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Youth & Teens
YOUTH & TEENS
B’nai Israel Congregation's Carl & Doris Lane Youth Department proudly offers a wide variety of informal programming for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, including three youth groups, retreats, an incredible Purim Carnival, and other unique opportunities to form long-lasting connections. We also offer scholarships for youth to find experiences beyond B’nai Israel.
grades k–6
Elementary-age students always have plenty of opportunities to build their Jewish identity here at B'nai Israel! We offer religious school; monthly social programming through our Bonim, Machar, and Gesher Youth Groups; grade-specific annual events; holiday and weekly Shabbat experiences designed just for them; and more!. Here are a few links to check out:
grades 7–8
The B'nai Mitzvah age is always busy and there are so many ways to continue the connection with B'nai Israel. 7th and 8th Graders are also invited to attend our Shabbat Teen Minyan and have a special Religious School program designed just for them, Noar B'Yachad.
Learn more:
grades 9–12
The high school years are a wonderful time of connection at B'nai Israel. We have a Hebrew High designed specifically with the schedule and interests of teens in mind. Teens can also gain service hours as teaching assistants in our Madrichim/Hadracha program; attend Shabbat Teen Minyan; and enjoy special travel and Shabbaton opportunities. Through our College Connection program, our graduates continue their relationship with B'nai Israel.
Learn more:
upcoming events
Bonim Pizza Making Party
Sunday, Jan 26th 12:30p to 2:30pThe only thing better than a pizza party is one where you get to make your own personalized pizza! Join Bonim in making some delicious masterpieces.
Bonim and Machar Aquarium Trip
Sunday, Feb 16th 12:30p to 5:00pStep into an underwater adventure as we explore the National Aquarium in Baltimore!
Bonim Glow Party (Grades K–2)
Sunday, Apr 6th 12:30p to 2:30pJoin us for an afternoon of glow-in-the-dark fun and music!
Bonim Pool Party (Grades K–2)
Sunday, May 18th 1:30p to 3:00pCome and splash around with your friends in the pool at the Bender JCC!
Pizza and Ice Cream Farewell (Grades K–5)
Sunday, Jun 8th 12:30p to 2:30pJoin us for pizza and ice cream galore, as we say see you next year to Bonim and Machar!
Gesher Lock-in (Grades 6–8)
Motzei Shabbat, Feb 22nd 7:00p to Sunday, Feb 23rd 8:45aWhat kind of things happen at B’nai after hours? Join your friends for a night of fun and games while we “campout” at B’nai!
5th & 6th Grade Kallah
Friday, Mar 21st (All day)All 5th and 6th graders are invited to join B’nai Israel clergy and staff at Pearlstone Retreat Center for a weekend of fun and games! Celebrate Shabbat and get to make new friends on this special weekend away.
Gesher Bowling (Grades 6–8)
Sunday, Mar 30th 12:30p to 4:00pProve that you are the best bowler at B’nai and win some prizes at Bowlero in Gaithersburg.
Gesher Goes Skydiving (Grades 6–8)
Sunday, Apr 6th 4:30p to 7:00pCome fly through the sky with your friends at iFly outdoor skydiving! Limited spots available.
Hershey Park Day (Grades 6–12)
Sunday, May 4th 8:00a to 5:00pCome join your friends for a full day of chocolatey fun at Hershey Park! This event is open to all students in grades 6–12.
Bonim and Machar Aquarium Trip
Sunday, Feb 16th 12:30p to 5:00pStep into an underwater adventure as we explore the National Aquarium in Baltimore!
5th & 6th Grade Kallah
Friday, Mar 21st (All day)All 5th and 6th graders are invited to join B’nai Israel clergy and staff at Pearlstone Retreat Center for a weekend of fun and games! Celebrate Shabbat and get to make new friends on this special weekend away.
Machar Pottery Painting (Grades 3–5)
Sunday, Apr 6th 12:30p to 2:30pMachar is going to Amazing Art Studio to paint our own pottery. Join us and show off your creative skills!
Adventure Park USA (Grades 3–5)
Sunday, May 18th 12:30p to 5:30pLaser tag, arcades, roller coasters, and more! Join Machar for an amazing trip to Adventure Park USA.
Pizza and Ice Cream Farewell (Grades K–5)
Sunday, Jun 8th 12:30p to 2:30pJoin us for pizza and ice cream galore, as we say see you next year to Bonim and Machar!
Teen Shabbat
Shabbat, Jan 25th 9:00a to 12:00pJoin us as we honor our teens and celebrate the ways in which they contribute to the vitality of our congregation.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Feb 8th 10:30a to 11:30aThese 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.
Teens Escape Room (Grades 9–12)
Motzei Shabbat, Feb 8th 6:45p to 8:00pCan you crack the codes and escape from the room? Come find out at Escapology in Pike & Rose. Limited space available.
World Wide Wrap
Sunday, Feb 9th 9:00a to 10:00aLearn how to wrap tefillin as part of this special morning minyan, followed by a learning session about tefillin.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Feb 22nd 10:30a to 11:30aThese 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.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Mar 1st 10:30a to 11:30aThese 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.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Apr 5th 10:30a to 11:30aThese 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.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Apr 19th 10:30a to 11:30aThese 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.
Teen Trip to the Capital Jewish Museum (Grades 9–12)
Sunday, Apr 27th 1:00p to 5:00pJoin B’nai Teens on a visit to the Capital Jewish Museum to learn more about Jewish DC.
Yom HaZikaron for Teens (Grades 9–12)
Tuesday, Apr 29th 6:30p to 7:30pCome join Noar B’Yachad and Teens for a special Yom HaZikaron activity, where we’ll take a meaningful yet interactive look at Israel’s Memorial Day. Through stories, activities, and reflection, we’ll explore the importance of remembering those who sacrificed for Israel’s independence. It’s a chance to connect, reflect, and honor in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
youth scholarship opportunities
QUESTIONS?
We can't wait to hear from you!
Contact:
Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator, 240-221-2515
Tue, January 21 2025
21 Tevet 5785
the latest
Defying Expectations (Parshat Vayechi, January 11) by Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz. Click here for the source sheet.
announcements
Inclement Weather Information
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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
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Explore Our Exciting Adult Education Offerings
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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
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