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Clergy
JOnathan A. Schnitzer
RABBI EMERITUs
Since his arrival at B’nai Israel in 1989, Rabbi Jonathan Schnitzer has clearly communicated the ideals of Judaism through word and deed. Under his leadership, B’nai Israel dramatically expanded both its programmatic scope and physical facility and yet maintained its warm, friendly and inclusive style.
Rabbi Schnitzer received a B.A. degree from Columbia College and then studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary where he received his Master’s Degree and was ordained in 1974. In 2001 the Seminary awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity.
Rabbi Schnitzer has been very active on the local and national Jewish scene. He is a past Chair of the Rabbinic Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and a past president of the Washington Board of Rabbis. He has served on the Boards of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Jewish Social Service Agency, the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington.
Earlier in his career, while at B‘nai Abraham Synagogue in Easton, Pennsylvania, Rabbi Schnitzer taught in the Department of Religion at Lafayette College and served as President of ProJeCt of Easton (an anti-poverty interfaith social service agency) and Family Counseling Service of Northampton County.
A voracious reader, avid traveler and biking enthusiast, Rabbi Schnitzer also has a special passion for Israel. He and his wife, Beverly, were among recipients of the Israel 67 Award from Israel Bonds in 2015.
Rabbi Schnitzer and his wife, Beverly, a long-time teacher and community volunteer, are the parents of two children. Dr. Shira Schnitzer works in the realm of academic fundraising at Cambridge University and is married to Graeme Cohen. David Schnitzer, an attorney in Washington D.C., is married to Claire Bergeron. Their son, Benjamin Noah Bergeron Schnitzer, represents the newest generation of the family.
Click here for a list of sermons given by Rabbi Schnitzer.
Wed, January 20 2021
7 Shevat 5781
announcements
The Winter/Spring Program Guide is now available. Click here to view.
Healing from Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Nation Screen the movie at home anytime from January 4–20. Learn more here.
February is Jewish Disability Advocacy Month (JDAM)
Click here for details and events.
Join Our Shabbat Morning Livestream
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Limited In-Person Worship Opportunities Available
Click here for our COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures related to limited in-person worship services.
Racial Justice Shabbat with Guest Speaker Reverend Timothy Warner
Click here to view the sermon.
Explore Our Exciting Adult Education Offerings
Learn more here.
Join Us Virtually
Click here for our upcoming events and programs. We look forward to connecting our community.
Daily Minyan & Shabbat Services are Virtual
Click here for our worship schedule and access information.
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
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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.