B'nai Israel Congregation

Out 3rd-6th Graders will be having classes outdoors in the B'nai Israel parking lot, weather permitting.

In celebration of Jewish Book Month, local author and B’nai Israel member David Schoenbaum will present his new book, The Lives of Isaac Stern. A centennial celebration of the sixty-year career and legacy of Isaac Stern, the first made-in-America violin virtuoso and one of the twentieth century’s greatest musicians. Co-Sponsored by the Men’s Club, the Sisterhood, and the Blumberg-Zalis Family Library.

As Shabbat arrives, the Shekhina enters our world and souls, enacting the exchange of human and divine energy that inspires our Friday evening traditions. In this slide- discussion, Debra Band shares her illuminated paintings from Kabbalat Shabbat: the Grand Unification, exploring how our Kabbalat Shabbat customs, drawn from the Jewish mystical tradition and the community of Rabbi Isaac Luria, support this divine ecology in ritual, blessing and song. Copies of Kabbalat Shabbat: The Grand Unification will be available for purchase with personalization at no additional charge (10 word limit). Order by October 20 to have your copy available at B’nai Israel for pickup during the week prior to the event. Cost is $37.50 (after a special 25% discount on the list price of $49.95). Presented by the Arts Task Force of the Adult Education Committee.

Monday, October 19 (continuing for 5 more sessions) 7:30–8:45 PM “Portnoy” is the Russian word for “tailor,” but the late writer Philip Roth changed its meaning forever when he published the best-selling book Portnoy’s Complaint in 1969. This 6-week class will focus on the life and works of Roth. Our study will highlight the different stages of his life and writings beginning with Goodbye Columbus (1959) and continuing until Nemesis (2010). Themes will include: Jews in America, families, mortality, sex and love, and politics, as well as his views of women, his love of baseball, and his attachment to Newark. We will also discuss some of the reactions to his award-winning work, especially in the Jewish community. The reading of Goodbye Columbus or Portnoy’s Complaint before the first session is recommended but not required.

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.

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.)

B'nai Israel Parking Lot* (weather permitting) Tune in for these special Shabbat morning services with meaningful learning, spirited prayer, and engaging Torah reading. All are welcome. *In the case of inclement weather, the Family Minyan will take place on Zoom. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81943182974?pwd=eFBmV2FFcXdyQ1lKLzJtOUVEbEVSUT09) Meeting ID: 819 4318 2974 Passcode: 922508