B’nai Israel is selected to participate in Scientists in Synagogues!
Illuminating the World: The Intersections of Jewish Law and Science
Louis Pasteur said, “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.” As a Jewish community, we are grounded by our ethical obligations to all of humankind, which are rooted in our Torah and sacred writings, compelling us to bring to our congregation and the Greater Washington community conversations that explore the intersections between our Jewish values and the theories and practices of modern science.
After submitting a detailed application and participating in an interview process, B’nai Israel has been selected by Sinai and Synapses to participate in Scientists in Synagogues! Each synagogue receives $5000 for programming, as well as guidance and mentorship from both Sinai and Synapses and AAAS DoSER to run a series of programs addressing issues around science and religion.
The scientists from B’nai who worked with Rabbi Berkowitz on the proposal and who will continue to work on developing our programs and bringing them to the congregation are:
Dr. Marni Hall
Dr. Stephen Hoffman
Dr. Heather Kalish
Dr. Fredric Messing
Dr. Barbara Nelson
Dr. Kim Lee Sim
Dr. Sam Zaremba
This project is part of an international program entitled "Scientists in Synagogues," a grass-roots initiative run by Sinai and Synapses in consultation with the American Association for the Advancement of Science Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion, and funded by the John Templeton Foundation, along with other individual donors.
upcoming events
Community Kick-Off Conversation: God-fearing Scientists and Science-loving Rabbis
Sunday, September 11
7:30–9:00 PM
Click here for details.
Did Covid Change the Rules?
with Dr. Alan Leshner, Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz, Moderated by Dr. Marni Hall
Sunday, April 16
7:30–9:00 PM
Click here for details.
How God Works
with David DeSteno
Sunday, May 21
7:30–9:00 PM
Click here for details.
Sun, December 22 2024
21 Kislev 5785
the latest
The Voice of Jacob and the Hands of Esau (Parashat Toldot, November 30) by Rabbi Michael Safra
announcements
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.
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Friday | 7:15 AM
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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.
