welcome to B'nai israel
Founded in 1925, B’nai Israel has been a major presence in the Washington area for generations. Our talented clergy and staff, creative and innovative programming, and magnificent facility are well known. Anyone who enters the building can sense our commitment to children and adults of all ages through our multiple weekly Shabbat Magic youth services, impressive schools and youth groups, and top-notch educational programs for adults.
But B’nai Israel is much more. We are a caring community that supports members in times of need and celebrates life’s joyous moments together. We inspire individuals and assist them in charting their own spiritual journeys. We engage in the larger community, doing our part to improve the world and sustain the institutions of Jewish life here and in Israel.
I invite you to explore our website to learn more about all that B’nai Israel has to offer. And I hope that you will be in touch … to tell us about yourself, ask questions, and be an integral a part of this special community.
We aspire to be your home for Jewish life.
Michael J. Safra
Senior Rabbi
Thu, September 28 2023
13 Tishrei 5784
Livestream
Shabbat Services
Friday at 6:15 PM
Saturday at 9:00 AM
the latest
Hashta Atai, Now He Is Coming: Responding to Crisis in Israel (Kol Nidre 5784) by Rabbi Michael Safra
After The Death … Let Us Live (Yom Kippur 5784) by Rabbi Michael Safra
announcements
B’nai Israel Mourns the Passing of Rabbi Matthew Simon, Rabbi Emeritus of B’nai Israel
Rabbi Simon, z”l, passed away on September 10. Please click here for more details on the life of Rabbi Simon.
Our 2023-2024 Hineini Annual Campaign is Under Way
B'nai Israel is "Here for YOU". Support us today.
Get Away with B'nai!
Civil Rights Trip to Georgia and Alabama
Jewish Tour to Argentina
Shamash Award Nominations
The Shamash Award recognizes members of the congregation who have contributed their time and abilities to help others or to support a meaningful cause. Learn more.
Join us for Religious School!
Registration remains open for our Lessans Talmud Torah. Generations of families have trusted us with their children's Jewish education. Learn more.
Very Limited Spaces Remain for B'nai Israel Schilit Nursery School 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
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
Friday | 6:15 PM (7:00 PM during Summer)
Saturday | 9:00 AM & 12:30 PM (Minha)
Click here for access information.
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.
