B'nai Israel Congregation

B’nai Israel members David Becker, executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, and Jonathan Salant, an award-winning veteran Washington political reporter, will talk about the year in politics and look ahead. Breakfast will be served.

Although the b’nai mitzvah process involves a great deal of effort on the part of the students, parents are a crucial part of the experience as well. Whether you are going through the process for the first time or you feel like you have it all under control, the B’nai Mitzvah Parents’ Field Guide is designed to engage all parents of 5th–7th graders in conversations and learning sessions with one another, facilitated by our clergy.

$36/member; $50/nonmember There are many ways to understand the oft-cited statistic that Jews are the least “prayerful” of all religious communities in America. This course unpacks some of the mysteries of the traditional prayer service in an effort to alleviate discomfort in the synagogue. We will begin with an overview of the structures of Jewish prayer and then examine several of our most popular prayers. We will use Lev Shalem, the newest siddur of the Conservative movement, and find ways to use its tools to find meaning and otherwise enhance the prayer experience.

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

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

Wednesday, February 5 (continuing 14 more weeks, concluding May 28) 7:00–8:30 PM at Ohr Kodesh Congregation $150/person (includes textbook) Whether you want to learn more about your heritage, are considering converting, or are eager to incorporate more Judaism into your life, this course is for you. Throughout this 15-week course, students of all ages and backgrounds explore significant topics: rituals, holidays, Torah and values. Each cohort is guided by a multi-denominational team of rabbis who bring the past, present, and future together—including B’nai Israel’s own Rabbi Michael Safra, Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz, and Rabbi Cheryl Stone. Presented by The Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies.

Celebrate each month’s birthdays at the end of Youth & Family services with songs and treats!

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

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.

These services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, often including tefillah and discussion, with support from staff and clergy.

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.