B'nai Mitzvah
We are delighted to welcome you to the rewarding experience of preparing for and celebrating a B'nai Mitzvah at B’nai Israel. B'nai Mitzvah are significant milestones, as children formally accept the values of our heritage and responsibilities of our tradition. Our children spend many hours discovering our history and learning to participate in Jewish life, and we are very proud to celebrate this transformational event with them.
We encourage you and your family to participate as fully in the entire educational process. Reaching the age of B'nai Mitzvah is a transitional moment not only for your child, but for the entire family. Our B’nai Israel community is eager to support you and to strengthen your connection to the synagogue as a spiritual home.
Families have the option of referring to their celebration using the masculine term Bar Mitzvah, the feminine term Bat Mitzvah, or a gender-neutral term. The clergy and staff will adjust the gender of other Hebrew terms that we use as appropriate.
learn more
The Chod Media Center provides many resources for helping your child prepare for B'nai Mitzvah. Learn more here.
Steps to Planning B'nai Mitzvah
The planning process begins by selecting a date for your B’nai Mitzvah. Dates are assigned by calendar year three years in advance. At that time, families receive a form that they must fill out and return to Allison Karasik, Assistant to the Cantors.
Subsequently you’ll contact our Events Manager, Patricia Simitakos (301-816-5573) to reserve a room the party at B’nai Israel. For parties at B’nai Israel, families may choose from one of our approved Kosher caterers.
For the full list of steps to plan your B’nai Mitzvah at B’nai Israel, please click here.
Mazal Tov!
b'nai mitzvah experiences at b'nai israel
“B’nai Israel made Emily’s Bat Mitzvah one of our family’s proudest memories. Not only because of how we all marveled at how beautifully our daughter shined, but also because B’nai encouraged our entire family to take part in the service. Siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles participated. From opening the ark to reading Torah to carrying the scroll. It was a full family simcha.” –Kim and Steve C
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“This being our first and only Bar Mitzvah, working with Cantor Ilana through the process made the whole experience something we will always cherish. Not only did she have Sam prepared, but also had him very comfortable to be called upon as a Bar Mitzvah. Being members since pre-school, B’nai has become a place where our son now spends time going to minyan with his father.”
–Lisa G
Thu, March 5 2026
16 Adar 5786
B'nai mitzvah JUDAICA
B’nai Israel Sisterhood Judaica Shop is a treasure trove of all things Judaica. We carry a large variety of b'nai mitzvah items such as: tallitot , kippot, women’s head coverings, tefillin, mezzuzot, prayerbooks, jewelry, picture frames, candlesticks, kiddush cups, jewelry boxes, tzedakah boxes, and more.
Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Tuesday, 5:00–7:00 PM (when Talmud Torah is open)
Sunday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
We are closed on federal and Jewish holidays.
For questions or an appointment, call the shop (301-770-7577) or send an email (bnaijudaica@gmail.com).
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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.
