B'nai Israel Congregation

See who is the champion in Laser Tag.

The Abraham Accords between Israel and its Arab neighbors are a natural outcome of recent trends in the Middle East. During much of the 20th century, Israel was perceived by the Middle Eastern powers as the main enemy, and several wars were fought in the name of defending Palestine. However, the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the 2003 Iraq War, and Arab Spring uprisings shifted power centers and regional priorities. For many Arab states, curbing Iranian influence, focusing on economic and political domestic issues, and countering violent extremist organizations have taken precedence. Indeed, some Arab rulers have come to perceive Israel as a potential ally. This lecture will provide a historical context of Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbors and analyze how recent trends have shifted regional priorities. It will conclude with observations about the latest agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, and how they will impact the region. Michael Sharnoff is Associate Professor at the National Defense University’s Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies. Prior to joining NESA, he served as Associate Professor of Middle East Studies and Director of Regional Studies at the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security. While at DMGS, Dr. Sharnoff taught graduate courses on the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Arab Spring uprisings, and radical Islamist movements. He publishes frequently on the Middle East and his articles have appeared in popular domestic and international media outlets. He is the founder of Sharnoff’s Global Views, an op-ed forum on foreign affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in Middle East Studies from King’s College, London, and is the author of Nasser’s Peace: Egypt’s Response to the 1967 War with Israel (Routledge, 2017).

In large measure, the Bible describes how one people emerged from among all the others to become God’s chosen people. And yet the prophet Malachi asks, “Did not one God create us all?!” (Malachi 2:10). We are commanded to be holy and observe unique rituals and laws. God promises to rout our enemies, redeem us from exile, and bless us as “a nation that dwells apart” (Numbers 23:9). At the same time, the Torah commands that we love the stranger. The Bible commands that we rout Amalek and warns against the influences of non-Israelite cultures, while also lionizing such righteous gentiles as Noah, Yitro, Ruth, and Job. Ezra and Nehemiah rail against the evils of intermarriage, while the authors of Ruth, Esther, and Isaiah propose an alternative view. This course uses the biblical text to explore ancient views of non-Israelite peoples and religions. We will examine of the Torah’s attitudes towards assimilation, intermarriage, and the place of non-Jews to reflect on the appropriate balance between Judaism’s tribalist and universalist tendencies. All texts will be provided, but participants who own their own Tanakh are encouraged to bring it to class. This course is appropriate for students of all skill levels; no previous experience with Bible study is necessary.

To attend this service, please contact Allison to reserve your space.

General Membership meeting followed by a presentation from I Support the Girls in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. We will be collecting menstrual hygiene products and new and gently used bras. Join us afterwards for a Souper Girl soup lunch. The mission of I Support the Girls: “Through an international network of Affiliates, I Support the Girls collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women and girls experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity.” For more information, visit isupporthegirls.org. Cosponsored with the Social Action Committee.

Hope Valley by Haviva Ner David Hope Valley is the story of two women, one Jewish-Israeli and one Palestinian-Israeli, who come together to form the unlikeliest of friendships. Tikvah and Ruby meet one summer day right before the outbreak of the 2nd intifada, in the Galilean valley that separates the segregated villages in which they live. In recognizing each other's pain, they offer us hope that fear and resentment can grow into love.

Join us for an important discussion on understanding and responding to antisemitism and extremism led by Meredith R. Weisel, the Senior Associate Regional Director at the ADL Washington, D.C. Regional Office. Ms. Weisel will discuss the recent trends in antisemitism, including the 2020 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents.

Hang out. Do homework. Catch up with friends. And enjoy some snacks and drinks, of course. Open to all teens in Grades 9-12, regardless of where you go to school.

The Answers to Your Questions and Then a Whole New Set of Questions A multi-denominational journey into the heart of Judaism taught by seven Metro DC-area rabbis representing the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox movements. No matter your background, the Miller Intro to Judaism Program, developed by American Jewish University, is here to guide you on your Jewish journey. Whether you’re soul-searching or seeking your community, the Intro Program will walk you through Judaism’s big ideas and the nuts and bolts of daily Jewish living. We know you have questions—so do we—and we can’t wait to discuss them all with you. Join us in person or participate online!

Join our Shlicha, Netta Asner-Minster, and Talia Garber, the Shlicha at Congregation B’nai Tzedek who also has a film degree from Israel, virtually for this series focusing on Israeli TV shows. Once a month, September through December, we will be showing an episode from a different Israeli TV show. This will be followed with a discussion about cinematography, Israeli society and history, sharing the variety of Israeli TV and the meaning behind it.

Ever wonder where "traditional" melodies for Shabbat services come from? Come discover some familiar Kabbalat Shabbat melodies in their original contexts, and learn some older music that you may not have heard before.

Join us on selected Saturday mornings for discussions about the weekly Torah parsha. Interested in leading a session? Contact Wendy Fanaroff (wfanaroff@gmail.com).

Now offered almost every week, Family Minyan includes spirited prayer, an engaging Torah reading, and lively conversation about the weekly Torah portion. This service is organized by our shlicha, Netta Asner-Minster, who leads it alongside Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz, Moshe Ben-Lev, Educational Director, and Sarah Jarvis, Director of Youth Engagement.