A lively BBQ on B’nai Israel Congregation’s patio took place on Sunday, May 3 for families who have joined the Norfolk Jewish community over the past two to three years. Rabbi Shlomo and Liba Eisenberg, whose leadership of the shul began in July 2023, hosted the event. Seventeen families gathered for an afternoon of connection, marking the continued growth and momentum of the community.
The event reflected something deeper than numbers. It highlighted the way new families are being warmly welcomed and naturally integrated into an already vibrant and established community, adding fresh energy, relationships, and shared purpose.
Families have moved to Norfolk for a range of professional opportunities, including nursing home administration, kashruth, finance, computer programming, academia, art, teaching, and Kollel positions. At the same time, many are drawn by what they find when they arrive: a warm, welcoming community grounded in strong Torah values and a clear sense of growth and direction.
Alongside new families, longtime Norfolk residents continue to become more involved, further strengthening communal life and participation.
Community life is felt throughout the week, with regular learning programs, classes, and family-focused programming bringing people of all ages together. Shabbos is a central highlight, with weekly kiddush regularly drawing close to 200 participants.
Rabbi Eisenberg says, “These families are not just participants in the community. They are builders. Each one adds something unique, and together we are creating something special.”
The BBQ was both a celebration of what has already been built and a look toward the continued development of a thriving Torah community in Norfolk.
B’nai Israel Congregation’s community continues to grow
