B'nai Israel Congregation

Students will celebrate the wonders of Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel, through music, art, and creative programs.

Experience the magic of the Sammy Spider series from the artist behind this adorable arachnid. The Sammy Spider series, by Sylvia Rouss, presents preschoolers with an engaging introduction to Jewish traditions, by taking the point of view of a spider living in the Shapiro family’s home. Katherine will talk about formative experiences in Israel that led her to become an illustrator of Jewish children’s books. She will also guide us through the pen and paint process of illustrating some of our favorite Jewish children’s book characters. Presented by by the Arts Task Force of the Adult Education Committee.

Netta Asner Minster, our shlicha and Noar B’Yachad teacher, will lead us in a program that explores the transition between a day of mourning to one of joy as we celebrate the creation of the Jewish State.

In 1656, Spinoza’s synagogue issued against him a writ of herem, expulsion from the community, for his “abominable heresies.” Join us for a dramatic reading of New Jerusalem, David Ives’ play which depicts this ordeal, and which will lead us to deeper investigation of Spinoza’s thought. Class participants will receive a copy of the play and will take turns playing the characters during each of the sessions. The weekly reading and conversation about Spinoza will be facilitated by Daniel Spiro, local author and founder of the Washington D.C. Spinoza Society.

$75 Friends of the Haberman Institute or B’nai Israel Members $90 General Public A scan of the Books of Israelite Prophets seems to indicate that Jonah, despite his reluctance, was one of the most successful of Hebrew Prophets. It is a shame that most Jews only encounter his narrative on Yom Kippur afternoon, at the end of a day of fasting, when perhaps attentiveness is not at its best. We will take our time to unpack the Book of Jonah and give it the attention Jonah didn’t want. Please have a Tanakh (Hebrew Bible, English translation is fine) for this course. Presented by the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies.

Be a guest artist at The Jewish Federation’s Community Shlichim’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut Musical Masterclass on Thursday, April 22 at 7:00 PM! Popular Israeli hip-hop band Jimbo J welcomes music lovers from our community for a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Hear from Jimbo, the band’s talented lead vocalist and writer, as he breaks down the process of writing and composing some of his most popular songs, and how pressing Israeli issues inspire his work. Register today! https://www.shalomdc.org/shlichim-masterclass

Author Carolivia Herron will discuss current dynamic intersections of African American and Jewish cultures including Black-Jewish relations today and how it will be impacted by Vice President Kamala Harris, who is an interracial woman in an interfaith marriage.

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

Rabbi Safra will lead a learners’ service where he will explore the meaning behind the prayers of the siddur and the Torah service.