Blumberg-Zalis Family Library
Welcome to the Blumberg-Zalis Family Library—Washington’s Premier synagogue Library, and a beautiful setting for reading, learning, and relaxing. Having received and maintained an Advanced Accreditation by the Association of Jewish Libraries since 2014 and recognized with a Solomon Schechter Gold Award from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, our library supports the curricula of the Schilit Nursery School, the Lessans Talmud Torah, Noar B’Yachad, and teen and adult education programs. Programs include book reviews, book discussion, visiting authors, movies and more, all free of charge and everyone is welcome.
The library has several reading areas with tables, chairs, upholstered furniture and, in the children’s section, lovely, carpeted steps. The collection totaling over 15,000 items feature fiction and nonfiction books, DVD’s, magazines, and periodicals. In addition to an extensive collection of Holocaust materials for all ages, there are books covering topics, such as Jewish ethics, parenting, spirituality, feminism, literature, folklore medicine, life cycles, grief, cookbooks and so much more.
The second floor of the library is a Beit Midrash (a hall dedicated for Torah study) and includes different editions of Talmud, encyclopedias, and other texts of Judaic scholarly interest.
Members and nonmembers are always welcome. Nonmembers, while able to enjoy the library during library hours, may also check out books for a small yearly fee. There is no charge to members. If you cannot make it in during library hours, feel free to email the librarian to set up an appointment.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Library Hours
Sunday 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Monday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM–6:30 PM
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday by appointment. Send an email to Jill.
Click here for our online catalog.
for upcoming library programs Click here.
New Arrivals
Coming soon!
Seasonal & Relevant Reads
Coming soon!
library features
Chod Media Center
Features a network of computers available to congregants of all ages.
Children’s Library
A colorful kid-friendly seating area to enjoy our wonderful collection of children’s books for all ages and abilities.
Thu, November 21 2024
20 Cheshvan 5785
the latest
Clarity of Vision: The Legacy of Abraham (November 16, Parashat Vayiera) by Rabbi Cheryl Stone
announcements
Happy Thanksgiving from B’nai Israel
Morning Minyan on Thanksgiving Day will be at 9:00 AM. On Friday, November 29, Minyan is at our regular 7:15 AM time.
Thanks for voting us Best of Jewish Washington! Named 2024 Best Preschool, Children & Teen Programming, Alternative Shabbat Service, and Judaica Shop! Learn more.
Adult Civil Rights Trip February 10–12
Led by Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz Learn more here.
Adult March of the Living Trip April 22–May 1, 2025
Join us on the journey from darkness to light. Learn more.
NEW Hebrew High Launches for Grades 9–12
Our program is designed with the interests and schedules of teens in mind. Check it out.
Schilit Nursery School AND Lessans Talmud Torah registration for 2024–2025 is open!
Very limited spaces remain for our 2024–25 Schilit Nursery School — we can't wait to meet you! Registration is also open for our Lessans Talmud Torah (Grades K–8).
B'nai Israel First Synagogue in North America to Install RightHear, supporting those who are blind or low vision.
Read our press release here.
NEW Resource: Fighting Antisemitism
Raise Awareness, Educate, and Act to stop antisemitism. Learn more.
Join Our Shabbat Morning Livestream
Click here to access.
Explore Our Exciting Adult Education Offerings
Learn more here.
shabbat services
Friday | 6:15 PM (7:00 PM during Summer) Access via Zoom (password 6301)
Saturday | 9:00 AM & 12:30 PM (Minha) Access via Livestream
weekday services
Sunday | 9:00 AM & 8:00 PM
Monday–Thursday | 7:15 AM & 8:00 PM
Friday | 7:15 AM
*Service times vary on holidays.
Click here for access information.
inclement weather policy
Click here for information.
Join Our Mailing List
We are accessible
B’nai Israel is proud to be accessible to all.
Large print siddurim, assistive listening devices and page magnifiers are readily available. Our entire building and grounds are wheelchair accessible. We can provide sign language interpreters upon request and subject to availability.
