2026 Mah Jongg Tournament
2026-03-15 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Please join Women of Beth El for our annual Mah Jongg Tournament! Lunch and Registration will take place from 12:00-12:45 pm. Play begins promptly at 1:00 pm and ends by 5:00 pm. Play three rounds of Mahj for points using National Mah Jongg League rules. There will be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place prizes awarded!
Cost: $50 for Women of Beth El members; $55 for non-members. Price includes lunch and snacks between rounds. Registration deadline is March 4. Registration after March 4 will be placed on a waiting list. Cancellations after March 4 are non-refundable. For questions, please contact Nancy Kay at nanseak57@gmail.com or Sheryl Karlsberg at skarlsberg11@gmail.com.
Please use the form below to register.
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Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews and the Civil War
2026-03-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
In 1860, there were 150,000 Jews living in the United States. How did this small minority, mostly recent immigrants, react to the fierce national debate over slavery? During his virtual visit, Richard Kreitner, author of Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews, the Civil War, and the Fight to End Slavery, will introduce noteworthy Jewish individuals who opposed slavery, defended it, or remained silent. The case of those who opted to stay silent raises some uncomfortable questions. Would we have been more courageous in their circumstances? What is the cost of political courage in our own time?
Copies of Fear No Pharoah are available through Politics & Prose at a 10 percent discount. Click here and insert the coupon code SPECIAL10 (no spaces) in the field labelled “Apply Coupon.” You will then have the option of either picking up the book at the store or having it shipped. You must create a free P&P account (easy to do) to order the book.
This program is sponsored by the Library Committee, Women of Beth El, and Men’s Club, in partnership with Adas Israel Congregation’s Library and Sisterhood.
Questions? Please contact Robin Jacobson at librarian@adasisrael.org.
Please use the form below to register for the Zoom information.
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Mental Health Professionals Breakfast Study Group
2026-03-18 08:15 - 09:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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 clinical issues viewed through a Jewish lens. Dr. Carol Miller will facilitate “What’s So Great About Forgiveness?” with Hazzan Fradkin on Wednesday, March 18, 8:15-9:30am. There is a $5 registration fee to defray the cost of breakfast.
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Lunch and a Program: Misconceptions in Nutrition Advice
2026-03-19 12:30 - 14:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Join Senior Caucus for lunch and a program on Misconceptions in Nutrition Advice, Thursday, March 19 at 12:30 pm. Former Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the American Diabetes Association and nutrition researcher, Dr. Richard Kahn, will present an overview of nutrition research and why the results have limitations. He will also discuss common mis-information about what we should be eating, how to define and evaluate ultra-processed food, the differences between organic and non-organic products, and the major takeaways from the recently revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans put out by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Cost: $10 per person, includes lunch. Registration deadline is noon on Tuesday, March 17. There is no cost to attend the talk only, which begins at 1:30 pm, but please tell Ricardo you are coming.
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Kesher Nashim: Women's Cancer Connection
2026-03-19 19:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-16 19:30 - 20:30 | MD
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 woman interested in more information about the group.
For more information and to receive the Zoom link, please contact Judy Spector.

Yedid Nefesh Friday Night Musical Service
2026-03-20 18:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Join Rabbi Megdal for a Friday evening musical service that blends familiar melodies and traditional liturgy, woven together with kavannot (intentions) and short teachings.

Rosh Hodesh
2026-03-22 11:45 - 12:45 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Rosh Hodesh is a monthly program designed for sixth grade girls and youth who identify with girlhood or outside the gender binary. Participants come together to build friendships, explore Jewish values, and talk about the things that matter—like identity, confidence, and connection. Through games, discussion, and creative activities, guided by a trained adult mentor, participants will grow as individuals and as a group. For more information, contact Allison Brown at abrown@bethelmc.org.
Beth El’s Rosh Hodesh is presented in partnership with Moving Traditions.
Please use the form below to sign up.
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Volunteering at Manna Food Center
2026-03-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Manna Food Center, 9311 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877, 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 with their children (age 11 and older) in community service. SSL hours are available. Please contact Jonathan Epstein at jonathan.epstein@hklaw.com to register or for more information.
Please note that this program has been rescheduled from March 16 to March 23 due to inclement weather.

Schmooze 'n Schmear
2026-03-27 10:30 - 12:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Come schmooze with your community! Join Women of Beth El on Friday, March 27 for coffee, a nosh, and conversation – an uplifting way to head into Shabbat!

Women of Beth El Yoga
2026-03-29 11:00 - 12:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Take a break from your Pesach prep, unload some of your chametz, and join Women of Beth El for a relaxing, slow flow yoga class on Sunday, March 29 at 11:00 am. Class will be held at Beth El in the Zahler Social Hall. Please bring a mat and any props you like to use for yoga, although the class will not require props. This class is open to all levels but members should have some yoga experience, be able to be on the floor, and get up and down without assistance.
After class, we will share some refreshments – please bring some chametz that you need to clear from your kitchen (make sure it’s marked as kosher) to share with the group! We will have snacks available as well, but this is a good chance to get rid of those crackers, cookies, or bag of pretzels! We will also share some reflections on the upcoming holiday.
Cost is $5 and registration is required.

Congregational Second Night Seder
2026-04-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
The Congregational Second Night Seder, conducted by Rabbi Harris, will be held on Thursday, April 2, at 7:00 pm in the Bender Social Hall, following the 6:30 pm Festival Evening Service. Reservations are limited and due by noon on Friday, March 20, or the first 150 people, whichever comes first. No refunds or phone reservations.
Cost: $65 per member, $85 per non-member, $23 per child (ages 2-12), and free for children under 2.

Support After Loss
2026-04-04 12:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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. Sponsored by the Clergy and the Nichum Aveilim (Comforting mourners) Committee.
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INOVA Blood Drive for Good Deeds Day
2026-04-05 08:00 - 12:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Did you know that every unit of blood donated can save or extend the lives of at least three people? Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. About 62% of the U.S. Population is eligible to donate, but only 3% do. Join us in the Zahler Social Hall on Sunday, April 5, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm to donate blood and help save lives! For assistance, contact on Simon at jonathan747@gmail.com or Jack Ventura at jack.ventura@verizon.net.
Click Here to Schedule Your Donation

Young Family Shabbat with BEPS and Nitzanim
2026-04-10 18:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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.
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Shir Yachad Friday Night Musical Service
2026-04-10 18:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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.

6:00 pm: Everyone is invited to schmooze while enjoying a light dinner.
7:00 pm: Shir Yachad service

Please register for the dinner using the form below by noon on Tuesday, April 7. No registration is needed to attend the service.

Shabbat Mahj
2026-04-11 12:30 - 14:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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
2026-04-12 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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 Drive*
Join us in the Zahler Social Hall on Sunday, April 5, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm to donate blood and help save lives! To schedule your appointment, visit tinyurl.com/53bm3rau. For assistance, contact on Simon at jonatan747@gmail.com or Jack Ventura at jack.ventura@verizon.net.
Upper School Bagel Sale for Kibbutz Nir Oz
Upper School students will be selling bagels in the Beth El Lobby on Sunday, April 12, 9:30 am-12:00 pm. Buy one or one dozen! Cash only for bagels. Donations accepted.
Friends of Cabin John Creek Clean Up
Join volunteers at Cabin John Local Park (7401 MacArthur Blvd) on Sunday, April 12, 2:00-4:00 pm to pick up trash along the trail and creek and prevent it from floating down to the Potomac River and then into the Chesapeake Bay. Trash bags and work gloves provided. Sign up at tinyurl.com/yc8htp58. If the parking lot is full, there is additional parking available at the adjacent Clara Barton Rec Center (7425 MacArthur Blvd). Questions: Abby Miller at abbycmiller@gmail.com.
Making Snack Packs for Bethesda Help
Join Women of Beth El on Sunday, April 12, 2:00-3:30 pm to assemble children’s snack packs for families served by Bethesda Help. Volunteers of all ages are needed, including children and teens. Families welcome! All materials will be provided by Women of Beth El. Register at bethelmc.org/snack-packs-0412.
Crafting Red Scarves for Foster Care to Success
Join Beth El Crafters on Sunday, April 12, 11:00 am-12:00 pm to start a red scarf for young adults exiting foster care. Knitters and Crocheters of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring your knitting needles or crochet hook and red yarn (any hue). Limited yarn will be available. Completed scarves will be collected through the end of September. No RSVP needed. Questions: heathergjanssen@gmail.com.
Food Sorting at Manna Food Center*
Join Beth El’s Men’s Club at Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg on Monday, April 13, 7:00-9:00 pm to sort food donations for Montgomery County residents. Volunteers of all ages welcome; youths under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Limited to 15 individuals. SSL hours available. Sign up and complete release forms by emailing Jonathan Epstein at jonathan.epstein@hklaw.com.
Beth El New DC Diaper Bank Collection Site
Beginning on Sunday, April 12, 9:00 am, Beth El will become an ongoing drop off location for the DC Diaper Bank. Items accepted: Diapers, sizes N-8 (open packages accepted), Pullups & Overnights, all sizes (open packages accepted), New and unopened Wipes. Drop your donations off in the lobby: Questions: Melissa Fishkin Eisenberg at meisenberg111@gmail.com.
Other Good Deeds Day Collections at Beth El
Medication Collection, Beth El Men’s Club, Sunday, April 12, 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Bring your unwanted, unused, or expired medication for safe disposal. There will be a table set up for collection in the lobby.
Full Size New Toiletry Items for Interfaith Works Women’s Shelters, NuBEENS, Sunday, April 12, 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Bring new and unopened hand soap, body wash (full size), body lotion (full size), body wipes, razors, shaving cream, shampoo (full size), conditioner (full size), deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth wash (non-alcohol), floss, and washcloths to donate. Questions: Karen Judson kjudson5@gmail.com.
Interfaith Works Essential Needs Collection, Sunday, April 12, 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Urgent requests for food, infant boy clothes, and all sizes of new underwear, bras, and socks. Accepting all wish list items except for appliances.
Food Pantry Wish List: tinyurl.com/m3kn6jwj
Collection List: tinyurl.com/3uvpa44s
The Treehouse Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County, Sunday, April 12, 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Collecting new or unused/very gently used puzzles (ages 2 to 12), washable markers, play dough, stress balls, coloring and sticker books, kid size throw blankets. Learn more about the Treehouse Child Advocacy Center at treehousemd.org. Questions: Andrea Rifkind andrearifkind@gmail.com.
Canned Tuna and Chicken Collection for Bethesda Help, Beyond BEENs, Sunday, April 12, 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Beyond BEENs has committed to collecting a total of 100 cans of tuna and/or chicken for Bethesda Help. They challenge the rest of the Beth El community to at least match their contribution. Drop off cans in the marked collection box in the lobby during Good Deeds Day.
Youth Activities
During Religious School, BERS students will have the opportunity to participate in two projects: Making sandwiches for Shepherd’s Table and assembling toiletry kits for National Center for Children and Families (NCCF).
BERS Sandwich Making and Toiletry Kit Assembly is presented by Congregation Beth El in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the generous support of The Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Day Fund.

Tzelem
2026-04-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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 up.
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Snack Packs for Bethesda Help
2026-04-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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
2026-04-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Manna Food Center, 9311 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877, 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 with their children (age 11 and older) in community service. SSL hours are available. Please contact Jonathan Epstein at jonathan.epstein@hklaw.com to register or for more information.

Yom HaShoah Film Screening & Discussion: Papillon
2026-04-13 19:15 - 20:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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 pm.

Beth El Youth - MCPS Early Release
2026-04-15 12:30 - 16:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
MCPS was originally going to be closed for the full day on April 15, but now its a half day. Rest assured! We’re still providing all the fun we can at Beth El to keep the kids entertained. It’ll be the usual Gaga-Extravaganza, Movie in the youth lounge, Arts & Crafts, etc.
Drop Off anytime between 12:30-1:30 pm. Pick Up at 4:00 pm, or children with BERS classes at 4:30 pm will be “dismissed” to the youth lounge from 4:00-4:30, the usual youth lounge hours.
Cost: Beth El Youth Members: $5 and Non-Beth El Youth Members: $15. Please register using the form below.

Coffee with the Clergy
2026-04-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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 the discussion. We hope that you can join us in person, but if you cannot, a Zoom option is also available.
Please use the form below to register by noon on Tuesday, April 14.
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Hearing Men's Voices
2026-04-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Beth El men are welcome to join us in person or via Zoom for our monthly gathering. Jon Simon will lead a discussion of “How the people and ideas in my career have influenced the way I see the world and my place in it.”
Please RSVP using the form below.
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Let's Do Lunch with Women of Beth El
2026-04-17 12:00 - 14:00 | 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!

Yedid Nefesh Friday Night Musical Service
2026-04-17 18:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Join Rabbi Megdal for a Friday evening musical service that blends familiar melodies and traditional liturgy, woven together with kavanot (intentions) and short teachings.

Yah Echsof Meditation and Exploration Group
2026-04-18 12:30 - 13:30 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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, and study to delve into our spiritual tradition and cultivate a deeper, more meaningful connection to our Jewish identity.
Please RSVP using the form below.
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BERS Open House
2026-04-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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
2026-04-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, 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 encouraged.
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