B'nai Israel Congregation

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?

$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.

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

During Kiddush (approximately 12:00 PM) Benaya Cherlow, a 27-year-old, has returned to Washington after completing 105 days of reserve duty in Gaza and Lebanon, where he served as an armor officer with the rank of captain. Prior to his military service, Cherlow worked as a fellow in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, focusing on issues concerning Israel, combating anti-Semitism, and the nuclear agreement with Iran. On October 7, he was called up for mandatory service in Israel. Cherlow holds a bachelor's degree with honors in decision-making and strategy. He possesses Israeli, American, and German citizenships. His family history includes grandparents who fled the Holocaust to the USA, and his mother was born in Lebanon within the Jewish community, providing him proficiency in Hebrew, English, and Arabic.

All B’nai Israel 4th Grade families are invited to celebrate Havdalah Under the Stars as we wish farewell to Shabbat and greet the week ahead with song and community.