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Youth & Teens
YOUTH & TEENS
B’nai Israel Congregation's Youth Department proudly offers a wide variety of informal programming for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, including three youth groups, retreats, an incredible Purim Carnival, and other unique opportunities to form long-lasting connections. We also offer scholarships for youth to find experiences beyond B’nai Israel.

grades k–6
Elementary-age students always have plenty of opportunities to build their Jewish identity here at B'nai Israel! We offer religious school; monthly social programming through our Bonim, Machar, and Gesher Youth Groups; grade-specific annual events; holiday and weekly Shabbat experiences designed just for them; and more!. Here are a few links to check out:
grades 7–8
The B'nai Mitzvah age is always busy and there are so many ways to continue the connection with B'nai Israel. 7th and 8th Graders are also invited to attend our Shabbat Teen Minyan and have a special Religious School program designed just for them, Noar B'Yachad.
Learn more:
grades 9–12
The high school years are a wonderful time of connection at B'nai Israel. We have a Hebrew High designed specifically with the schedule and interests of teens in mind. Teens can also gain service hours as teaching assistants in our Madrichim/Hadracha program; attend Shabbat Teen Minyan; and enjoy special travel and Shabbaton opportunities. Through our College Connection program, our graduates continue their relationship with B'nai Israel.
Learn more:
upcoming events
Bonim: LEGO Discover Center (Grades K-2)
Sunday, Dec 14th 12:30p to 4:00pJoin us in diving into the wonderful world of LEGO to make the most amazing creations. This event is open to all K–2nd graders regardless of school enrollment.
5th and 6th Grade Kallah
Friday, Jan 16th (All day)All 5th and 6th graders are invited to join B’nai Israel clergy and staff at Pearlstone Retreat Center for a weekend of fun and games! Celebrate Shabbat and get to make new friends during this special weekend away. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Dollye and I. Wolford Berman Educational Initiative Grant.
Machar: Climbzone (Grades 3-5)
Sunday, Dec 7th 12:30p to 3:00pIt’s a race to top, can you beat your friends? Join us for an afternoon of rock climbing fun at Climbzone! This event is open to all 3rd-5th graders regardless of school enrollment.
5th and 6th Grade Kallah
Friday, Jan 16th (All day)All 5th and 6th graders are invited to join B’nai Israel clergy and staff at Pearlstone Retreat Center for a weekend of fun and games! Celebrate Shabbat and get to make new friends during this special weekend away. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Dollye and I. Wolford Berman Educational Initiative Grant.
Gesher: Laser Tag (Grades 6-8)
Sunday, Nov 16th 12:30p to 3:00pShow off your stealth and teamwork against your friends to win a game of laser tag at Shadowland. This event is open to all 6th-8th graders regardless of school enrollment.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Dec 6th 10:30a to 11:30aThese services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, with support from Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Dec 20th 10:30a to 11:30aThese services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, with support from Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator.
Gesher & Teens: Spamalot (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, Jan 1st 6:00p to 10:00pJoin us for a night of round table fun at Monty Python’s Spamalot at the Kennedy Center! This event is open to all 6th–12th graders regardless of school enrollment. Limited tickets available.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Jan 10th 10:30a to 11:30aThese services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, with support from Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator.
5th and 6th Grade Kallah
Friday, Jan 16th (All day)All 5th and 6th graders are invited to join B’nai Israel clergy and staff at Pearlstone Retreat Center for a weekend of fun and games! Celebrate Shabbat and get to make new friends during this special weekend away. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Dollye and I. Wolford Berman Educational Initiative Grant.
Teen Shabbat
Shabbat, Jan 31st 10:30a to 11:30aThese services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, with support from Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Dec 6th 10:30a to 11:30aThese services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, with support from Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator.
Teens Escape Room (Grades 9-12)
Motzei Shabbat, Dec 13th 6:30p to 9:00pCan you escape the room? Work together with your friends to solve the clues and get out.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Dec 20th 10:30a to 11:30aThese services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, with support from Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator.
Gesher & Teens: Spamalot (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, Jan 1st 6:00p to 10:00pJoin us for a night of round table fun at Monty Python’s Spamalot at the Kennedy Center! This event is open to all 6th–12th graders regardless of school enrollment. Limited tickets available.
Teen Minyan
Shabbat, Jan 10th 10:30a to 11:30aThese services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, with support from Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator.
5th and 6th Grade Kallah
Friday, Jan 16th (All day)All 5th and 6th graders are invited to join B’nai Israel clergy and staff at Pearlstone Retreat Center for a weekend of fun and games! Celebrate Shabbat and get to make new friends during this special weekend away. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Dollye and I. Wolford Berman Educational Initiative Grant.
Teen Shabbat Dinner with JTS Rabbinical Student Claire Bruder
Friday, Jan 30th 7:00p to 8:30p
Teen Shabbat
Shabbat, Jan 31st 10:30a to 11:30aThese services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, with support from Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator.
youth scholarship opportunities
QUESTIONS?
We can't wait to hear from you!
Contact:
Lily Pollack, Youth Coordinator, 240-221-2515
Sun, November 16 2025
25 Cheshvan 5786
the latest
In Memory of Phyllis Trible (Parashat Lech Lecha, November 1) by Rabbi Michael Safra Click here to view.
announcements
Celebrating 100 Years of B’nai Israel
Founded in 1925, we look forward to this milestone year ahead. Click here to visit our Centennial website to donate, browse our archives, and more.
Fifth Annual Shamash Award - Nominations Now Open
Click here to nominate a deserving member.
Learn more about the Schilit Early Childhood Center
Our award-winning school can't wait to meet you. Learn more.
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Explore Our Exciting Adult Education Offerings
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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
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B’nai Israel is proud to welcome people of all genders and sexual orientations.
