B'nai Israel Congregation

$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.

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.

Is the Talepco Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, riddled with senior executives committing high crimes and felonies? Follow poker-playing CFO Harry Thompson as he puts aside the usual assets and liabilities to solve the mystery of how his best friend was debited, permanently. But who’s got it in for Harry? Spreadsheets sound boring until they are wielded like deadly weapons. The good guy’s number was up. But will a bad guy be put into a cell?

$150 materials fee All B’nai Israel members (11 years and older) are invited to attend a three-session workshop to envision, design, and create their own unique silk painted tallit. This amazing opportunity reinforces the concept of l’dor vador, from generation to generation, and creates a stronger bond in anticipation of upcoming b’nai mitzvah. It is also an opportunity for an individual to practice hiddur mitzvah (beautifying a mitzvah), raising their spiritual practice to a higher level. Participants must attend all three dates.

$10 materials fee Women connecting with women! Take some time for yourself—run those errands early, line up a babysitter if needed, and invite a friend or two to join you. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones in a relaxed and creative setting. Led by Rabbi Cheryl Stone, we’ll be painting a beautiful glass goblet that can be used on your Seder table. Miriam’s cup? Elijah’s cup? Kiddush cup? It’s up to you! Wine, soft beverages, and light snacks will be served.

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

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.

A welcoming, inclusive environment for Jewish women to connect, share, and support one another. (Like a book club but without the homework!)

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.

On April 8, 1903, on the southwestern border of Tsarist Russia in the town of Kishinev, there was a mild disturbance against local Jews. But the next day, and for half the next, violence escalated. Gangs of 10 or 20 armed with hatchets and knives stormed through the town’s narrow streets and into its courtyards, where Jewish families defended themselves with garden implements and other meager weapons. In the end, 49 Jews were killed, an untold number of Jewish women were raped, and 1,500 Jewish homes were damaged. The Kishinev Pogrom of 1903 became synonymous with the worst horrors of Diaspora persecution. Given the events of October 7, 2023, The Sobeloff Jewish Law Society thought it would be worthwhile to revisit and learn about this historical event. On March 5, 2025 at 7:30 p,m. we will be presenting an in-person lecture by Rabbi Dovid Katz, Ph.D. of Beth Abraham Congregation in Baltimore and a professor of Jewish History at Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland. The event will be held in the Goldberg Youth Chapel at B’nai Israel Congregation, 6301 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland. There will also be a Zoom presentation by Scott D. Seligman, who will discuss his article published in Forward Magazine entitled The Night New York’s Chinese Went Out for the Jews. The article tells the amazing story of a benefit performance at the Chinese Theater for the victims of the Kishinev Pogrom organized by Chinese businessman who found common ground with oppressed Jews based on the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. In addition, the Ambassador of Moldova, the country where Kishinev was located, will be joining us for the evening. Please mark your calendar for what promises to be an extremely informative evening.

In this series, we will explore different voices and perspectives from various segments of Israeli society in light of the ongoing situation in Israel. DR. BENJI DAVIS is the Israel Institute Teaching and Research Fellow at George Mason University. An American-born Israeli, Benji’s research is at the forefront of academic discourse on the philosophy and pedagogy of Israel education. Benji is a proud alumnus of USY, Camp Ramah in California, and Solomon Schechter. Benji holds degrees from George Washington University, Hebrew University, and the University of Haifa. Benji recently relocated from Jerusalem to the Washington, DC area for a postdoctoral fellowship, accompanied by his wife and their three daughters.

Join 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).

$36/member; $50/nonmember Did you know that Pharaoh later becomes the King of Nineveh in Jonah? Or that Abraham’s later wife, Keturah, is actually Hagar? The ancient rabbis loved to identify these time travelers of the text. Explore some of these fascinating characters of the text, and see why our sages tell us that two characters, sometimes separated by time and space, are really one and the same.

12:00 PM BYO Dairy Lunch 12:30–1:30 PM Program Join us for a discussion about renowned American songwriters, Kander and Ebb, as told by Fred Ebb’s niece, Cathy Bernard, a patron of the arts. CATHY BERNARD is the President of HCM Corporation, a real estate management and investment firm, and founder of the Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards. Ms. Bernard is a philanthropist and active volunteer in the community. Ms. Bernard is the niece of Fred Ebb–the renowned American songwriter. She believes in the exceptional talent in the DMV and is committed to uplifting the region’s arts and entertainment sector. Ms. Bernard is the Chair of the Board of Directors at The Upcounty Hub and serves on the Board of Directors for Sunflower Bakery.

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.

Experience a different approach to Shabbat morning prayers. With a mixture of song, meditation, and discussion, we will explore an intentional path to enhance your prayer practice. Mindfulness Meditation helps us to connect to our Jewish values, creating greater perception in our minds for a connection to the Divine.

Family Minyan includes spirited prayer, an engaging Torah reading, and lively conversation about the weekly Torah portion. There is no better way to prepare your child for their bar or bat mitzvah and build community connections than regular Shabbat attendance. This service is led by clergy and staff, including Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz and Rabbi Cheryl Stone.

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.