In January of 1937, young Insa Sternberg fled Nazi Germany and arrived in America for the first time. Baton Rouge’s Temple B’nai Israel instantly welcomed her and her family, giving them a place to worship in a temple together for the first time. Eighty-one years later, the congregation, now 200 families strong, continues to welcome newcomers with doors, and arms, wide open.

This year marks the 160^th anniversary of Congregation B’nai Israel, as well as Rabbi Jordan Goldson’s 10^th year in a leadership position with the congregation. Between now and the end of 2018 the synagogue will host a series of special events, with a cocktail reception and cookbook signing this Sunday, September 30. For more details, see this article in inRegister’s September issue, available on newsstands now.