About Us
Since 1992, Congregation Beit Yaakov has served as a spiritual home to Jews of all backgrounds, a vibrant home where camaraderie and connection permeate its walls and enrich lives.
Our prayer services and programs are designed to encompass the Orthodox and diverse Sephardic community. This includes Syrian, Moroccan, Yemenite, Bucharian, Persian, Israeli, African, Middle Eastern and Eastern European Jews, all of whom are instinctively drawn to our genuinely heartfelt and energetic environment. Together, we explore the richness of our heritage and traditions and create a family-friendly environment for spiritual growth.
History
Congregation Beit Yaakov was founded in 1992 under the name Netzach Israel. It was intended to fill Baltimore's acute need for an inclusive Sephardic shul; at the time the only options were Persian-based minyanim. The founders of Congregation Beit Yaakov sought to establish a cultural center where all Sephardic Jews would gather to celebrate their customs and heritage.
Under the guidance of our esteemed Rav, Rabbi Emanuel Goldfeiz, and with the generous support of the Edmond Safra Foundation, Sharaby Family Foundation, and others, Congregation Beit Yaakov was actualized.
Congregation Beit Yaakov is deeply grateful to the Edmond J. Safra Foundation for enabling our congregation to procure a home for our kehilla. The Foundation was established by Edmond J. Safra, one of the most accomplished bankers and generous philanthropists of our time, who sought to support countless causes during his life and beyond. Together with his wife, Lily, who continued to devotedly operate the Foundation for more than 20 years after his passing in 1999, Mr. Safra changed – and continues to change – innumerable lives, including those who call the Congregation Beit Yaakov home. Today, the Edmond J. Safra Foundation reaches hundreds of organizations and individuals in over 40 countries worldwide.
Leadership
The continued success of Congregation Beit Yaakov is due to the unwavering devotion and commitment of our well-known leader, Rabbi Emanuel Goldfeiz, shlit”a.
Rabbi Emanuel Goldfeiz, shlit”a
A graduate of Yeshivat Ner Israel, Rabbi Goldfeiz studied under Torah giants including HaRav Yaakov Weinberg zt”l and HaRav Yaakov Moshe Kulefsky zt”l.
In addition to his invaluable role in our congregation, Rabbi Goldfeiz is a respected and integral leader in the greater Baltimore community, where he serves on the Vaad HaRabbanim, on the Vaad HaChinuch of various organizations, and as the Rav HaMachshir at the Star-S division of the Star-K kashrut organization, specializing in certifying products for Sephardim. Furthermore, he is a beloved Halacha teacher at Bais Yaakov High School, guiding hundreds of students in areas that are crucial for daily Jewish life. Rabbi Goldfeiz is a staff member at Ner Israel and an expert sha’atnez checker as well as a shochet, all while delivering multiple shiurim weekly not only in our Beit Knesset and Baltimore communities, but also in other communities.
Despite the numerous roles that Rabbi Goldfeiz fills in the community, he is well-known for his accessibility and approachability; his phone is always open to calls and texts at any time of the day or night. The Rav is renowned for his humorous demeanor and vast, intricate knowledge of all aspects of Torah and Halacha. Respected and admired by Sephardic and Ashkenazic community leaders and members alike, Rabbi Goldfeiz is a rare treasure; we at Congregation Beit Yaakov are deeply grateful for his devoted leadership.
A statement from Rabbi Goldfeiz
Hashem desires to constantly benefit mankind. Among Hashem’s many acts of love toward us, is the opportunity that He gave man to approach Him. He therefore arranged for prayer to be a daily obligation. Through prayer, man receives sustenance, success, and blessing.
Of all of the aspects of Hashem that can be found in our material world, there is one that is more dear and precious than anything else that Hashem created. This is the Torah, the closest thing to Hashem Himself that can be found in creation. It is through speaking and studying the words of the Torah that mankind can access Godliness and partake in Hashem’s glory and perfection.
With the blessings of Hashem Yitbarach, our Beit Knesset has become an epitome of Tefillah and Torah.
We invite you to join our mikdash me’at and experience the beauty of our Torah and Tefillah for yourself.
You will find a place of warmth and happiness among us,
ביקרא דאורייתא
Emanuel Goldfeiz,
Rav
