B'nai Israel Congregation

Sing and celebrate Torah with Eliana Light. Fun, meaningful, educational, and even interactive!

Wednesday, October 7 (continuing six more Wednesday mornings, concluding November 18) 9:30–11:00 AM $80 Friends of the Haberman Institute or B’nai Israel Members $95 General Public Travel back to the sources and study selections from the books of Maccabees I & II as we explore the story of the war against the Assyrians and the formation of the last independent Jewish government for 2000 years. As obtaining these texts can be difficult, a reader will be provided for all students. Zoom information will be provided once registration is received. Presented by the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies.

(Thursday, October 15 (continuing for 11 more sessions, skipping November 26, December 24 & 31, concluding on January 21) 9:30–11:00 AM $75 for B’nai Israel members or Friends of Haberman Institute $90 for general public History thinks of the prophets as superheroes: people who can see the future, speak with God, and communicate inspiring messages. But how is the prophetic message received? Nobody wants to hear that society is doomed unless people make changes they are not prepared to make. With all their eccentricities, it is easy to dismiss the prophets. This was as true in ancient times as it is today. Through text study, our diverse group of rabbis explores the role of the prophet in ancient times to understand the implications of the prophetic message for today. Presented by the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies.

Thursdays, October 8-November 12 8:00 PM This unique case of curated Israeli wines has been assembled by wine educator Steve Kerbel. Each week Steve will hold a 45 minute Zoom wine tasting, when we will choose a white wine and a red wine to enjoy together and taste. We will learn about the wines, winemakers and wineries, about the wine growing regions of Israel and about the growing wine culture of Israel, built on ancient practices of wine making in the Land of Israel. Once the case from Kosherwine.com has been purchased, you will receive the Zoom invitation and tasting and food pairing notes. Click here to purchase.

Last year’s 3rd grade class will complete the siddur family education program. They will participate in our Kabbalat Shabbat service where they will receive their personalized siddur.

In accordance with Montgomery County Phase Two guidelines, we are excited to bring our community together for an outdoor Friday Evening service on July 31 at 7:00 PM in the B’nai Israel parking lot. We will be led by Rabbi Berkowitz and Cantor Josh and look forward to joining our voices for the melodies of Kabbalat Shabbat in a safe, socially distant environment. Please BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair) – this service is not drive-in style. There will not be assigned spots, but the parking lot will be clearly labeled with directions where to park and where to gather to safely social distance. Paper copies of the service will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own siddur. If there is rain in the forecast, we will make a determination about whether to hold the service by 4:30 PM on that day. (This service will not be available via Zoom. Our 6:15 PM service will be broadcast from Dweck Sanctuary via Zoom as on all other weeks.)