In synagogue life, we all hear a lot about tikkun olam, “repairing the
world,” but if you really want to fix things you need to roll up sleeves, listen, learn, and work for real change.
Together with Washington Hebrew Congregation we have spent the last year studying and engaging through our SEA Change program. Now, as we move on to Action, the B’nai Israel and Washington Hebrew Congregations’ SEA Change Coalition is partnering with two local organizations – AIM (Action in Montgomery) and JUFJ (Jews United for Justice).
SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS
Montgomery County Rent Stabilization – we want to hear from you!
Did you know that almost 40% of Montgomery County residents are renters? Further, did you know that nearly half of those are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend 30% or more of their income on housing?
Recognizing this, the Montgomery County Council is considering two differing rent stabilization measures, one of which would cap rent increases at 3% and the other would allow increases of 10% or more. To learn more about the two bills, click here.
Why is this a concern for us at B’nai Israel? The human need for housing has been central to Jewish thought from the beginning. Our sacred texts recognize that having safe, stable housing is key to a healthy society. Action in Montgomery (AIM) is asking for our views on the two proposed rent stabilization measures.
Join us for one of these sessions to share your thoughts –
Wednesday, May 10, 10:00 AM
In Person at the Sisterhood Meeting
Click here to register.
Sunday, May 21, 11:00 AM
In Person at B’nai Israel
Click here to register.
Wednesday, May 31, 7:00 PM
Zoom together with other SEA Change Congregations
Click here to register.
Thursday, June 1, 12:00 Noon
Zoom together with other SEA Change Congregations
Click here to register.
We hope to see you at one of these sessions!
Scotland AME Zion Church Restoration Project
In case you missed it … on January 14th during Shabbat Services, we were joined by members of the Scotland AME Zion Church as well as Paul Tukey, Director of Environmental Stewardship at Glenstone, who is deeply involved with the 2nd Century Project.
You can watch LaTisha Gasaway-Paul and Chuck Williams’ remarks here. To learn how you can get involved, contact Paul Tukey at Paul.Tukey@glenstone.org. And, Save the Date for a Community Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, 2023. More details to be announced.
JUFJ statewide events
Maryland Community Meeting
December 21
7:30-9:30 PM on Zoom
Join JUFJ members from across the state as we light Chanukah candles and learn about budget advocacy from the Maryland Center on Economic Policy. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Legislative District Meetings
JUFJ will be meeting with state legislators to discuss our priorities and hear what their focus will be in the upcoming General Assembly. Click here to find out when your state district meeting will be and then join us!
Don’t know your district? Click here to find out.
Annapolis Academy: General Assembly 101
Want to learn about how the legislative process works in the General Assembly? Join this educational event, and learn more about JUFJs plans for the 2023 legislative session. Register here.
If you want to learn more about all of JUFJs statewide priority issues, click here.
JUFJ MOCO MEETINGS
Get Involved with Local Issues
What local issues are important to you? Join one of JUFJ’s Montgomery County team meetings to learn more about current advocacy efforts. All are welcome! You can find information about upcoming meetings here.
JOIN US
Be sure you never miss a social justice opportunity with B’nai Israel! Join the email group, and receive notices about all upcoming events right in your mailbox. Click here to add your name and email.
Questions about AIM? Contact Mona Levine.
Questions about JUFJ ? Contact Deedee Jacobsohn.
Questions about SEA Change and other ways to get involved? Contact Marla Schulman.
Fri, June 2 2023
13 Sivan 5783
Livestream
Shabbat Services
Friday at 6:15 PM
Saturday at 9:00 AM
the latest
announcements
Pride Shabbat is Saturday, June 10
Join us as we reaffirm and celebrate our commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. Learn more.
Our Lessans Talmud Torah Registration for Next School Year is Now Open!
Generations of families have trusted us with their children's Jewish education. Learn more.
Very Limited Spaces Remains for B'nai Israel Schilit Nursery School and Camp for the 2023-24 Program Year!
Our award-winning school can't wait to meet your family. Learn more.
Have Coffee with a New Friend ON US
Our Coffee Buzz program encourages members to meet for coffee on us while engaging in meaningful conversations. Learn more.
Thank you for voting us Best of Jewish Washington 2022.
Click here to see all of the awards including Best Preschool, Best Hebrew School, Best Senior Programming and many 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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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.
