B'nai Israel Congregation

Israel’s parliamentarian democracy is facing an unprecedented dual challenge: an historically complex and prolonged political deadlock coupled with the need to manage a first-of-its-kind health crisis. What are the solutions and how can Israel’s uniquely vibrant democracy cope with both? In this presentation Ambassador Aharoni will address the unique characteristics of Israel’s political system, pointing to both its advantages and disadvantages trying to answer the question of what will happen in the foreseeable future.

Sunday, October 18 (and continuing for 7 more sessions) 11:30 AM–12:15 PM Learn to lead weekday services and/or to chant Torah. These practical skills-focused classes are set up as units; participants may sign up for one unit or for both. Unit 1: Intro to Chanting Torah with Cantor Bolts October 18, 25, and November 8, 15 Unit 2: Intro to Leading Weekday Services with Cantor Josh November 22, and December 6, 13, 20

Men’s Club members meet monthly for open conversation on personal, societal, cultural, religious, and political, and/or economic concerns.

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.

Join our shlicha, Netta Asner-Minster, for an Israeli movie and discussion, exploring the variety and complexity of Israeli society. We will be watching Salach Shabati, about Mizrachi Jewish immigration and their integration into Israeli society. The discussion that follows will provide more information on this subject and elaborate on the issues expressed in the movie.

(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.

Wednesday, November 18 2:00–3:00 PM Join our shlicha, Netta Asner-Minster, for the second session of ‘Women in Judaism’ for this year. During this session, Netta will be hosting women from different Jewish sects in the U.S. and Israel to share about their practices and beliefs. This session is cosponsored by Sisterhood and Men’s Club.

BYOB and join Rabbi Safra for a thoughtful discussion on Jewish values related to racisim and racial equity.

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.)

Tune in for these special Shabbat morning services with meaningful learning, spirited prayer, and engaging Torah reading. We will be joined by special guests from Ramah New England’s Overnight and DC Day Camp for our tefillot and a fun activity. All are welcome. Contact Rabbi Berkowitz with questions (mhberkowitz@bnaiisraelcong.org).