B'nai Israel Congregation

B’nai Israel clergy teach our 6th grade students about the mitzvah of tefillin, including how to properly wear them. Tefillin will be available for purchase at a generous discount thanks to the generosity of the Dollye and I. Wolford Berman Educational Initiative Grant. These workshops are open to all B’nai Israel 6th graders.

*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.

Join us if you are interested in learning more about the committee’s work and how you might get involved. This meeting will be hybrid, in-person at B'nai Israel and via Zoom. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants before the meeting.

$36/member; $50/nonmember The Degenerate Art exhibit (Entartete Kunst) opened on July 19, 1937 in Munich. Showcasing what the Nazis considered to be the ‘art of decay’, it featured over 650 pieces from a collection of nearly 20,000 works confiscated from German museums. Most artists represented were masters of modern art, including figures like Marc Chagall, Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso and Oskar Kokoschka, as well as German artists like Max Beckmann, Georg Grosz, and even Emil Nolde, who was himself a Nazi Party member. This course will examine the antisemitic history and ideology behind the exhibit while exploring the art and artists at its heart. NAOMI DAREMBLUM, originally from Costa Rica, is a specialist in Latin American and European history. She has held teaching appointments at New York University and the New School. She is currently teaching courses on history, art and politics at Montgomery College’s Life Learning Institute and Johns Hopkins Osher program.

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.

All (not just the ladies!) are welcome to come play Mah Jongg, Canasta, Bridge, or another favorite game (Rummikub or poker, anyone?). Contact Sue Edwards (suzied25@gmail.com) or Beverly Markowitz (beverly.markowitz@yahoo.com).

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).

An annual festival of food prepared by the Men’s Club.

All B’nai Israel Third Grade students and families are invited to participate in Haggigat HaSefer, a moving ceremony designed to bring our B’nai Israel families together, allowing for students to step into their next level of ownership of their Jewish faith and tradition. This ceremony is followed by an all family dinner.

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

Join us for a joyous and meaningful Adult B’nai Mitzvah Shabbat Morning Service, as members of our community celebrate their commitment to Jewish learning and tradition. This special milestone marks the culmination of dedicated study, spiritual growth, and a deepened connection to Judaism. During the service, our Adult B’nai Mitzvah students will participate in the service and share reflections. We will honor their achievements and the powerful reminder that Jewish learning is a lifelong pursuit. A festive Kiddush luncheon will follow the service, offering an opportunity to celebrate together as a community. We invite family, friends, and congregants to join us in uplifting these individuals as they take this meaningful step in their Jewish lives. Mazal Tov to our Adult B’nai Mitzvah class!

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.

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.

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.