Shabbat Mahj April 11 at 12:30 pm Shabbat Mahj Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Calling all Mahj players...Get your Mahj fix on Shabbat! Join us for monthly Shabbat Mahj at Beth El on the following Saturdays from 12:30pm to 2:30 pm. Email Jennifer Powers at wbe@bethelmc.org with any questions. Please sign up so we know to expect you. Hope to see you there! Click Here to Register
Good Deeds Day Featured April 12 Good Deeds Day Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Good Deeds Day is Sunday, April 12. There are several different ways to get involved in tikkun olam at Beth El. Please join us for any or all of these projects and help make a difference in our community! *Some projects take place before or after April 12, so please check the dates. INOVA Blood ...
Tzelem Featured April 12 at 12:00 pm Tzelem Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Tzelem is Beth El's group for LGBTQ+ teens. This group is geared for 7th-12th graders and is meant to create a safe space for Jewish teens of all genders and sexualities to talk about the issues in their lives as teens. For more information, contact Allison Brown abrown@bethelmc.org. Please use the form below to sign ...
Snack Packs for Bethesda Help Featured April 12 at 2:00 pm Good Deeds Day Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Women of Beth El will be packing treats for Bethesda Help for Good Deeds Day. Volunteers of all ages needed to help package up the treats. Free and open to the community. Families welcome! Please RSVP using the form below.
Volunteering at Manna Food Center Featured April 13 at 7:00 pm Good Deeds Day Manna Food Center 9311 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, MD, United States Beth El volunteers will pack boxes of non-perishable food at the Manna warehouse in Gaithersburg for distribution to the needy in Montgomery County. We are in need of up to 12 volunteers age 11+.In addition to serving the greater community, one of the goals is to give all Beth El parents a way to participate ...
Yom HaShoah Film Screening & Discussion: Papillon Featured April 13 at 7:15 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Papillon (The Butterfly) was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short. It depicts the life of Jewish French swimmer Alfred Nakache, who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics in Nazi Germany. The film beautifully and evocatively depicts Nakache's experiences. We will screen and discuss the film leading into the evening service at 8:00 ...
Coffee with the Clergy Featured April 15 at 2:00 pm Coffee with the Clergy Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Senior Caucus Coffee with the Clergy on Wednesday, April 15, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. This every-other-month gathering is an informal time to catch up with fellow congregants, hear updates about what is happening at Beth El and in the news, enjoy light refreshments, and do some Jewish learning together. Rabbi Harris will lead a ...
Kesher Nashim: Women’s Cancer Connection April 16 at 7:30 pm Kesher Nashim: Women’s Cancer Connection Kesher Nashim supports female cancer survivors and those with a new cancer diagnosis. Join Beth El women for confidential, lively discussions, friendship and support at our monthly Zoom meetings. Discussion/Support group for women newly diagnosed or survivors of cancer. One or two women from the group will be "On Call" monthly to talk to any ...
Hearing Men’s Voices Featured April 16 at 7:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Beth El men are welcome to join us in person or via Zoom for our monthly gathering. Paul Horn will lead a discussion on "My Pet Peeves and How I Cope with Them." Please RSVP using the form below.
Let’s Do Lunch with Women of Beth El April 17 at 12:00 pm Chopt 10307 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, United States Take a break for lunch with the Women of Beth El! We're meeting up at Chop't in Wildwood Shopping Center (10307 Old Georgetown Road) on Friday, April 17, at 12:00 pm. Please register so that we know to save a seat at the table for you!
Yah Echsof Meditation and Exploration Group Featured April 18 at 12:30 pm Yah Echsof Meditation Group Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States While classical Jewish teaching suggests "Naaseh V'Nishmah" ("first we do, then we understand"), Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, founder of Jewish Renewal, advocated for an alternative approach. He believed that profound connection comes from first understanding one's inner Jewish self through study, practice, and meditation. This monthly gathering adopts Reb Zalman's path. We will use meditation, chant, ...
BERS Open House Featured April 19 at 10:00 am Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us for a BERS Open House on Sunday, April 19, 10:00-11:00 am. Learn more about our dynamic school and community, meet our clergy, and hear firsthand from students and parents about what they love about BERS! Please RSVP using the form below. Questions? Contact Education Director Elisha Frumkin at efrumkin@bethelmc.org.
Zimriyah: Celebrating Israel’s 78th Independence Day Featured April 19 at 11:00 am Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us for Zimriyah 2.0, a joyful musical celebration of Israel’s 78th Independence Day and a continuation of a new Beth El tradition. Following last year’s successful inaugural Zimriyah, K–5th–grade students will perform beloved Israeli songs in a festive, community-wide celebration led by our Israeli shaliach, Yoel Gleizer. Free and open to the community; RSVP ...
Shiva Leader Training Featured April 21 at 7:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States This session is for those interested in learning to lead a shiva minyan in someone's home. Beth El members often take on this leadership role to assist in the mitzvah of nachum avelim, comforting the mourner. Come join Rabbi Harris and Hazzan Fradkin if you would like to learn the skills and sensitivities needed to ...
Book Chat: The Director by Daniel Kehlmann Featured April 23 at 7:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Our across-the-street neighbors, the Bethesda United Methodist Church (BUMC) book club, will join us at Beth El for an in-person book discussion of Daniel Kehlmann's The Director. This novel, based on the life of pioneering 20th century Austrian film director, G.W. Pabst, has earned rave reviews for its powerful, darkly comic World War II story of art, ego, ...
Jews & Brews Featured April 23 at 7:00 pm Jews & Brews Join Rabbi Harris around the fire pit at his home for some schmoozing and casual Jewish learning. Jews & Brews is sponsored by Men’s Club, but all Beth El members are welcome to attend. Please RSVP using the form below.
Shabbat Together: A Family Shabbat Service Featured April 24 at 6:00 pm Shabbat Together Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join Beth El Religious School (BERS) for a joyful and engaging Shabbat experience designed especially for children in grades K–5 and the adults who love them. $15
Kol Haneshama Friday Night Musical Service with Shabbat Dinner Hosted by NuBEENs and Beyond BEENs Featured April 24 at 6:30 pm Kol Haneshama Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us on for prayer, reflection, and song! Welcome Shabbat in a joyful, participatory, and engaging service, with melodies that calm, songs that enliven, and prayers that elevate. This lay-led service blends tradition and creativity, drawing on contemporary and innovative Jewish music from around the world. 6:30 pm - Kol Haneshama Musical Service 7:30 pm ...
Café Sababa – Coffee & Community at Beth El Featured April 26 at 9:00 am Start your Sunday with great coffee and great people! Café Sababa is a pop-up Israeli-style coffee experience led by shaliach Yoel Gleizer, offering espresso, hafuch (latte), and more in a relaxed community setting. Coffee is free with optional donations to support a charitable cause, just come, sip, and schmooze. This program is made possible thanks ...
Economic and Demographic Developments in Israel Featured April 26 at 1:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Professor Avi Weiss, President of the Taub Center in Israel, will discuss economic and demographic developments in Israel, drawing on the findings of the Center's 2025 "State of the Nation" report. Professor Weiss will specifically address the impact of the current Iran war. Thank you to those donors who have made meaningful contributions to Beth ...
Let’s Get Cooking! Featured April 30 at 7:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join Women of Beth El for a fun, interfaith cooking event with members of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Our two groups will use our culinary talents to make a delicious soup that will be donated to Interfaith Works. It’ll be a great opportunity to give back to those in need while getting to ...
Young Family Shabbat with BEPS and Nitzanim Featured May 1 at 6:00 pm Families with Young Children Shabbat Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join other families with young children for a family friendly Shabbat service, followed by a family style dinner! Please use the form below to register for dinner by noon the Wednesday before the service takes place. $36
Shir Yachad Friday Night Musical Service Featured May 1 at 6:00 pm Shir Yachad Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Friday night is a time for community, song, and joyful noise. Everyone is invited to join us for this exciting service filled with music past and present that stirs the soul and welcomes Shabbat with joy and warmth.
Daniel Mann Literary Luminaries Lecture Featured May 3 at 10:30 am Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Please join us for the annual Daniel Mann Literary Luminaries Lecture featuring guest speaker Emily Tamkin, author of Bad Jews: A History of American Jewish Politics and Identities, and The Influence of Soros: Politics, Power, and the Struggle for an Open Society. Tamkin is a journalist by trade, and she writes and reports mostly on ...
Tzelem Featured May 3 at 12:00 pm Tzelem Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Tzelem is Beth El's group for LGBTQ+ teens. This group is geared for 7th-12th graders and is meant to create a safe space for Jewish teens of all genders and sexualities to talk about the issues in their lives as teens. For more information, contact Allison Brown abrown@bethelmc.org. Please use the form below to sign ...
Coffee Around the World & Hebrew Experience Featured May 3 at 12:00 pm Love coffee? Join Shaliach Yoel Gleizer for a unique, hands-on coffee workshop exploring flavors from around the world, plus learn how to order your favorite drink in Hebrew! Hosted in a warm home setting, this experience blends culture, language, and great coffee. The event will take place at a private home in Bethesda; address details ...
Family Volunteering: Nourishing Bethesda Food Packing Featured May 7 at 5:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join Beth El families in packing produce and shelf-stable food for Nourishing Bethesda, a local nonprofit operating out of the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad just up Old Georgetown Road. Volunteers must be 9 years or older. We are limited to 15 participants.
Beth El Night at JxJ: DC Jewish Film and Music Festival Featured May 7 at 7:30 pm Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema 7235 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us for the JxJ: DC Jewish Film and Music Festival's Opening Night presentation of Once Upon my Mother at Landmark Bethesda Row $16
Hearing Men’s Voices Featured May 7 at 7:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Beth El men are invited to join us in person at Beth El or via Zoom as Yoel Gleizer, our Beth El shaliach, leads a discussion on “Bridging Israeli and American Cultures.” Please RSVP using the form below.
Yedid Nefesh Friday Night Musical Service Featured May 8 at 6:30 pm Yedid Nefesh Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Friday night is a time for community, song, and joyful noise. Everyone is invited to join us for this exciting service filled with music past and present that stirs the soul and welcomes Shabbat with joy and warmth.
Jews & Brews Featured May 12 at 7:00 pm Jews & Brews Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks 7301 Calhoun Place, Derwood, United States Join Rabbi Harris for some schmoozing and casual Jewish learning. Jews & Brews is sponsored by Men’s Club, but all Beth El members are welcome to attend. May's meeting will take place at Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks (7301 Calhoun Place #600, Derwood, MD 20855) Please RSVP using the form below.
Kesher Nashim: Women’s Cancer Connection May 14 at 7:30 pm Kesher Nashim: Women’s Cancer Connection Kesher Nashim supports female cancer survivors and those with a new cancer diagnosis. Join Beth El women for confidential, lively discussions, friendship and support at our monthly Zoom meetings. Discussion/Support group for women newly diagnosed or survivors of cancer. One or two women from the group will be "On Call" monthly to talk to any ...
Parking Lot Shabbat Featured May 15 at 6:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us for a Shabbat outdoors in the Parking Lot with Hazzan Fradkin and friends featuring a musical service, warm atmosphere, and good weather! This is a laid-back, relaxed outdoor Shabbat experience – casual attire encouraged. Stay for the oneg after the service to connect with familiar faces, make new friends, and welcome Shabbat together. ...
Yah Echsof Meditation and Exploration Group Featured May 16 at 12:30 pm Yah Echsof Meditation Group Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States While classical Jewish teaching suggests "Naaseh V'Nishmah" ("first we do, then we understand"), Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, founder of Jewish Renewal, advocated for an alternative approach. He believed that profound connection comes from first understanding one's inner Jewish self through study, practice, and meditation. This monthly gathering adopts Reb Zalman's path. We will use meditation, chant, ...
Broadway Revue Concert Featured May 17 at 5:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Broadway comes to Beth El! Join Hazzan Fradkin with Beth El stars Valerie Issembert, Michelle Bronzo, Cory Breychak, Beth El choirs, and others for this Broadway Revue of songs about Belief and Community. Featuring songs from Pippin, Godspell, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked, Ragtime, and more! This concert is free to attend with a suggested ...
Lunch and a Program: Stolpersteine: Memorializing the Victims of Nazism Featured May 19 at 12:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Stolpersteine (German for stumbling stones) are 4x4 inch brass plaques set into the sidewalk in front of a building where a victim of the Nazis lived or worked. They were created by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992. Since then, more than 100,000 stones have been set in European cities. In 2008, Marsha Rehns went ... $10
Shiva Leader Training Part 2 Featured May 19 at 7:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us to continue learning how to lead a shiva minyan in someone's home. Beth El members often take on this leadership role to assist in the mitzvah of nachum avelim, comforting the mourner. Come join Rabbi Harris and Hazzan Fradkin if you would like to learn the skills and sensitivities needed to provide this ...
Congregational Annual Meeting May 20 at 7:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States The Beth El Annual Meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 20, at 7:00 pm. Drop in to the Zahler Social Hall before the meeting starts for food, schmooze, drinks, and fun from 6:00-7:00 pm. Please make every effort to attend so we can meet our quorum requirement; if you cannot make it in person, ...
Mental Health Professionals Breakfast Study Group Featured May 21 at 9:30 am Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States We invite Beth El Mental Health Professionals, both working and retired, to join us in person at Beth El for our Mental Health Professionals Study Group. Come for breakfast and a stimulating discussion of "The Wisdom of Jewish Grief Rituals." There is a $5 registration fee to defray the cost of breakfast. $5
Support After Loss Featured May 23 at 12:30 pm Support After Loss Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States With a special invitation to those who have had a recent loss, we will gather for a brief teaching and discussion led by a member of the Beth El Clergy. All are welcome to join this six-session series as often as they wish. Registration for each individual session is recommended in case there are updates. ...
Montgomery County Executive Primary Election Candidates Forum Featured May 26 at 7:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Hear the candidates for County Executive before the Primary Election in June. Moderated by Beth El member Todd Gillman, a journalism professor at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and former Washington Bureau Chief for The Dallas Morning News. Ask questions and get answers. In person and livestreamed. Free and open to the ...
Women of Beth El: Coffee & Hebrew with Yoel Featured May 28 at 7:00 pm Coffee & Hebrew with Yoel Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join Women of Beth El for a special three-session edition of Coffee & Hebrew with Yoel at Congregation Beth El. Enjoy coffee, conversation, practical Hebrew, Israeli culture, and community in a relaxed café-style setting. Sessions take place on May 28, June 11, and June 25 from 7:00–8:30 pm. This series is perfect for Women of ...
Volunteering at Manna Food Center Featured May 28 at 7:00 pm Manna Food Center 9311 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, MD, United States Beth El volunteers will pack boxes of non-perishable food at the Manna warehouse in Gaithersburg for distribution to the needy in Montgomery County. We are in need of up to 12 volunteers age 11+.In addition to serving the greater community, one of the goals is to give all Beth El parents a way to participate ...
Young Family Shabbat with BEPS and Nitzanim Featured May 29 at 6:00 pm Families with Young Children Shabbat Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join other families with young children for a family friendly Shabbat service, followed by a family style dinner! Please use the form below to register for dinner by noon the Wednesday before the service takes place. $36
Kol Haneshama Friday Night Musical Service and Congregational Shabbat Dinner Featured May 29 at 6:30 pm Kol Haneshama Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us on for prayer, reflection, and song! Welcome Shabbat in a joyful, participatory, and engaging service, with melodies that calm, songs that enliven, and prayers that elevate. This lay-led service blends tradition and creativity, drawing on contemporary and innovative Jewish music from around the world. 6:30 pm - Kol Haneshama Musical Service 7:30 pm ...
Sound and Soul: A Jewish Contemplative Sound Experience Featured June 1 at 7:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us for a guided, meditative evening of sound, breath, and stillness. Using sustained tones from crystal singing bowls (often called a sound bath), this experience creates a calm, immersive environment for rest and reflection. Participants may sit or lie down in a dimly lit space. The session includes extended periods of continuous sound and ...
Women of Beth El and Men’s Club Happy Hour Featured June 4 at 7:00 pm World of Beer 7200 Wisconson Ave, Bethesda, MD, United States Kick off the Summer by joining the Women of Beth El and Men’s Club for Happy Hour on the patio at World of Beer in Bethesda on Thursday, June 4, from at 7:00-9:00 pm. We will be providing plentiful (vegetarian) appetizers. Drinks will be available for purchase. The event is free but registration is required. ...
Hearing Men’s Voices Featured June 4 at 7:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Beth El men are welcome to join us in person or via Zoom for our monthly gathering. Jonathan Simon will lead discussion of "How People and Ideas from My Career Influenced My View of the World and My Place in It. “ Please RSVP using the form below.
Shir Yachad Friday Night Musical Service Featured June 5 at 6:00 pm Shir Yachad Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Friday night is a time for community, song, and joyful noise. Everyone is invited to join us for this exciting service filled with music past and present that stirs the soul and welcomes Shabbat with joy and warmth.
Naming of Meira Baila Benezra-Megdal Featured June 6 at 10:00 am Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Please join Rabbi Deborah Megdal and Karen Benezra for the naming of their daughter, Meira Baila Benezra-Megdal, on Saturday, June 6, 10:00 am during Shabbat services at Congregation Beth El. Please use the form below to RSVP to help ensure we have enough food for the kiddush.
Tzelem Featured June 7 at 12:00 pm Tzelem Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Tzelem is Beth El's group for LGBTQ+ teens. This group is geared for 7th-12th graders and is meant to create a safe space for Jewish teens of all genders and sexualities to talk about the issues in their lives as teens. For more information, contact Allison Brown abrown@bethelmc.org. Please use the form below to sign ...
Women of Beth El: Coffee & Hebrew with Yoel Featured June 11 at 7:00 pm Coffee & Hebrew with Yoel Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join Women of Beth El for a special three-session edition of Coffee & Hebrew with Yoel at Congregation Beth El. Enjoy coffee, conversation, practical Hebrew, Israeli culture, and community in a relaxed café-style setting. Sessions take place on May 28, June 11, and June 25 from 7:00–8:30 pm. This series is perfect for Women of ...
Pups in the Parking Lot Shabbat Featured June 12 at 6:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us for one of our favorite summer gatherings, Pups in the Parking Lot Shabbat. This is a laid-back, relaxed outdoor Shabbat experience – casual attire encouraged. Stay for the oneg after the service to connect with familiar faces, make new friends, and pet some dogs! All well-behaved dogs on leashes are invited to join ...
Yah Echsof Meditation and Exploration Group Featured June 13 at 12:30 pm Yah Echsof Meditation Group Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States While classical Jewish teaching suggests "Naaseh V'Nishmah" ("first we do, then we understand"), Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, founder of Jewish Renewal, advocated for an alternative approach. He believed that profound connection comes from first understanding one's inner Jewish self through study, practice, and meditation. This monthly gathering adopts Reb Zalman's path. We will use meditation, chant, ...
