About Us

Beth Israel Congregation

History and Founding

Beth Israel has been an integral part of the Jewish community for 103 years. In May, 1923, the Ahavath Achim New Synagogue Committee was organized to raise funds for a site for a new conservative synagogue. Six months later a former church at the corner of 7th and Elmer Streets was purchased as the first home of Beth Israel Congregation. As Jewish youth has always been important, the Beth Israel Hebrew School was started within a few years.

Growth and Expansion

An annex to the building was constructed in 1940. Within 10 years and with a membership of more than 340 families, it was evident larger facilities were needed. In the early 1950s, land on East Park Avenue was purchased and a building fund for the present structure was started. Happy were the members of Beth Israel Congregation when the new building was dedicated in 1958. With the opening of the new building, the Beth Israel Nursery School was founded.

Religious Leadership

Throughout the years, Beth Israel Congregation has been fortunate to attract many dedicated full time clergy, beginning with Rabbi Joseph Marcus.

Rabbi Dr. Murray Kohn served as our spiritual leader for 31 years and as Emeritus until his passing in 2021. Leadership continued with Rabbi Stub, Rabbi Winter and now by our current full time clergy, Rabbi Abby Michaleski.

Community Leadership and Service

Beth Israel Congregation has contributed much to the Jewish community. Its building is used as a community center for many Jewish community activities since its founding. From the Community Library started in 1964 to its strong educational and cultural programs to the annual Brotherhood service, Beth Israel Congregation remains in the forefront in the Cumberland County Jewish community. It is the largest synagogue between Cherry Hill and Atlantic County.

Religious, Educational, and Social Life

Beth Israel Congregation is a source of spiritual vigor and vital Jewish life. Our members enjoy many enriching religious and social events throughout the year. There are daily morning minyan services in addition to regular Friday evening and Saturday morning services and periodic “For Women Only” services as well. Throughout the year, there are different holiday offerings such as a Chanukah dinner, Purim Carnival or Tu B’Shevat seder. A full spectrum of educational classes awaits members including several levels of Hebrew reading, Parsha and Mishnah study and “Knowing Our Traditions”. Members also join in social events such as Friday Night Book Reviews, Sabbath Lunch N’Learn, and partake in culture events club such as bridge and knitting! And let us not forget our Choir, Sisterhood, Men’s Club, community library, Judaica shop and kosher kitchen facilities. A vibrant Jewish life awaits members at Beth Israel Congregation.

Our Mission

Stain Glass Description

The Congregation shall strive to meet the religious, spiritual, educational and social needs of a diverse membership within the broad values of Conservative Judaism.

The commitment and participation of all congregants are to be nurtured with the understanding that all contribute value to our community.

We cherish the preservation of Jewish ritual and memory, while stressing those new and innovative expressions of our faith and beliefs.

The congregation shall promote a warm extended family of Judaism within the synagogue that inspires strong identify and links with Jewish history and the larger Jewish community.

We shall encourage family literacy, a spirit of menshlichkeit, and a passionate sense of belonging which stimulates the great potential for vibrancy and meaning that are at the core of our faith.

Our Clergy

Larisa Averbakh

Cantor / Education Director

Cantor Larisa Averbakh, a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, is an accomplished cantor, educator, and performer. She studied music in Russia and Israel before helping lead the Jewish cultural renaissance in the former Soviet Union through teaching, performances, publications, and co-founding the St. Petersburg Klezfest Festival.

After immigrating to the United States in 1997, she earned a Master's in Sacred Music and Cantorial Ordination from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. She currently serves as Cantor and Education Director at Beth Israel Congregation in Vineland, New Jersey.

Known for her passion for Jewish music, education, and culture, Cantor Averbakh performs widely, lectures on the music of Russian and Soviet Jewry, and has been featured on several cantorial recordings and international music projects.

Cantor Larisa Averbakh, a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, is an accomplished cantor, educator, and...

Abby Michaleski

Service Rabbi

Rabbi Michaleski has served as rabbi at Beth Israel Congregation since June 2018. She has brought her joyful and creative...

Rabbi Michaleski has served as the rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation since April 2018 and became the congregation's full-time rabbi in January 2020. She brings a joyful, creative, and welcoming approach to Jewish worship, education, and community life.

Ordained in 2015 through ALEPH: The Alliance for Jewish Renewal, Rabbi Michaleski holds a master's degree in Jewish Studies from Gratz College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University. Before joining Beth Israel, she served as a Jewish communal professional in South Jersey for nearly two decades and was the spiritual leader of Temple Beth El in Hammonton for 14 years.

In addition to her rabbinic work, Rabbi Michaleski is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. Her passion for integrating Judaism, healing, and wellness led her to co-found RAPHA—The Center for Healing and Spirituality in 2018.

Rabbi Michaleski is an active member of the South Jersey Jewish community, serving with the Chevra Kadisha (Sacred Society). She formerly served on the Camden County Mental Health and Addictions Board, the Hammonton and Vineland Interfaith Ministeriums, and as Co-President of the South Jersey Board of Rabbis and Cantors. Rabbi Abby continues to build bridges between communities as a member of Interfaith Clergy United, a progressive network of South Jersey clergy dedicated to fostering understanding and collaboration across faith traditions.

Barukh Solomon

High Holidays Cantor

Hazzan Barukh Solomon is honored to serve as Beth Israel Congregation of Vineland's High Holiday cantor for the third consecutive year. He was ordained through the Aleph Ordination Program (AOP) in January 2025 after five years of intensive study with the late Hazzan Jack Kessler, z"l, whose guidance profoundly shaped his cantorial path.

A lifelong student of both scholarship and Jewish tradition, Barukh spent many years as a Professor of Mathematics at Indiana University, where he combined a passion for teaching with a distinguished academic career. Today, he devotes himself to Jewish prayer, learning, and community, bringing warmth, spirituality, and a deep love of sacred music to his cantorial service.

Barukh and his wife of 30 years, Sue Swartz, an Aleph rabbinical student, make their home in Bloomington, Indiana. His connection to Jewish liturgical music runs deep: two of his great-grandfathers served as hazzanim, inspiring a legacy he is proud to continue. Above all, Barukh treasures his role as "Abba" to three married daughters and "Saba" to six beloved Jewish grandchildren.

Hazzan Barukh Solomon is honored to serve as Beth Israel Congregation of Vineland's High Holiday cantor for...