B'nai Israel Traditional Synagogue, Conservative synagogue in Alexandria, Louisiana.

B'nai Israel is a concrete block synagogue in Alexandria, Louisiana, featuring mid-century modern design and serving as a space for worship, religious education, and community gatherings. The building provides dedicated areas for prayer and various communal activities throughout the year.

B'nai Israel was founded in 1913 as an Orthodox congregation by Jews from Poland and Russia, many of whom reached Alexandria through the Galveston Movement. Its first shul stood at Fourth and Lee Streets; ten years on, the congregation counted twenty members and Rabbi Jacob Aronson led Shabbat services and a cheder meeting three times a week. By 1940 it had its own building and a small cemetery north of the city. In the 1950s the congregation became Conservative and built the concrete block synagogue on Vance Avenue.

The congregation observes traditional Jewish rituals through regular Shabbat services and holiday observances that shape religious life in the community. These practices connect members across generations to their heritage.

The synagogue is most accessible during regular worship services and community events held throughout the year. It is helpful to check ahead for specific times and occasions when visitors are welcome to better plan your visit.

The congregation's lay leaders came from one family: Dr. Bernard Kaplan led services from 1962 until his death in 1995, and his son Dr. Meyer Kaplan has held the role since 1998. The building itself dates from the 1950s, when the congregation turned Conservative and put up a rectangular concrete-block structure on Vance Avenue.