At Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion (BJSZ), we’re devoted to creating a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can grow and thrive together, just as we have been doing for over one hundred years.

Because we believe that for us to move forward, we have to do it together.

Our goal has always been to be a resource for the diverse members of our community, embracing the values and goals that unite all of us together. We pride ourselves on our inspirational davening, shiurim, women’s classes, kollel learning, lectures, and youth programs– we are here for everyone, and we always will be. On Shabbos morning, the doors open to families coming in together, and the seats in shul display the beautiful scene of grandparents, parents and children, all sitting and davening together. What unites us is our devotion to the Torah, our striving to find the Torah's value in every aspect of life, our joy and passion and acharyas, and our commitment to community and to being there for each other.

Our incredible shul leadership, with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Rose at the helm, has continued to move our shul forward with these values at our core. The Rav and Rebbetzin have been there for all our members, of all ages and backgrounds, sharing their wisdom and warmth and vision, however and whenever needed. Their ability to connect to each member, on their own level, in their own style, truly sets them apart. And our whole shul, in turn, has continued to grow and flourish.

This year, we’ve chosen honorees that represent this aspect of our community. Diverse, warm, committed, excited to share what they love about Torah and yiddishkeit – people who we are proud to count as members of our mission. Drs. Sam and Lorna Durso are role models of kindness, community, and appreciation of Torah. Professionally and otherwise, they have touched many people's lives with their gentle demeanor, their encouraging nature and their pursuit of excellence. We have watched the warmth, connection and love they share with their children and grandchildren, and their beautiful family is testimony to all they have built and all that we admire.

The members of our BJSZ night kollel, R’ Yehuda Leib Birnbaum, R’ Mordy Pollock, R’ AJ Esral, R’ Zvi Spiegel, and R’ Nosson "Nate" Miller, have been pillars of Torah learning in our shul for many years. We are proud of our shiurim and learning opportunities, and our kollel members have provided many such opportunities over the years, from shiurim in machshava, lomdus and Gemara, to our popular boys' learning program. But the heart of any kehillah is the constant presence of Torah -- day in, day out, with commitment and dedication, with the sound of learning that has filled our batei midrashot throughout the ages. This is our chance to honor those who have carried that torch, to express our appreciation, and to reaffirm our own commitment to the continued deepening of Torah in our shul.

Like any shul, we need the support of the community – our community – to keep this special place thriving. We’re reaching out to all of you to help us continue moving forward, together. Join us, and keep our shul going for decades to come. Donate now, and insure we keep going for the long haul, until moshiach greets us, Amen!