B’nai El is proud to come together to celebrate special moments in the life of our family.

B’nai El is always open for members to conduct a b’rit milah (ritual circumcision) ceremony and while Rabbi Plotkin is glad to lead the ceremony, he is not a qualified Mohel. Rabbi Michael Rovinsky is the St. Louis area’s top Mohel and can be reached at 314-727-BRIT (2748) or 800-85-MOHEL (66435).

As the community comes together for Shabbat services, there is always a chance to bestow blessing on a child as he or she receives a Hebrew name in front of the Torah. Contact Rabbi Plotkin

Every autumn, as we celebrate Simchat Torah, we welcome our new religious school students to the bima to recite the shema and celebrate with song and dance their consecration as they begin their religious studies.

Bar or Bat Mitzvah is an important milestone in the life of a young woman or man. As our children reach this milestone, all other Shabbat morning activity ceases as we come together as a community to celebrate this important day. The Bar or Bat Miztvah leads much of the service, reads and blesses the Torah, conducts a reading from the prophets (Haftarah), and delivers a message on the meaning of the day and of the Torah portion, while also receiving the accolades of a job well done along with congratulations and presents from the congregation.

At any time in life no matter how old or young, one can make the choice of Judaism. Rabbi Plotkin in an active sponsor of students in the St. Louis community Introduction to Judaism course, and will work with any sincere individuals or families that wish to consider conversion to Judaism.

No day is more joyous than a wedding. B’nai El’s sanctuary and chapel are beautiful settings for such events. Rabbi Plotkin (along with Dan Brodsky if requested) performs wedding ceremonies according to Jewish tradition for a wide variety of Jewish, interfaith and same-gender couples who wish to sanctify their union in the sight of God. Please contact Rabbi Plotkin for more information.

Through the course of one’s life, we all celebrate special birthdays and anniversaries and Rabbi Plotkin will be glad to confer special blessing upon you in front of the congregation and the open ark. Also, each month Rabbi Plotkin will lead a special blessing for all who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries during that month.

Sad times come upon us all as well. B’nai El can help you during this time in a number of ways. Rabbi Plotkin, along with Dan Brodsky is available for the funeral of a loved one along with pre and post funeral counseling and shiva services. B’nai El is also a co-owner of the New Mount Sinai Cemetery, and you can contact them through their website, www.newmtsinaicemetery.org for pre-arrangement or arrangements at time of need.

Life cycle events are of profound importance and are a benefit that B’nai El can provide to its members. While Rabbi Plotkin will officiate at certain non-member events (mostly weddings and funerals), his availability is only guaranteed (dependant on travel schedule) to members of B’nai El Congregation.