- Worship
- Education
- Lifecycle
- Events & Programs
- About Us
- Join Us
- Donate
Bereavement
bereavement
B'nai Israel is committed to responding quickly and compassionately and to offering guidance in accordance with Jewish tradition. Our rabbis are ready to provide necessary information and greatly-needed support to mourners as they make funeral arrangements, conduct shiva minyanim, and help plan memorial markers. Our congregation cares for its mourners and works to ensure that they do not face life’s difficult moments alone. We maintain contracts with area funeral homes to make it easy for our members to plan a traditional funeral at a reasonable cost.
May God comfort you among the other mourners of our people.
See below for Mortuary and Cemetery information.
Please follow these steps if a death has occurred or is imminent
1. Contact Rabbi Michael Safra. If you need to reach Rabbi Safra after hours, please call the main synagogue number 301-881-6550 and follow prompts for emergencies.
2. Contact Hal Ossman, Executive Director for information on purchasing a plot at one of B’nai Israel’s cemeteries.
Mortuary Information
It is helpful to plan ahead when selecting a funeral home or cemetery site. We have funeral home contracts with area Jewish funeral homes to make planning easier for our members. Learn about pricing by contacting Hal Ossman, Executive Director.
Cemetery Information
For information about B’nai Israel’s Oxon Hill Cemetery, or our sections at Judean Memorial Gardens or Garden of Remembrance, follow the links above or contact Hal Ossman, Executive Director.
Important resources
B'nai Israel's Guide to Death, Dying & Jewish Mourning
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.
Excellent resource on the Jewish way of death, dying and mourning, as well as information specific to the Washington DC metro area including local funeral homes and monument providers. Visit www.jewish-funerals.org for more information.
The Bereavement Committee supports our clergy and professional staff in assisting members who have suffered a loss. We participate in the Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington, which provides additional resources online at www.jewish-funerals.org.
We reach out to families from within our congregation who have experienced a loss. Our goal is to create the experience of community, strengthening the relationships that bind us together. We are always looking for new volunteers— training provided—to visit shiva homes and deliver a meal on our behalf.
Fri, April 19 2024
11 Nisan 5784
Livestream
Shabbat Services
Friday at 6:15 PM
Saturday at 9:00 AM
the latest
announcements
Lessans Talmud Torah registration for 2024–2025 is open!
Registering early just got sweeter. Learn more about our program and registration raffle.
B'nai Israel Schilit Nursery School 2024-2025 Program Registration is now OPEN - OPEN HOUSE ON APRIL 18!
Our award-winning school can't wait to meet your family. Very limited spaces remain. Learn more. Click here to learn more about our Truck Day Open House on April 18.
Visit Our Judaica Shop for all of Your Passover Needs
For shop hours, click here.
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.
Our 2023-2024 Hineini Annual Campaign is Under Way
B'nai Israel is "Here for YOU". Support us today.
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 (7:00 PM during Summer)
Saturday | 9:00 AM & 12:30 PM (Minha)
Click here for access information.
inclement weather policy
Click here for information.