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Blumberg-Zalis Family Library
Blumberg-Zalis Family Library
Welcome to the Blumberg-Zalis Family Library—Washington’s Premier synagogue Library, and a beautiful setting for reading, learning, and relaxing. Having received and maintained an Advanced Accreditation by the Association of Jewish Libraries since 2014 and recognized with a Solomon Schechter Gold Award from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, our library supports the curricula of the Schilit Nursery School, the Lessans Talmud Torah, Noar B’Yachad, and teen and adult education programs. Programs include book reviews, book discussion, visiting authors, movies and more, all free of charge and everyone is welcome.
The library has several reading areas with tables, chairs, upholstered furniture and, in the children’s section, lovely, carpeted steps. The collection totaling over 15,000 items feature fiction and nonfiction books, DVD’s, magazines, and periodicals. In addition to an extensive collection of Holocaust materials for all ages, there are books covering topics, such as Jewish ethics, parenting, spirituality, feminism, literature, folklore medicine, life cycles, grief, cookbooks and so much more.
The second floor of the library is a Beit Midrash (a hall dedicated for Torah study) and includes different editions of Talmud, encyclopedias, and other texts of Judaic scholarly interest.
Members and nonmembers are always welcome. Nonmembers, while able to enjoy the library during library hours, may also check out books for a small yearly fee. There is no charge to members. If you cannot make it in during library hours, feel free to email the librarian to set up an appointment.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Library Hours
Sunday 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Monday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM–6:30 PM
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday by appointment. Send an email to Jill.
Click here for our online catalog.
for upcoming library programs Click here.
New Arrivals
Coming soon!
Seasonal & Relevant Reads
Coming soon!
library features
Chod Media Center
Features a network of computers available to congregants of all ages.
Children’s Library
A colorful kid-friendly seating area to enjoy our wonderful collection of children’s books for all ages and abilities.
Wed, April 24 2024
16 Nisan 5784
Livestream
Shabbat Services
Friday at 6:15 PM
Saturday at 9:00 AM
the latest
announcements
Happy Passover from your B'nai Israel Family
We have programming and services throughout the holiday for all ages. Please join us.
Annual Meeting and Hineini Meeting "Thank You" Event on May 20
We are excited to gather our community. Please join for our Annual Meeting and Hineini "Thank You" Event.
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
Our award-winning school can't wait to meet your family. Very limited spaces remain. Learn more. View the beauty of our nursery school ART SHOW.
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.