About The Bayit

Your home away from home

The Bayit is a warm and vibrant synagogue in Richmond, BC committed to making everyone feel included and at home.

Through a wide range of services, events and programs you are sure to find a place here with us.

A brief history

In the late 1970’s, pioneers in Richmond established Eitz Chaim Synagogue, aiming to create an Orthodox spiritual center. Over time, it evolved into The Bayit – a home for the community. In the last decade, The Bayit has experienced significant growth, becoming a vibrant hub of Jewish life in Richmond. Through its diverse programs and services, it continues to nurture a thriving community while remaining true to its traditions.

Services

Services are held every Friday night at 6:15 PM in the winter and at  7:15 PM in the  summer.

Shabbat morning services are at 10:00 AM followed by kiddish lunch at 12:30 PM.

A minyan for Yahrzeit can be arranged. Please contact Rabbi Varnai for more information.

Candle lighting times

Shabbat begins In Richmond, B.C.
on
Bereshit 18
10 October 2025 at 6 : 00

The Bayit Team

Rabbi's family

Rabbi Levi & Rivky Varnai

Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C., Rabbi Levi Varnai moved with his parents and siblings to Israel in 2000. Rabbi Varnai attended Yeshivot both in Israel and in New York, obtaining Smicha (Rabbinical Ordination) in 2011.

After serving as a chaplain in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), Rabbi Varnai moved back to Vancouver in 2013 where he worked for the Community Kollel as assistant Rabbi and youth director.

Since 2016, Rabbi Varnai has been the congregational Rabbi of The Bayit in Richmond. In addition to his work with The Bayit, Rabbi Varnai serves as the school Rabbi and spiritual leader at Vancouver Talmud Torah.

Born and raised in Safed, Israel, Rivky attended Beit Chana seminary, where she received her degree in ECE.

Before moving to B.C., Rivky worked with at-risk youth in various capacities. Rivky currently serves as the director of programming and communications for The Bayit.

Rabbi Levi and Rivky Varnai reside in Richmond, BC together with their 6 children!

Meital Eitan

Kids Zone
Meital Eitan moved from Modiin, Israel to Richmond, BC 6 years ago along with her family. She established her own clinic specializing in Reflexology and Reiki healing services. Alongside her practice, she also runs a successful candle-making business. For the past year and a half, Meital has been actively leading the kids Shabbat program at The Bayit.

Fred Fernandes

Kids Zone
Fred Fernandes graduated from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in 2014, as a P.E. teacher. He worked in his family's restaurant and taught at various schools in Brazil. This past summer Fred, together with his family, moved from Porto Alegre, Brazil, to Richmond, BC and began teaching at Vancouver Hebrew Academy. Fred is thrilled to join The Bayit community, embracing the warm welcome and eager to contribute to the education of our children!

Board of Directors

President - Keith Liedtke

Sherri Barkoff

Shoshana Ben David

Felix Bockstette

Rabbi Mendy Feigelstock

Shannon Gorski

Orly Naim