B'nai Israel Congregation

welcome to B'nai israel

Founded in 1925, B’nai Israel has been a major presence in the Washington area for generations. Our talented clergy and staff, creative and innovative programming, and magnificent facility are well known. Anyone who enters the building can sense our commitment to children and adults of all ages through our multiple weekly Shabbat Magic youth services, impressive schools and youth groups, and top-notch educational programs for adults.

But B’nai Israel is much more. We are a caring community that supports members in times of need and celebrates life’s joyous moments together. We inspire individuals and assist them in charting their own spiritual journeys. We engage in the larger community, doing our part to improve the world and sustain the institutions of Jewish life here and in Israel.

I invite you to explore our website to learn more about all that B’nai Israel has to offer. And I hope that you will be in touch … to tell us about yourself, ask questions, and be an integral a part of this special community.

We aspire to be your home for Jewish life.

Michael J. Safra
Senior Rabbi

Meet Our clergy

Michael J. Safra
Senior Rabbi

Mitchell H. Berkowitz
Associate Rabbi

Josh C. Perlman
Hazzan

Sarah Bolts
Associate
Hazzan/Music Director

Tue, January 25 2022
23 Shevat 5782

LIvestream

Shabbat Services:
Fridays at 6:15 PM
Saturdays at 9:00 AM

announcements

B'nai Israel Mourns the Passing of Cantor Robert Kieval
Click here for more information and arrangements.

Inclement Weather Policy and Updates
Click here.

Operational Updates Due to Omicron Variant - Registration Required for Shabbat Services
Click here.

B’nai Israel Wins 2021 Best of Jewish Washington Awards! Thank you for voting us Best Preschool, Best Hebrew School, Best Senior Programming..and more! Learn More.

The Dr. Stuart Lessans Talmud Torah
B'nai Israel is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dr. Stuart Lessans Talmud Torah in honor of Dr. Lessans' recent endowment commitment to the future of Jewish education at B'nai Israel. Learn more.

Racial Justice
Check out all of the resources on our newly updated Racial Justice page. Click here for information.

New Resource Available
Our Bereavement committee recently completed a helpful and practical guide for individuals dealing with the challenges of death, dying, and bereavement. Click here to download a copy.

Join Our Shabbat Morning Livestream
Click here to access.

Explore Our Exciting Adult Education Offerings
Learn more here.

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.

shabbat services

Friday | 6:15 PM

Saturday | 9:00 AM & 12:30 PM (Minha)

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.