B'nai Israel Congregation

The ADL exclusive Signature Synagogue divisional webinar series begins on December 2nd at 5:30pm with a webinar entitled “Antisemitic Tropes Across the Globe.” In it, you will hear from experts Shaya Lerner, ADL’s Associate Director for Middle Eastern Affairs, and David Weinberg, Washington Director for International Affairs. Learn about antisemitic tropes across the globe and the ways they manifest from various governments. After the presentation there will be time for Q&A from the participants. Every person must register in advance to attend the webinar. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register here

Wednesday, December 2 (and continuing for 7 more sessions, skipping December 24 and 31) 7:30 PM Explore the major historical periods and events of Jewish history, beginning with the biblical period and up until 1917. Make your way through the Jewish communities of Babylonia, Spain, the Middle East, and Europe. This class serves as introduction to a course in the spring of 2021, Israel’s Milestones, presented by the Hartman Institute.

(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.

Come and build a community of song by singing old and new melodies.

These monthly sessions will explore Israel’s most daring operations. Each session will delve into the specifics of events such as the raid at Entebbe, the trial of Eichmann, and the work of Eli Cohen. The sessions will be supplemented with adaptations of these operations from movies and shows. Sessions continue on October 21, November 11, December 3, and January 28.

Engage with the weekly parsha during these interactive discussions led by community members and by clergy. Contact Wendy Fanaroff with questions (wfanaroff@gmail.com).

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.)