B'nai Israel Congregation

Learn how to wrap tefillin as part of this special morning minyan, followed by a workshop about the “inner-workings” of tefillin, led by Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz.

Join us as we continue our study of Berakhot, which includes a comprehensive discussion of the Shema and Amidah, the essential components of the prayer service. Newcomers are more than welcome to join us. No prior knowledge is necessary.

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

$36/members; $50/nonmembers While demographic surveys bemoan the decline of the institutions of the Conservative movement, they suggest that the ideology of Conservative Judaism—a centrist approach that values traditional Jewish norms alongside secularizing influences—is alive and well. This short course will explore the history and ideas that created the Conservative movement. Through case studies, we will explore how the halakhic process informs our approach to issues of modernity. Our last session will look to the future and explore the positive and negative ramifications of change. February 13 – The History and Ideas of the Conservative Movement February 20 – Case Study: Driving to the Synagogue on Shabbat February 27 – Case Study: LGBTQ+ March 19 – The Future of Conservative Judaism: Are We Still a Halakhic Movement?

Join us on zoom for an information session with Rabbi Randy Brown. Register to receive the link.

$150 (Registration includes a hard copy of the textbook and a class Shabbat dinner at Beth El) 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, 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. Presented by The Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies.

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.

Celebrate our congregation’s commitment to inclusion of all community members. David Ervin is the CEO of Makom, a community provider organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Maryland and Virginia. With more than 35 years in the field, David is extensively published and speaks internationally on health equity and healthcare systems for people with IDD, organization development and transformation, and other areas of expertise. David is a consulting editor for three peer-review/juried journals, serves on a number of policy and practice committees, including the American Assoc. on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/The Arc of the USJoint Committee on Long Term Services and Supports, and serves on the Boards of Directors for The Council on Quality and Leadership and his synagogue, Kol Shalom. He’s an occasionally avid cyclist and is addicted to yardwork and (proper) football.

Join us on selected Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM for discussions about the weekly Torah parsha. Interested in leading a session? Contact Wendy Fanaroff. September 9 – Nitzavim/Vayeilech with Eric Luftman September 23 – Ha'azinu with Wendy Fanaroff October 14 – Breshit with Alan Siegel October 28 – Lech Lecha with Fonda Lowe November 4 – Vayera with Matt Lowe November 11 – Chaye Sarah with Adrienne Rulnick December 2 – Vayishlach with Rabbi Stone December 16 – Miketz with Judy Saks January 6 – Shemot with Rabbi Safra January 20 – Bo with Larry Kravitz