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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.
Sat, July 27 2024
21 Tammuz 5784
Livestream
Shabbat Services
Friday at 6:15 PM
Saturday at 9:00 AM
the latest
They Shall Not Be Cut Off (Parshat Naso, June 15) by Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz
announcements
Summer at B'nai Israel
Click here for the latest on our Summer offerings including Speaker Series, Beit Midrash, later Kabbalat Shabbat, outdoor services, and more!
TEEN Civil Rights Trip this November
Join us for a special opportunity for 9-12th graders. Learn more.
NEW Hebrew High Launches for Grades 9–12
Our program is designed with the interests and schedules of teens in mind. Check it out.
Schilit Nursery School AND Lessans Talmud Torah registration for 2024–2025 is open!
Very limited spaces remain for our 2024–25 Schilit Nursery School - we can't wait to meet you! Registration is also open for our Lessans Talmud Torah (Grades K–8).
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.
Join Our Shabbat Morning Livestream
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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
Friday | 6:15 PM (7:00 PM during Summer)
Saturday | 9:00 AM & 12:30 PM (Minha)
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inclement weather policy
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