Do I need to be Jewish to attend a service?
Congregation B’nai Torah welcomes visitors of all faiths. A large percentage of our member families have at least one member who is not Jewish.
When and where are services held?
Congregation B’nai Torah holds in-person Shabbat services the second and fourth Fridays of each month, and Zoom services the first and third Fridays of the month. For our in-person Shabbat services, we alternate between a family service, specifically tailored to families with young children, and a regular service. The schedule may change due to events or celebrations, so please see our list of upcoming events.
Services are held in Nickless Hall, a wonderful space in the basement of the Westminster Presbyterian Church at 3990 West 74th Avenue in Westminster, Colorado.
How did you end up sharing space in a church? Are you Messianic?
We are a small, intimate community and do not have our own building. We love our partnership with Westminster Presbyterian Church. By sharing space, we are able to keep our costs low, and therefore keep our dues low as well. B’nai Torah is a Reform Jewish community and is not Messianic.
Should I call ahead?
We appreciate you reaching out to let us know you’re coming. That way, we can welcome you and introduce you to our members. If you are unfamiliar with a Shabbat service, we can also help you follow along.
Is the B’nai Torah synagogue handicapped accessible?
Yes, there’s a ramp to the front door, and an elevator inside the building. Follow the signs once you’re inside. If we know you’re coming we’ll be happy to guide you.
What is proper attire for Shabbat services at Congregation B’nai Torah ?
Our community is very informal at our Friday night Shabbat services. Some people come right from work dressed as business casual. Shorts and Hawaiian shirts are not uncommon in the summer.
What if I have questions?
The B’nai Torah community prides itself on our community and welcoming attitude. You can ask anyone you see, and if we can’t answer your question, we’ll point you to someone who can, such as Rabbi Greg.
How long is a service?
The in-person Shabbat services at Congregation B’nai Torah start on time, and usually go 75 to 90 minutes. The family Shabbat services and Zoom services are shorter.
Do I need to know Hebrew?
You do not need to know Hebrew to enjoy services at Congregation B’nai Torah. Every page has an English translation, as well as a phonetic transliteration of each prayer. You’re also welcome to read the commentary at the bottom of most pages. Many people in our synagogue are not familiar with Hebrew.
What is an Oneg?
Oneg is the Hebrew word for joy or delight. In this context, it refers to the community celebration following the Shabbat service. Our Oneg is pot luck, with congregants bringing the food, often including a home-baked challah and gluten free snacks. Congregation B’nai Torah’s pot luck approach is emblematic of the informal and congregant-led nature of our community.
What is a cantor?
The cantor leads the congregation in many of the prayers and songs, and partners with the rabbi during services. Diane Firestone is one of our most treasured assets.
Can I ask the Rabbi questions?
One of the highlights of CBT is Rabbi Greg. He is very approachable and easy to talk to. He would be happy to answer any questions you have. Send him an email with your questions.
How do I address a Rabbi when speaking to them?
Rabbi or Rabbi Greg is preferred.
Do I need to become a member to keep coming to services?
No, you are always welcome to attend. At the same time, we’d love for you to become a member. Being a member gives an opportunity for greater involvement, to make friends and grow closer to the community. We have very low member dues, and offer a sliding scale so that cost will not be a barrier to membership.
What do you charge non-members to attend High Holiday services?
Congregation B’nai Torah offers Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services at no cost and with no conditions.
How can I make a donation?
There are several ways to make donations. Zelle and credit cards are the easiest.
What do my contributions or dues help to accomplish?
Your contributions can be designated for specific subjects such as our religious school, books, Rabbi’s discretionary fund, etc. General contributions are applied to our operating costs to enable us to continue to serve our community. We never want cost to be a barrier for joining CBT, and your contribution helps us support others.
What can I do to help and participate?
Congregation B’nai Torah is a member-driven organization in Westminster, Colorado. We’d love to have your help. Please reach out to Dan Martin our president and he will help you find a place to contribute.
Does CBT offer classes and if so what kind?
We have a thriving religious school for kids. Adult education is an area of increasing focus. We are a people of life-long learning. Even the most learned Rabbi in the world only knows a small fraction of what there is to know Jewishly.
B’nai Torah offers several ways to support you on your journey. Go to our adult education page to learn more.
How long the community has been around
In the mid 1980s, there was no synagogue serving the Northwest Denver metro area. Jewish families had to either drive to Boulder or to South Denver. So in 1987, four families in the northwest Denver metro area decided to start their own synagogue.
Are there other Reform synagogues in Westminster, Broomfield, Arvada, Lafayette, Louisville, Thornton, Northglenn?
Congregation B’nai Torah is proud to be the only Reform synagogue in northwest Metro Denver. We were founded by families looking for a closer synagogue than Boulder or Denver. We’d love for you to come visit us and see if there is a fit for your family.
Is Congregation B’nai Torah a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ families?
Yes absolutely! We have families of all kinds as members, teachers and in leadership positions. The best way to learn more is to talk with us, and then come visit.
Is Congregation B’nai Torah a welcoming place for interfaith families?
Yes absolutely! Some of Congregation B’nai Torah’s founding families in 1987 were interfaith, back when there was a real stigma in the Jewish community for marrying someone who wasn’t Jewish. Our synagogue has always been welcoming to families where one or more members are not Jewish.
Will Rabbi Greg officiate at interfaith or same-sex weddings?
Yes! Rabbi Greg Marcus works with couples before the wedding to create a Jewish wedding ceremony that fits their values and circumstances. He is comfortable officiating at interfaith marriages and same-sex weddings.
