 2005, David Goldstein, Rabbi Emeritus from Touro Synagogue in New Orleans, joined our congregation as the Rabbi. We also have a very dynamic Sisterhood, which seeks to remain active and relevant around Meridian.

Congregation Beth Israel houses a Family Growth Services Group, which seeks to sustain and advance the reach and contributions of the Jewish community within Meridian.

Our synagogue follows the Reform movement of Judaism and our practices are steeped in nearly 150 years of Jewish history in our town. Beth Israel is directed by an unwavering commitment to tikkun olam, which is the Hebrew phrase for "perfecting the world."

Through our Family Relocation Program, our congregation will work with Jewish families looking to relocate to the Meridian area. Beginning in January 2010, we will provide grants for up to $25,000 for families qualifying for this relocation program.

Beth Israel Family Relocation Program

Beth Israel Family Relocation Program's mission and criteria are as follows:

We seek Jewish families who intend to relocate and positively contribute to Meridian for a minimum of five years.

Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, to help select the most ideal families to participate in the program.

Grants are available to those who qualify, to potentially assist with the following:

Relocation - moving and settling

Housing

Congregation Beth Israel membership

Repaying outstanding educational loans

Small business seed money

Qualification Standards –To qualify, a candidate must:

Submit written grant request

Undergo background and credit checks

Provide written personal and rabbinical references

Travel to Meridian to meet Congregation Beth Israel members