Temple B’nai Shalom’s mission is to provide a vibrant Jewish life for our congregation; take care of each other; and be a blessing to our community.
The Lion of Judah
Artist John Kearney created the remarkable Lion of Judah sculpture from chrome auto bumpers, using as models what he maintained were Lion of Judah sub-species then housed at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, near Kearney’s studio.
Kearney’s work is found in major collections, museums and public spaces. The Smithsonian included Kearney in its series of artist interviews.
The Lion of Judah was completed and installed in 1974. It was commissioned by Enid Goldstein (pictured) on behalf of her sister Deana, and brother Gary, in memory of their father, David Goldstein, former Temple President and later, their mother, Rose Kirshenbaum Goldstein.
This sleek, majestic Lion is a powerful representation of strength and compassion. But also, as intended, a beloved companion for children to play on. For half a century, this notable Lion of Judah has brought joy to the Temple community.
You are welcome here.
Temple B’nai Shalom welcomes people at every stage of their Jewish journey. Whether you were raised Jewish, have a Jewish parent, are an interfaith couple or consider yourself classically observant, you’re welcome to join us.
Zoom, in-person and hybrid services.
To visit us, please contact our office manager at (269) 925-8021. Visitors who show up unannounced will be asked to come another day, after they have been registered. This is for the safety of all concerned.
It’s easy to step in at any level.
Our prayer books are in Hebrew and are also transliterated, with English translation on the side. Inclusion is important to us. We want everyone to participate comfortably.
Temple B’nai Shalom is a small congregation with a vibrant Jewish life.
- We host a Shabbat on the beach every summer.
- For Tashlich, we gather at Lake Michigan to throw bread on the water.
- We host annual Passover seders for members and their guests—the only one in southwest Michigan. There is a charge for the dinner.
- We host an annual Hanukkah latke lunch. There is a charge.
- There is a megillah reading for Purim, with groggers and animated audience participation. Our children attend Purim carnivals in South Bend, Indiana (about 45 minutes away) at the Jewish Federation, where several congregations participate in harmony and fun.
- We celebrate Sukkot by building a sukkah with parents and Sunday School children.
- The High Holidays are special occasions for our entire community.
- For children, we offer Hebrew school and Sunday School. We have special training for bar and bat mitzvah candidates. Hebrew school is once a week during the fall through spring; Sunday School is every Sunday from September through early June, with breaks in December and spring, usually coinciding with the local school year winter and spring breaks.
- We celebrate simchas in the main sanctuary. We have an ample social hall for weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and special occasions. We keep a kosher kitchen. We can recommend kosher caterers.
- We honor the deceased with traditional Jewish observances. Our two cemeteries are a few miles from the temple.
Temple B’nai Shalom in Action
