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CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL

Keeping Tradition, Moving Forward

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Sosnick Library

  


 

 

After its destruction by arsonists in 1999, CBI’s Sosnick Library was rebuilt to house one of the largest synagogue collections in Northern California. There are more than 7,500 materials in the collection, which includes adult and children's books, DVDs, and more.

In addition, there is a “Library of Things.” You may check out a set of Passover Haggadah, a pair of Shabbat candlesticks, even try out tifillin. Look through the options here.

Click here to read our collection development policy. Looking for something that is not available in our catalog? CBI members may use the Sosnick Library Collection Request form to submit recommendations for new material and we’ll consider it for our collection (Shul Cloud login required).

Hours & Location

  • The Sosnick Library, located at the south end of the Administrative office building, is open for browsing and self-checkout (instructions for self-checkout) anytime the CBI office is open.
  • The Library is staffed on Sunday mornings during Kulanu (Religious School), and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Visit the online catalog homepage at sosnick.library.site for the most up-to-date library staffing hours calendar.
  • For more information, or for an appointment, call the office at 916-446-4861 or email library@bnais.com.

Services Available


The library provides many services. Some use it for research and study. Other times it hosts meetings, Torah study, or rousing games of mah jongg. Friends may be visiting quietly and parents may share the love of books with their children.

 

Donations


Books to donate? Please read our guidelines.

To make a financial contribution, please use the link below and select "Sosnick Library Fund" in the dropdown.

support the Sosnick Library

 

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

 

Jewish Book Sources

  • PJ Library sends free Jewish children's books to families every month. They also have a podcast that takes a classic Jewish folk tale and gives it a modern twist.
  • The Association of Jewish Libraries promotes Jewish literacy through enhancement of libraries and library resources. The AJL also has a search function to find Jewish books by “Values” from Activism to Worshipping Idols with a filter by age. And a link to the Sydney Taylor book award, presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.
  • The Jewish Book Council, founded in 1944, is the longest-running organization devoted exclusively to the support and celebration of Jewish literature. They also have a reading list for adults and children.
  • Tablet Magazine children’s book awards Jewish children’s book news and reviews

Podcasts

Genealogy

In addition to the many general sites, like ancestry.com, Family Search and My Heritage, there are many specifically Jewish sites available for family history research. (The library contains a small collection of books on genealogy as well.)


For Jewish genealogy related to the Holocaust:

 

Research Sources

Sat, November 1 2025 10 Cheshvan 5786