About Us
Mission Statement
We strive to create a warm, intimate and inclusive synagogue, blending Jewish heritage and tradition with an openess to change and evolution.
Working together, we seek to experience the richness of modern Jewish life and to build a creative and dynamic Jewish community that infuses our lives with joy, meaning and sacred purpose.
Our Values
We are…
Devoted to lifelong learning that stimulates and nurtures a deep connection to and love of Judaism and Torah in children, youth, adults and families (Torah);
Seeking to create joyful, meaningful Shabbat, holiday and other prayer and spiritual experiences that enliven our souls and inspire how we live our daily lives (Avodah);
Living our Values through acts of loving kindness, caring for and supporting each other in times of joy and sorrow (Gemilut Hasadim); and actively engaging together in repairing the broader world outside our doors (Tikkun Olam);
Lovingly Engaged with, connected to and supportive of the State of Israel and the Jewish people around the world (K’lal Yisrael);
Committed and responsible citizens of our community who actively participate in, and contribute to, the spiritual and social life of our synagogue community (Kehillah);
Welcoming of Jews of any denomination, point of view and level of Jewish education and observance who wish to explore their Jewish paths; families, singles, those in interfaith relationships, Jews by choice, those who identify as LGBTQ and individuals with special needs; from any age, race and socioeconomic background. We come as unique individuals and seek meaning together (K’vod ha-B’riot/B’tzelem Elohim).
Our History
History of Congregation B’nai Torah (CBT)
CBT was started in 1997 by a group of nine former congregants of Temple Israel including Doug Golden, Sonny, Marilyn, Ira and Robin Freedman, George, Eileen and Scott Selis and Charles Stein, to form a progressive conservative synagogue that would be inclusive of all family members.
Shortly thereafter, Charlie and Lea Moskowitz joined with their Chaverot group and brought us our first Torah.
We were blessed to hire Rabbi Kane to be our Rabbi and spiritual leader.
We initially held services at various locations such as the Senior Center in Ormond Beach, The Trail’s club house and then had our first “permanent” home in the Manny’s Pizza Plaza.
CBT continued to grow and thanks to the discovery of a former church and parsonage we were able to purchase our present home on the corner of Nova and Wilmette.
Evelyn Blankenship bequeathed a generous donation allowing us to pay off our mortgage and make improvements to our beautiful congregational home and office/school building.
CBT has benefited over the years by the influence and guidance of Rabbi Kane, Cantor Walters, Rabbi Shapiro, and multiple Ley leaders and help from a diverse group of individuals willing to take up positions of leadership.
We were the first Jewish congregation in our area to embrace the slogan, “no pay to pray”, permitting any Jewish person to attend any service, even the High Holidays, without demanding membership or payment.
We still depend on collection of dues from our members but also count on the goodness and generosity of our non-member participants.
CBT continues to provide a friendly conservative Jewish home for our amazing members and visitors alike.
Our Team
Rabbi David Kane
Kay Hillier
Office Administrator
Robin Freedman
Co-President
Adrienne Cooperman
Co-President
Board of Trustees
Officers and Board of Trustees
2022-2023
Co-Presidents: Robin Freedman and Adrienne Cooperman
Vice President: Jared Kisseloff
Treasurer: Larry Horowitz
Secretary: Doug McEwen
One-Year Trustees (Term through May 2023)
Sue Abel, Bonnie Berns, Alan Kisseloff
Two-Year Trustees (Term through May 2024)
Sema Friedman, Harriet Fritts, Ken Haberman,
Ron Horowitz, Barbara Kusnick, MaryAnn Serkin
Religious School Chair ..…… Helen Farb
Men’s Club President ….. Mark Givarz
Past President ……… Dr. Charles Stein
Our Sanctuary
Our Religious School and Office
