Bethesda Jewish Congregation

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Bethesda Jewish Congregation

Creative Judaism Rooted in Tradition

We serve Jews from traditional and liberal religious backgrounds, as well as secular Jews, interfaith couples, and their families. We vary in degree of observance and cultural practice, bringing new vitality to our tradition while maintaining continuity with our heritage, our people, and our history. BJC chooses to remain independent and unaffiliated with established movements, taking a trans-denominational approach to Jewish worship and thought. Music and congregant participation infuse all of our services. Our programs enable everyone to engage fully with our traditions no matter their level of Jewish knowledge or practice.

Join with us on your Jewish journey, and become part of our community.

Click here for the Membership Registration Form

Upcoming Events

All Events

Monday ,
AprApril 28 , 2025

Financial Literacy Series: Estate Planning
Monday, Apr 28th 7:30p to 8:30p
Please join us for a lively and informative introduction to estate planning and charitable giving featuring BJC’s own Stuart Sorkin. If your 2025 resolutions include finally getting your estate plan in order, then this is for you. We will cover a variety of topics including wills versus trusts, how to minimize or avoid taxation, and various ways to provide for your loved ones and charities. You need to think about estate planning regardless of your age—if you have family and assets, you need a plan, and this presentation may help you get started. Register by clicking on the link below, and we’ll see you on April 28!
Register Now

MORE INFO
Friday ,
MayMay 2 , 2025

Family Shabbat!
Friday, May 2nd 5:30p to 8:30p
It's Family Shabbat at BJC! Join Rabbi Abbott for a short tot shabbat service at 5:30 PM followed by a 6:00 PM pizza dinner. Regular Friday night services will start at 6:45 PM. If it's your birthday, make sure to come and get a special blessing! RSVP required for dinner. There's no charge for dinner but donations are always welcome.
Register Now

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Saturday ,
MayMay 10 , 2025

Member Lunch
Shabbat, May 10th 10:30a to 2:00p
Join Us for the Annual BJC Member Lunch! We are thrilled to invite you to our Member Lunch on Shabbat, May 10th, following 10:30 AM services. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our vibrant BJC community, connect with friends, and meet new faces. 🌟 Highlights of the Day: Celebrate our members and their contributions to our community during the morning services. Enjoy a delicious, catered lunch featuring a variety of dishes to suit all tastes. Welcome and get to know members who have joined BJC since July 1, 2024—new members attend free of charge! 💵 Costs: Adults: $18 Children: $8 New members since July 1, 2024: Complimentary RSVP by May 4th Let’s make this a memorable gathering for our BJC family. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Tuesday ,
MayMay 13 , 2025

Interfaith Book Discussion
Tuesday, May 13th 7:00p to 8:30p
The next Inter-Congregational Partnership Committee (ICPC) book discussion will be about Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, a New York Times best seller by Yossi Klein Halevi. The in-person discussion will be held Tuesday May 13, 2025 in Covenant Hall from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. The author writes a series of letters to unspecified Palestinians to explain why Israel matters to him and the Jewish people, and why it's so hard to make peace even when folks want it. Mr. Halevi is upfront with his readers, sharing that he is representing his personal Jewish point of view but wishes to engage in a real dialogue. Originally published in 2018, the second edition (2019) includes responses from Palestinian and other Arab readers. Please read the second edition if possible. This ICPC event is sponsored by Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church (BHPC), Bethesda Jewish Congregation (BJC), and Maqaame Ibrahim Islamic Center (MIIC), all congregations that worship at 6601 Bradley Boulevard. For further information, please contact Karen Levi (BJC) karenlevi1969@gmail.com, Laurie Mabile (BJC) mabileweb@gmail.com, or Marilyn Allen (BHPC) mpallen114@aol.com.
Register Now

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Wednesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2025

Understanding & Leading Jewish Prayer
Wednesday, May 14th 7:00p to 8:00p
Join Rabbi Abbott for a limited series class! Perfect for anyone who wants to: Understand more about prayers and Shabbat Learn how to lead worship (or hone those skills you already have!) RSVP is requested but not required
Register Now

MORE INFO
Wednesday ,
MayMay 21 , 2025

Understanding & Leading Jewish Prayer
Wednesday, May 21st 7:00p to 8:00p
Join Rabbi Abbott for a limited series class! Perfect for anyone who wants to: Understand more about prayers and Shabbat Learn how to lead worship (or hone those skills you already have!) RSVP is requested but not required
MORE INFO

BJC is Here for You

Our BJC Staff members are available by phone or email to answer any questions.

BJC Main Office Phone: 301-469-8636

Rabbi Eric L. Abbott rabbiabbott@bethesdajewish.org

Rabbi Emeritus Sunny Schnitzer rabbisunny@bethesdajewish.org

G eryl Baer, Synagogue Director, geryl@bethesdajewish.org

Amy Kertesz, Program and Communications Director, amy@bethesdajewish.org

Rebecca Leavey, Religious School Coordinator, becky@bethesdajewish.org

Office Hours (all times Eastern)

Tuesday thru Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Friday evening and Saturday the office is closed for Shabbat*.

Sunday and Monday our offices are closed.

Weekend messages will be returned on Tuesday unless urgent.

Pastoral Care

Please remember that you remain part of a loving and caring community concerned for your spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Should you or a family member experience any illness, injury, loss, or simply wish to talk to someone, please contact the Rabbi.

Welcome to BJC's website and membership database: Shul Cloud

Shul Cloud is designed to make it easy, to stay informed about services and programs, stay connected and find members in the directory. It also allows you to pay for synagogue support, register for programs, and make donations.

Once you create your personal login, you can also use it to update personal contact information, add yahrzeits, anniversaries and other simchas you'd like to share. In addition, you can find other members' contact information under My Directory.

1st Step: Click on MY ACCOUNT at the top of this page and use your email to login. Need help? Contact Geryl Baer at admin@bethesdajewish.org or call the office.

2nd Step" Review this ShulCloud 101 PDF to guide you through the set-up of online transactions. Save your stamps, and the trees.

Use Shul Cloud.