B'nai Israel Congregation

$36 for members; $50 for nonmembers This is a beginner’s course to help you learn to read Hebrew, with a focus on the Hebrew of the siddur, or prayer book. The course will also explore aspects of Israeli history and culture. The registration includes a copy of the textbook, Aleph Isn’t Tough.

5:00 PM Trivia Contest 6:00 PM Dinner We’ll form teams to compete in a trivia and knowledge contest followed by a dinner of kosher Chinese food. Cosponsored with Sisterhood.

Gather with friends and family to celebrate Hanukkah with food, games, fun, and plenty of lights! This program will feature activities for children of all ages, tots through teens, as well as for our adults.

Noar B'Yachad program for Lessans Talmud Torah teens in grades 7 and up.

7:00 PM Dinner and Candle Lighting 7:30 PM Leadership Circle discussion on B’nai Israel’s upcoming Centennial As B’nai Israel approaches our Centennial Celebration in 2025, we want to hear about what our synagogue has meant to you and what you think our next century should look like. This event is not a solicitation.

Jeanne Purich, President of the Montgomery County Chapter of the Maryland Association for FCE, will explain how this women's organization strengthens MC families and communities. Craft projects, educational scholarships, and collections for veterans are a few of their signature activities. Jeanne will also lead participants in FCE's ever popular no-sew blanket-making project. Since 2002, FCE has donated more than 25,000 blankets. All are welcome, and materials for the activity will be provided.

Rabbi Safra will be in conversation with Rep. David Trone about Washington’s response to the war in Israel, and how Congress is working to address rising antisemitism and other concerns facing the American Jewish community. Individuals are encouraged to submit questions in advance to Susan Grinnan-Long (susang@bnaiisraelcong.org). Rep. David Trone was elected in 2018 to serve Maryland’s Sixth Congressional District, which includes a large swath of Montgomery County where members of our congregation live. Rep. Trone serves on the House Appropriations Committee, Budget Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee. This office hour is arranged through Rep. Trone’s House office, which operates independently of his Senate campaign.

Classes are in-person only at Temple Beth Ami $150 (Registration fee includes a hard copy of the textbook and a class Shabbat dinner at Temple Beth Ami) Back by popular demand! This is an excellent course for those interested in converting to Judaism, non-Jewish family members wanting to learn more to support their Jewish loved ones, and Jewish adults interested in learning (or relearning!) the basics. A multi-denominational journey into the heart of Judaism taught by Metro DC-area rabbis representing a variety of Jewish affiliations. No matter your background, this course is here to guide you on your Jewish journey. Whether you’re soul-searching or seeking your community, the program will walk you through Judaism’s big ideas and the nuts and bolts of daily Jewish living. Presented by The Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies.

In-Person and Zoom Event With all the news about Jews today: Anti- Semitism in the Diaspora, political strife and popular protest in Israel, the demonization of Israel and Zionism in the Arab world, this may be a good time to revisit the thinking that motivated the early Zionist leaders of the 19th and 20th Centuries. In part one of the class we will review the writings of the early thinkers: Ben-Yehudah, Pinkser, Zunz, Herzl, Nordau, Ginsburg (Ehad Ha’Am). What events were they responding to? What did nationalism and self-determination look like after 2000 years of exilic existence? We will see if their thoughts can help us understand today’s events. Presented by the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies.

Join us for Hanukkah fun featuring Cantor Josh and friends accompanied by Jules Levine, plus songs and jokes with Sharon Doner and Cantor Josh.

Through 4 sessions, participants will go on a journey covering modern day challenges faced by the State of Israel. From the cost of living, to national security and more, we will discuss major challenges facing Israeli society today, and what are the breakthroughs in these fields. This event is the third of four in the series, Israel: Challengers and Breakthroughs Series.

Celebrate Shabbat with a community of song! Join us for a potluck Shabbat dinner followed by soulful singing led by Cantor Sarah Bolts. All attendees are expected to contribute a vegetarian (parve or dairy) dish for the potluck dinner.

This event is for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade and will take place at B'nai Israel. Popcorn, pizza, and a movie while you go out on the town!