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.

It’s never too late! Join us for a journey of Jewish exploration which will include meaningful engagement with prayer, inspiring study of our sacred texts, and skill-building. This journey will begin in January 2020 with Cantor Sarah Bolts and Cantor Josh Perlman’s class, Pathways to Prayer. The Adult B’nai Mitzvah journey will take about one year to complete. Interested in participating? Not sure if you are a candidate for this program? Contact Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz with any questions or concerns.

Jay Silberg, a partner in Pillsbury Law and an expert in the nuclear industry field, will discuss the prospects of a deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia that will give the kingdom access to nuclear power (but not nuclear weapons) and will encourage the monarchy to join other Arab nations in the Abraham Accords with Israel. Breakfast will be served.

I’m reaching out to invite you to a special event specifically for teens on Sunday, January 7 at 12:30 PM, just after Sunday morning Talmud Torah. We will be meeting with our friends from JUFJ, Jews United for Justice, to learn more about their work on the YES Act (addressing issues of youth justice in Maryland) and how our Jewish values motivate this work. We’ll provide you with lunch (probably pizza or Shouk, so let me know if you have a preference!), and we’ll spend time learning about how you can get involved with this work. Finally, we’ll draft a D’var Torah about this issue to be delivered during Shabbat morning services at B’nai Israel on Teen Shabbat, Saturday, January 27. I hope you can make it! Click here to complete this short form to RSVP. Let me know if you have any questions.

To Life is a look at five Israeli organizations dedicated to helping people across the globe. This is a story about Israel you won’t see in the news. In keeping with the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam (repairing the world), Israel has been at the forefront of humanitarian and disaster relief work since the 1950s, less than a decade after becoming a nation. Since then, the Jewish State has provided humanitarian aid around the world.

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

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.

Come together with other like-minded individuals for a morning of crafting and schmoozing. Bring whatever project you are currently working on (knitting, crocheting, needlepointing, drawing, scrapbooking, origami, or other creative technique). There will also be an opportunity to participate in a knitting/crochet blanket project for charity (all materials provided). We will meet in the Blumberg-Zalis Family Library which has comfy chairs and ample table space. For more information, contact Melissa Menschik (mblochmen@gmail.com). Please register below.

12:00 PM BYO Dairy Lunch 12:30–1:30 PM Program Join us for a presentation on how two distinct groups from the Canadian Maritimes and the Caribbean came together as a result of tragic but different political circumstances to greatly challenge and energize our growing region.