B'nai Israel Congregation

This program will explore the concept of mitzvot, Jewish values, and how what we teach is a blueprint in Judaism for how we live our daily lives. Through a variety of activities we will explore these exciting concepts.

Second grade families will learn about the transition from their current program to the next stage of Talmud Torah, which emphasizes Hebrew literacy and a deeper connection to Jewish learning. In addition, families will take part in a program centered around the theme of what Jewish identity means to us.

The Men’s Club and Sisterhood welcomes Nathan Hoffman from the Galilee Culinary Institute. Nathan will explain how they are trying to turn this region into the Food Capital of Israel. This program is made possible thanks to the facilitation by Adam Tennen, the co-executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Office of the Jewish National Fund. Zoom info to follow.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to whisk, chop, and plate your way to victory.

With the return of warmer weather, we take the opportunity to walk about outdoors and explore the world around us. Rabbi Berkowitz will lead us on a guided meditation and mindfulness walk through Cabin John Park. Presented by the Mindfulness Task Force of the Adult Education Committee.

Help us provide dinnerfor the residents of the Interfaith Works Women’s Shelter in Rockville. Items can be purchased or prepared in your home. Cosponsored by Men’s Club and Sisterhood.

Led by Jeff Moss this innovative discussion features a small group conversation that enables men to have a talk on relevant and sometimes personal topics.

Author Marc Tyler Nobleman reveals secrets he uncovered and mysteries he solved while researching his books Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman and Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, one of which made history...in more ways than one. Marc has been invited from Tanzania to Thailand to the TED stage to tell this real-life detective story. It stars Jewish creative pioneers, aligns with Jewish values (from defending the underdog to honoring legacy), and features twists both uplifting and heartbreaking. Cosponsored by Talmud Torah.

$75 Friends of the Haberman Institute or B’nai Israel Members $90 General Public A scan of the Books of Israelite Prophets seems to indicate that Jonah, despite his reluctance, was one of the most successful of Hebrew Prophets. It is a shame that most Jews only encounter his narrative on Yom Kippur afternoon, at the end of a day of fasting, when perhaps attentiveness is not at its best. We will take our time to unpack the Book of Jonah and give it the attention Jonah didn’t want. Please have a Tanakh (Hebrew Bible, English translation is fine) for this course. Presented by the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies.

Join us for a fun evening in the parking lot to celebrate Lag BaOmer! We will have games split up by age groups, singing with our cantors, and of course smores! We hope you join us for our first ever Lag in the Lot! *Talmud Torah 3rd graders who are attending the 6:30 program will have plenty of time to enjoy the activity

We will join our classes to decorate our Shabbat candles (check inside your La’briut Kehillah bag for the white candles and squares of candle wax), sing Shabbat songs with Cantor Josh, and do a communal candle lighting together. This is instead of a traditional Kabbalat Shabbat Service.

In accordance with Montgomery County guidelines, we are excited to bring our community together for an outdoor Friday Evening service on April 30 at 6:30 PM in the B’nai Israel parking lot. We will be led by Rabbi Berkowitz and Cantor Josh and look forward to joining our voices for the melodies of Kabbalat Shabbat in a safe, socially distant environment. Please BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair) – this service is not drive-in style. There will not be assigned spots, but the parking lot will be clearly labeled with directions where to park and where to gather to safely social distance. Paper copies of the service will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own siddur. If there is rain in the forecast, we will make a determination about whether to hold the service by 4:30 PM on that day. (This service will not be available via Zoom. Our 6:15 PM service will be broadcast from Dweck Sanctuary via Zoom as on all other weeks.)

Saturday morning Shabbat services are now being held in-person with limited attendance in Dweck Sanctuary at 9:00 AM. This service will also be accessible via Zoom for those who wish to participate from home. If you’d like to attend A Shabbat morning service, please email Allison Karasik.