Blumberg-Zalis Family Library
Welcome to the Blumberg-Zalis Family Library! The Blumberg-Zalis Family Library is Washington’s premier synagogue library, and a beautiful setting for reading, learning and relaxing. Accredited by the Association of Jewish Libraries and recently recognized with a Solomon Schechter Gold Award from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, it supports the curricula of the Schilit Nursery School, the Talmud Torah, and teen and adult education programs.
The library contains reading areas with tables, chairs and upholstered furniture. The collection totaling over 12,000 items features fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, tapes, and, Jewish newspapers, periodicals, with both reference and circulating sections. There is an extensive collection on the Holocaust for both adults and children. The reference area includes different editions of Talmud, encyclopedias, and other texts of Judaic scholarly interest. Members and non-members are always welcome. Non-members may check out books for a small yearly fee.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Click here for our online catalog.
for upcoming library programs Click here.
library hours
Sunday 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Monday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Tuesday 1:30–8:30 PM
Closed Shabbat & Holidays
To make an appointment outside of regular library hours, please contact Jill Gendelman.
The Blumberg-Zalis Family Library was awarded the Advanced Accreditation Degree by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) in June 2014
library features
Chod Media Center
Features a network of computers available to congregants of all ages.
Jewish Genealogy Library
An extensive reference collection containing, periodicals and CDs.
Children’s Library
A colorful kid-friendly seating area to enjoy our wonderful collection of children’s books for all ages and abilities.
Thu, October 28 2021
22 Cheshvan 5782
Shabbat & High Holidays LIvestream
Fridays at 6:15 PM
Saturdays at 9:00 AM
announcements
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.
Weekly Outdoor Kiddush Has Resumed
We look forward to being together again after Shabbat morning services for outdoor Kiddush, weather permitting.
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
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.
