B'nai Israel Congregation

Screen the movie at home anytime from January 4–11. Join in the discussion led by Meredith Weisel of the ADL on Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 PM.

One of the many racial equity issues exacerbated by COVID-19 has been educational inequity and the learning gap experienced by Black, Brown and poor children. In September, disproportionately greater numbers of Hispanic/Latinx and Black children in Montgomery County were not logging in to class. Failure rates in our public schools are now skyrocketing. Identity-run Wellness Centers at Gaithersburg and Watkins Mill High Schools opened two “study bubbles” at nearby Recreation Centers. Thirty students were recruited, each with significant barriers to success caused or exacerbated by online learning. Center Staff monitor the students and provide art and other enrichment activities, including opportunities for Student Service Learning (SSL) credits. Instead of learning in isolation, the teens can connect with others from their school and with trusted adults. We are collecting warm winter hats/gloves/scarves, socks, toiletry items, and small games for these students. If you shop on our Amazon or Target wish lists, you can choose to have donations shipped directly to B’nai Israel. Donations can be dropped off at B’nai Israel on SUNDAY JANUARY 17th from 10am to 12 noon. You can also contribute directly to Identity here. Please put “B’nai Israel” in the comments box. For more information, contact Deedee Jacobsohn.

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

Screen the movie at home anytime from January 4–11. Join in the discussion led by Meredith Weisel of the ADL on Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 PM.

Screen the movie at home anytime from January 4–11. Join in the discussion led by Meredith Weisel of the ADL on Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 PM.

On the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, please join the Men's Club and the Sisterhood when we welcome back our B'nai member, David Sotsky, to discuss Merrill Lynch Chief Investment Office’s views on what lies ahead for the markets and the economy as well as provide insights to help navigate portfolio construction in this changing environment. As a senior advisor for Merrill Lynch David has given several presentations for the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is excited to do the same for our congregation.

Screen the movie at home anytime from January 4–11. Join in the discussion led by Meredith Weisel of the ADL on Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 PM.

The Book of Esther, at best, gets looked at by observing Jews for a few days before Purim, on the holiday itself, and then rarely if at all. The story itself is rich and complex and is related to other Biblical books in ways not usually discussed while celebrating Purim. During this deeper dive, we will look into some of the literary aspects of Esther, some of the politics simmering between the lines, and deal with the Jewish diety’s absence from the book. Please have a Tanakh (Hebrew Bible, English translation is fine) for this course. Instructor: Steve Kerbel Eight Wednesday Mornings 9:30 - 11:00 AM January 6 - February 24, 2021 $90 Haberman Institute Friends, B’nai Israel Members $105 General Public Location: This class will take place in an online classroom. Students will receive the Zoom link prior to the first session.

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.

Judaism teaches us about the importance of tzedakah, righteous giving. But how much of our money do we give away? To whom do we give? Do we give a few large donations, or many smaller ones? Learn about the values that animate a practical approach to tzedakah. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/2125430584

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