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Clergy
Michael J. Safra
SENIOR RABBI
Rabbi Michael Safra joined B’nai Israel after his ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2002. While in rabbinical school, Rabbi Safra served as rabbinic intern at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell, NJ. He received his BA in history and Judaic studies from the University of Michigan, and holds a Master’s Degree in Bible from the Graduate School at JTS.
At B’nai Israel, Rabbi Safra is primarily interested in strengthening congregational life through education at all levels. He continues to work to broaden the variety of learning opportunities available to all members of the community, and to engage people in various aspects of this dynamic community. Committed to the Jewish community as a whole, Rabbi Safra is a past president of the Rabbinical Assembly Washington/Baltimore region. He serves on the boards of the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA), Camp Ramah in New England, and the National Rabbinic Cabinet of Israel Bonds. He frequently teaches for various programs and groups in the Washington area.
Rabbi Safra and his wife Sharon are the parents of three beautiful children, Rebecca, Ethan, and Gila.
Rabbi Michael J. Safra, 301-816-5565
Click here for a list of selected sermons given by Rabbi Michael J. Safra.
Wed, March 29 2023
7 Nisan 5783
Livestream
Shabbat Services
Friday at 6:15 PM Saturday at 9:00 AM
the latest
Aspire for Accountability (Parshat Vayikra, March 25) by Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz
announcements
Passover at B’nai Israel
Click here to learn all about our Passover workshops and celebrations.
Masorti Shabbat & Post Passover Shabbat Dinner with Rabbi Mikie Goldstein
Don’t worry about cooking the day after Passover! Join us for Shabbat dinner at B’nai Israel! Learn more.
Honoring Fallen Soldiers on Yom HaZikaron
Remember three fallen soldiers by cooking their favorite dishes. Learn more.
B'nai Israel Schilit Nursery School Registration for Camp and the 2023-24 Program Year is now open!
Our award-winning school can't wait to meet your family. Learn more.
Get Away with B'nai! Two Opportunities:
Congregational Shabbaton on May 12–14. Join us.
Congregational Israel Adventure on June 18–29. Join us.
Thank you for voting us Best of Jewish Washington 2022.
Click here to see all of the awards including Best Preschool, Best Hebrew School, Best Senior Programming and many more.
B'nai Israel Buzz: Have Coffee with a Friend ON US!
This new program encourages meaningful conversations. Learn more.
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Explore Our Exciting Adult Education Offerings
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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.
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shabbat services
inclement weather policy
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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.