Shemini Atzeret & Simhat Torah 2021
In Israel, Shemini Atzeret (the Eighth Day of Assembly) and Simchat Torah—the 8th and 9th days of Sukkot—are celebrated as a single holiday. Outside of Israel, the two days are separated, and their moods could not be more different. Shemini Atzeret is a serious moment when we recite Tefillat Geshem, the traditional prayer for rain in Israel, and the Yizkor memorial prayers. And then in the evening, we shift to joyous singing and dancing to celebrate the conclusion of our annual cycle of reading the Torah.
At B’nai Israel, each of these holidays brings hundreds of individuals for reflection and joy. In addition to singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls on Simchat Torah evening, we unroll the entire Torah so that we can visualize every letter and word of our most sacred text—this is always a popular event! On Simchat Torah morning, we honor every member of the congregation with an aliyah, a commitment that requires numerous reading stations to accommodate everyone. We also honor the commitment of two members to the congregation with the honors of Hatan/Kallat Torah and Hatan/Kallat Breishit, the last readings of Deuteronomy and first reading of Genesis respectively.
Click here for Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah service times.
simhat torah events
Simhat Torah BBQ
Tuesday, September 28
6:00 PM BBQ Tailgate Dinner
6:45 PM Simhat Torah Service
Start this night of fun and dance with a tailgate style BBQ dinner including hotdogs, hamburgers, vegetarian options, and delicious side dishes. Dinner will be followed by our lively Simhat Torah celebration. Registration closes Monday, September 20. Click here to register.
Thu, January 27 2022
25 Shevat 5782
LIvestream
Shabbat Services:
Fridays at 6:15 PM
Saturdays at 9:00 AM
announcements
B'nai Israel Mourns the Passing of Cantor Robert Kieval
Click here for more information and arrangements.
Inclement Weather Policy and Updates
Click here.
Operational Updates Due to Omicron Variant - Registration Required for Shabbat Services
Click here.
B’nai Israel Wins 2021 Best of Jewish Washington Awards! Thank you for voting us Best Preschool, Best Hebrew School, Best Senior Programming..and more! Learn More.
The Dr. Stuart Lessans Talmud Torah
B'nai Israel is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dr. Stuart Lessans Talmud Torah in honor of Dr. Lessans' recent endowment commitment to the future of Jewish education at B'nai Israel. Learn more.
Racial Justice
Check out all of the resources on our newly updated Racial Justice page. Click here for information.
New Resource Available
Our Bereavement committee recently completed a helpful and practical guide for individuals dealing with the challenges of death, dying, and bereavement. Click here to download a copy.
Join Our Shabbat Morning Livestream
Click here to access.
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.
Click here for access information.
shabbat services
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.
B'nai Israel Congregation
6301 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland 20852
301.881.6550
Stay connected with b'nai israel
Click here to join our email list.