B'nai Israel Congregation

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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.

$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.

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.

This is an extraordinary moment for the Middle East. While October 7 will forever be a devastating reminder of the power of hatred, the world is witnessing tectonic changes. Israel and its Arab partners now have an opportunity to reshape the region for generations to come, and regional stakeholders are facing an inflection point: do they allow the forces of radicalization and division to return, or do they use this moment to build a more stable, more interconnected Middle East? This program will examine the key opportunities and challenges facing the region at this critical juncture and the potential pathways toward lasting peace and cooperation.

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.

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.