Testimonials

I want to thank you for Sunday's Shabbat program.  After leaving Florida two years ago, judaism played a back seat in our lives in Atlanta.  We lived in a predominantly catholic neighborhood with our temple 35 minutes from our house.  When at the temple, it was nice but never felt like home.  One of my main reasons for returning to Florida was to make sure that my children had Judaism in their lives. I feel in this day and age it is important to feel a connection and have a place where you can go to connect with people and G-d and Congregation B'nai Israel does that for my family, because CBI makes us feel part of its family. I was not brought up in a religious home and always felt you had to do holidays, especially Shabbat, in a traditional way.  It felt so good to find out that I can do it my way and that creating memories is the most important part of the whole process.  The learning portion of the program was fantastic, I learned things I didnt know (or maybe just forgot).  The activities and projects that were made and created were age-appropriate and fun and just watching my son take pride in his Shabbat box and the contents made my heart swell just a little bit!  Sharing Shabbat at the table with all the families and singing with Susan was a treat and I really thought the execution of this program was so well thought out and planned.  The hard work and dedication that was presented by the staff was apparent and I appreciate all the efforts put forth for me and my son.  Each night before bed my son crosses off the days on his calendar.  Last night, he said...3 days till Shabbat mom...we can't wait to start making Shabbat memories in our home and for that, I say thank you once again. ~Anonymous



When our daughter walked down the aisle of the Sanctuary for Pre-K graduation, we knew we needed to keep the positive experience alive. After her first days at the SLJ, we knew we had made the right decision. Religious school has changed a lot since we attended years ago. There are now colorful readers, hands-on Judaica projects and more. Our daughter has found a new connection to CBI. As parents, we feel extremely fortunate to have a place where she will always feel welcome, safe and at home.  ~Melanie & Scott Simon

Our son became a Bar Mitzvah last year and thought his Hebrew school days were over. Despite the arguments he gave, he started Confirmation Class in the fall. The payoff was the 8th grade retreat! Kim Beame and the staff got over 40 students to connect quickly and easily. This retreat strengthened the bonds among the students as they acknowledged and took pride in their Jewish connection.  ~Nel Bloom

Throughout my time in SLJ, I have learned a lot about Judaism and its beliefs. I believe we are a group of people who see the world in a different light than everyone else. We welcome doubt and the quest for knowledge. I shape my decisions with the guidance of the morals and ethics that Judaism has to offer. ~Nicole Steinberg, Confirmation Student