Given the thousands of years of Judaism’s history, a 25th anniversary would appear to be merely one swing of a pendulum.

But members and leaders of Congregation B’nai Israel in Fayette County are understandably elated to celebrate this significant milestone this weekend, 25 years of service to the Jewish community on Atlanta’s south side.

The Reform congregation became a reality in 1981, and has grown steadily, if slowly, thanks in part to the generosity of several Christian churches in Clayton and South Fulton counties.

Today more than a hundred families belong to Congregation B’nai Israel, and meet in their own synagogue on Georgia Hwy. 54 east, almost at the Fayette/Clayton county line.

According to former president Sandy DeMuth, the weekend celebration will begin, as usual, with services Friday night (8 p.m.) and Saturday morning, led by Rabbi Lou Feldstein and Susan Levine, the congregation’s cantorial soloist and administrator. Several Fayette County ministers will be invited, as well as members of the greater Jewish community, particularly from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

“It is a momentous occasion for our congregation to celebrate 25 years of Jewish presence on the Southside of Atlanta, and we continue to grow,” said DeMuth. The Saturday celebration will move to Maggiano’s in Buckhead, with Mike Goldstein as master of ceremonies, she added.

Levine has served not only as worship leader until B’nai Israel has a fulltime rabbi but also observes closely the congregation’s children as they work their way through religious school. Each class from Kindergarten through 7th grade has textbooks and learning plans which instruct the students in a variety of topics. Included are Biblical study, historical concepts, life cycle events, Jewish customs, holidays, and festivals, and an in-depth study of Hebrew. Children in K-4 also receive music/art instruction.

“Having been with this congregation for nearly 24 years, I have watched the growth from a small group of caring, observant people, to a community of caring, observant people,” said Levine. “B’nai Israel is not only a place to worship. It is a place to learn, to socialize, and to enjoy. Prospective members tell me how comfortable and welcome they feel upon their first visit. This makes them anxious to return to visit B’nai Israel again.

“The children I tutored for B’nai Mitzvah 20 years ago now come back with children of their own. We have come full circle,” Levine noted.

“B’nai Israel has become a visible and positive presence on the south side of Atlanta,” she added. “I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of this small and growing congregation.”

Ralph Ellis is the congregation’s current president.

For further information: 678-817-7162 or www.bnai-israel.net.

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