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.
Thu, December 12 2024
11 Kislev 5785
the latest
The Voice of Jacob and the Hands of Esau (Parashat Toldot, November 30) by Rabbi Michael Safra
announcements
Thanks for voting us Best of Jewish Washington! Named 2024 Best Preschool, Children & Teen Programming, Alternative Shabbat Service, and Judaica Shop! Learn more.
Adult Civil Rights Trip February 10–12
Led by Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz Learn more here.
Adult March of the Living Trip April 22–May 1, 2025
Join us on the journey from darkness to light. 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
Click here to access.
Explore Our Exciting Adult Education Offerings
Learn more here.
shabbat services
Friday | 6:15 PM (7:00 PM during Summer) Access via Zoom (password 6301)
Saturday | 9:00 AM & 12:30 PM (Minha) Access via Livestream
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.
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.
