ABOUT US
Howard Silver
Synagogue Spiritual and Ritual Leader |
Jewish Americans are American citizens of the Jewish faith and/or Jewish ethnicity. The Jewish community in the United States has been composed predominantly of Ashkenazim Jews who emigrated from Central and Eastern Europe and their U.S. born descendants.
A minority from all Jewish ethnic divisions are also represented and seem to be growing rapidly which include, Sephardi Jews, Mizrahi Jews, and many converts. The Jewish American community manifests a wide range of Jewish cultural traditions, as well as encompassing the full spectrum of Jewish religious observance. Depending on religious definitions and varying population data, the United States is home to the second largest (after Israel) Jewish community in the world. The population of American adherents of Judaism was estimated to be approximately 5,128,000 (1.7%) of the total population in 2007 (301,621,000); including those who identify themselves culturally as Jewish (but not necessarily religiously), this population was estimated at 6,489,000 (2.2%) as of 2008. As a contrast, Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics estimated the Israeli Jewish population was 5,664,000 in 2009 (75.4% of the total population). (information from Jewish data bank and Wikipedia). As the oldest synagogue in Kern County, Congregation B'nai Jacob, has long been one of the major sources of Jewish life here in Bakersfield. Our Conservative shul blends concern for Jewish tradition and a warm, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere. Congregation B'nai Jacob's members span all ages, professions, and a wide variety of backgrounds. We welcome singles and families, young and old, and we take extra effort to make Judaism special for children. Please come and visit us. Congregation B'nai Jacob is located at 17th and S Streets in downtown Bakersfield, California. |