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

Thu, December 2 2021
28 Kislev 5782

Shabbat LIvestream

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

announcements

Hineini Giving Week is Here!
Join us as we celebrate all of the way B’nai Israel GIVES LIGHT to our lives and our community. Be counted this week! Learn more.

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.

Shabbat Kiddush Offered Indoors and Outdoors
With the colder weather, we will be offering kiddush after Shabbat morning services indoors, with outdoor seating options always available. 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.

Welcome Home
Our building has reopened as of July 1 and we have returned to in-person worship without reservation. We can't wait to see you. Learn more.

Daily and Holiday Minyanim Taking Place in Person
As we restore this important part of synagogue life, please sign-up in advance. 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.