The congregation’s objectives are to promote the study and practice of Jewish culture, tradition and faith; create profound identification with the State of Israel; and sustain the continuity of the Jewish people. The Congregacion has grown from two original families who celebrated Shabbat together.

Now a congregation of more than 80 families and almost 250 members, this vibrant community has become an integral institution of Jewish life in Costa Rica.

According to Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky:

"Though there are still rivers to cross and mountains to climb, our dreams are becoming a reality. This small synagogue is the echo of the past, the voice of the present, and the hope of the future for Costa Rica's non orthodox Jews and for Jews everywhere."

Shabbat and festival services are trilingual (Hebrew, Spanish, and English). The sermon is given in Spanish, with a written English translation available. The last Shabbat of each month, the sermon is given in English, this time with a Spanish translation available. On the first Friday of each month, there is a Kabalat Shabat service for children held simultaneously with the adult service.

The liturgy is based on the siddur “Gates of Prayer” of the Reform movement, with some modifications that contribute to a traditional ritual experience.

Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky, together with his wife, Rabbi Daniela Szuster, became the spiritual leaders of B’nei Israel in July 2004.

Both were ordained by the Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano Marshal T. Meyer of Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2003. Both received Master’s degrees in Judaic Studies from the Schechter Intitute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, affiliated with the Jewish Theological Seminary, in 2005.



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