B'nai Israel Congregation

B'nai Israel will be providing lunch for the residents of the Crabbs Branch Interfaith Works Women's Shelter. We need your help in supplying various parts of the meal. Items can be purchased or prepared in your home. The item should serve 6 to 8 people and be in disposable pans. Cosponsored by Men’s Club and Sisterhood.

The Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington Unity Walk Sunday September 8 12:30-5:30 PM Washington Hebrew Congregation, 5935 Macomb Street NW B’nai Israel is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s walk, which will begin at Washington Hebrew and end at the Islamic Center of Washington (2551 Massachusetts Avenue NW). The day’s programs include a Family Workshop and Service Project, Speed Dialogues and a Guided Mediation and Ritual. Tickets are $10 to participate.

In Jews, Judaism and Success, religion scholar Robert Eisen attempts to solve a fascinating and tantalizing mystery that he argues has never been adequately explained: the record of accomplishments that Jews have amassed in the modern Western world. Eisen’s explanation is based on the premise that the West itself succeeded in the modern era because it developed several key values: autonomy, freedom of thought, worldliness, and education. Jewish culture, he argues, fostered these same values earlier and in more developed form than the West did, and so Jews were unusually prepared to succeed when they became part of modern Western society. Eisen wrote this book in spite of the recent rise of antisemitism because “uncovering truths about the human experience past and present is critical for the health of human civilization.”

*Every Monday when B’nai Israel offices are open.

Dr. Yizhar Hess is Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization. From 2007–2020 Yizhar served as the Executive Director of the Masorti Movement in Israel. He earned a BA from Hebrew University, a law degree from the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, an MA in Jewish Studies from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem, and his PhD in Sociology and Education from Sussex University in Brighton, England. Yizhar is a 10th generation Jerusalemite.

Hilarious and surprising, this unapologetically Jewish story delivers a present-day take on a highly creative grandmother trying to find a husband (a doctor—with a yarmulke—of course) for her granddaughter.

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.

Abraham and Sarah are both in a relationship with God, but each has a unique relationship unlike the other. What can we learn from the interactions between God, Abraham, and Sarah, and what does this teach us about our own efforts to engage with God on the High Holidays?

Richard Conway and David Patterson have been serving to protect our synagogue for many years. We honor them on September 11, a day that remembers the fallen heroes who rushed to protect innocent lives on that fateful day, with a plaque prepared by JNF-USA. In 2009, JNF-USA built a 9/11 memorial in the foothills of Jerusalem. Join us to honor Richard at the conclusion of our morning minyan, approximately 7:45 AM. Join us to honor David at the conclusion of our evening minyan, approximately 8:10 PM.

Celebrate the start of a new year with the Men’s Club! Enjoy pizza and beer for all, both returning and new members, at 7 Locks Brewing in Rockville.

Richard Conway and David Patterson have been serving to protect our synagogue for many years. We honor them on September 11, a day that remembers the fallen heroes who rushed to protect innocent lives on that fateful day, with a plaque prepared by JNF-USA. In 2009, JNF-USA built a 9/11 memorial in the foothills of Jerusalem. Join us to honor Richard at the conclusion of our morning minyan, approximately 7:45 AM. Join us to honor David at the conclusion of our evening minyan, approximately 8:10 PM.

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). We meet in the library, which has comfy chairs and ample table space, on the second Thursday of the month. For more information and to RSVP, contact Melissa Menschik (mblochmen@gmail.com).

Steve, an active member of B’nai Israel, will lead a discussion about the Manhattan Project, one of the most important projects ever undertaken by the United States. Steve will focus on several men and women who played a pivotal role to make such a complex, multifaceted project a success.

Help to welcome our new congregational shlicha to B’nai Israel with food, shmoozing, and fun. Learn more about Yuval, her vision for shlichut, and how you can be involved in more Israel-related projects and initiatives.

B’nai Israel’s Gold Kippah Honor Society recognizes students for their proficiency in various prayers. New this year: Pre-b’nai mitzvah students will be “buddied” up with a post-b’nai mitzvah student. Older students will mentor younger students to build stronger tefillah skills while fostering friendships across grades, role modeling, and building an integrated community. Click here for more Gold Kippah information including the Gold Kippah Siddur and audio files.

10:00 AM Brunch 10:30 AM Program We are excited to welcome everyone back for Shabbat youth and family services this fall

Designed for the youngest members of our congregational family, Tot Shabbat meets weekly to sing, learn, and pray together with Tot Shabbat leaders, Morah Juliann Goldman and Lily Pollack. Beginning July 1, this service is followed by a Family Kiddush.