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Scientists in Synagogues
B’nai Israel is selected to participate in Scientists in Synagogues!
Illuminating the World: The Intersections of Jewish Law and Science
Louis Pasteur said, “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.” As a Jewish community, we are grounded by our ethical obligations to all of humankind, which are rooted in our Torah and sacred writings, compelling us to bring to our congregation and the Greater Washington community conversations that explore the intersections between our Jewish values and the theories and practices of modern science.
After submitting a detailed application and participating in an interview process, B’nai Israel has been selected by Sinai and Synapses to participate in Scientists in Synagogues! Each synagogue receives $5000 for programming, as well as guidance and mentorship from both Sinai and Synapses and AAAS DoSER to run a series of programs addressing issues around science and religion.
The scientists from B’nai who worked with Rabbi Berkowitz on the proposal and who will continue to work on developing our programs and bringing them to the congregation are:
Dr. Marni Hall
Dr. Stephen Hoffman
Dr. Heather Kalish
Dr. Fredric Messing
Dr. Barbara Nelson
Dr. Kim Lee Sim
Dr. Sam Zaremba
This project is part of an international program entitled "Scientists in Synagogues," a grass-roots initiative run by Sinai and Synapses in consultation with the American Association for the Advancement of Science Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion, and funded by the John Templeton Foundation, along with other individual donors.
upcoming events
Community Kick-Off Conversation: God-fearing Scientists and Science-loving Rabbis
Sunday, September 11
7:30–9:00 PM
Click here for details.
Tue, August 9 2022
12 Av 5782
LIvestream
Shabbat Services
Saturday at 9:00 AM
announcements
Friday, August 12 at 7:00 PM
Outdoor Shabbat Evening Services
Join us for the last of our outdoor Shabbat services series this summer! Livestream will not be available Details here.
Summer is Special at B’nai Israel
Learn more about our Summer Speaker Series, Summer Beit Midrash, and Outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat Services
High Holiday 2022 Information is Posted
We’re already hard at work to ensure meaningful High Holidays for our community. Click here for more.
BISNS Art Show
Click here to see the beautiful artwork our BISNS students created that was presented at this year’s Art Show.
Talmud Torah Registration Now Open
We hope your K–12th grader joins us for the 2022–23 year. Click here for information and to register.
Nursery School Registration is Open
Learn more about our award-winning program. Click here.
Join Our Shabbat Morning Livestream
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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.
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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.