Film Screening: Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round Featured November 7 at 7:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join Chai Society 60+ for a screening of the film Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round. The movie tells the story of five Black students who rode a segregated carousel in 1960, igniting one of the earliest organized interracial civil rights protests in U.S. history. Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round is the little-known story ...
The Jewish Parenting Circle Featured November 8 at 9:45 am The Jewish Parenting Circle Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States How do we raise kids who care about others, create family rituals that stick, pass on our Jewish values, and help our children navigate the tough stuff like antisemitism, death, and loss? Join fellow Beth El parents, clergy, and family therapists from Growing Minds for lively, honest conversations where we can share what's working, wrestle ...
Women of Beth El and Men’s Club Hike Featured November 8 at 10:00 am Join the Women of Beth El and Men's Club for a hike in Cabin John Regional Park. We will meet at the Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center (7801 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda) at 10:00 am. The hike is approximately three miles and is relatively flat. Registration is encouraged in case of updates.
Warriors Among Us Featured November 8 at 12:00 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join Congregation Beth El for a moderated speaking forum bringing together congregants who serve in the U.S. Military, Jewish veterans, and personnel from the Israeli Embassy and IDF for a candid conversation about military life. Panelists will explore the experiences and differences between American and Israeli military service, discuss levels of American Jewish support for ...
Real Estate Professionals Affinity Group Breakfast Featured November 10 at 8:15 am Whether you finance, build, own, operate, provide professional services to, or just enjoy, real estate, please join us to schmooze, nosh, and learn. The Real Estate Professionals affinity group will gather on Tuesday, November 10, at 8:15 am for breakfast at the office of a leading strategic advisory firm in downtown Bethesda. We'll enjoy bagels ...
Kol Haneshama Friday Night Musical Service Featured November 13 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 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. 6:00 pm - Light Dinner 7:00 pm - Kol ...
Spark Israel Micro Investments November 14 at 12:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us to hear from Bruce Zivan of SparkIL to learn about this terrific way to connect with Israel - people to people. SparkIL creates a direct and personal bridge between people around the world and Israeli entrepreneurs, turning support into a meaningful human connection. It gives individuals the opportunity to step into the story ...
Holy Grounds – Coffee Lab November 15 at 11:30 am Bethesda United Methodist Church 8300 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Beth El members are invited to join our Israeli shaliach (emissary), Yoel Gleizer, for an interactive coffee workshop at Bethesda United Methodist Church, our neighbors across the street! Explore coffee varieties, roasting, and brewing methods, discover what goes into your favorite coffee drinks, and get a glimpse into the creativity behind latte art. Enjoy tastings ...
From the Cockpit to the Pentagon: A Lunch & Learn with Colonel Aaron C. Schilleci Featured November 18 at 12:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join Chai Society 60+ for a thought-provoking Lunch & Learn with Beth El congregant Colonel Aaron C. Schilleci, a decorated Army aviator and senior leader in the Army National Guard. Colonel Schilleci will share stories and insights from more than three decades of military service, from enlisting in the Army as a young Intelligence Analyst ... $10
Yah Echsof Meditation Group Featured November 21 at 12:30 pm 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, ...
Sunday Mah Jongg November 22 at 10:00 am Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Can't make it on Tuesday night? Come play Mah jongg with Zhava on Sunday, November 22! Meet us in the Family Room after drop-off for a fun way to start your Sunday - with a little mahj and a lot of great company! Snacks will be served. Click Here to Sign Up
Family Trip to Israel Information Meeting Featured November 22 at 12:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Come find out about the Family Trip to Israel with Keshet tour host Geoff Winston. The trip, which will be led by Hazzan Fradkin, will take place June 21-30, 2027.
Travel with Rabbi Harris to Israel Featured November 22 at 1:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Interested in traveling with Rabbi Harris to Israel, March 15-25, 2027? This meeting will provide information and details about the trip and an opportunity to experience Israel in a new way! Join Rabbi Harris for this enriching journey designed for adults returning to Israel who want to go beyond the familiar and discover new perspectives. ...
Chutzpod! Live On Location at Beth El Featured November 22 at 5:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States On-Location at Beth El: Live Recording of the Chutzpod! Podcast Doors open at 5:00 pm; the podcast recording begins promptly at 5:30 pm. A light reception to follow. Chutzpod! is a renowned, frank, and wide-ranging conversation about how to build a good life, drawing on real-life dilemmas and millennia-old Jewish wisdom. Each week, Rabbi Shira ...
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Featured November 23 at 7:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Every year before Thanksgiving, Beth El shares an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service with the Bethesda United Methodist Church, our neighbors across the street. Our Interfaith Thanksgiving Service includes prayers and reflections from the clergy and performances by the adult and children’s choirs from both places of worship. This year, we will gather at Beth El. The ...
Yah Echsof Meditation Group Featured December 5 at 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm 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, ...
Let There Be Light: A Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting Featured December 6 at 5:30 pm Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join us on the third night of Hanukkah for a community candle lighting! Bring your own hanukkiah and add your glow to our beautifully lit synagogue as we celebrate together. ...
Senior Caucus Coffee with the Clergy Featured December 8 at 2:00 pm Coffee with the Clergy Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join the Senior Caucus for our every other month Coffee with the Clergy. This is an informal time to catch up with each other, hear what is going on at ...
Jews & Brews December 9 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Join Rabbi Harris for some schmoozing and casual Jewish learning around the fire pit at his home. This month, we'll explore the topic "Jewish Wisdom: Life is Hard, Wonderful, and Surprising." Jews & Brews is sponsored by Men’s Club, but all Beth El members are welcome to attend. Please register using the form below.
Civil Rights Journey to the South Featured December 13 - December 15 Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join Rabbi Harris and members of Congregation Beth El for a trip exploring the Jewish history of the Civil Rights movement this winter, December 13-15. The Civil Rights journey empowers and inspires participants to return home and get involved, as they realize they have the power to make a difference. Participants will meet primary sources, ... $1600
Meet Historian James McAuley, Author of “Edmond de Rothschild: Finding Zion” Featured December 13 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Join us via Zoom as prize-winning author and historian James McAuley introduces his latest work of nonfiction. Edmond de Rothschild: Finding Zion offers a fresh look at Zionism, Jewish history, and Jewish identity at a time when these issues have taken on a new, urgent relevance. Born into the French branch of the legendary Jewish ...
Support After Loss December 19 at 12:30 pm - 1:30 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. ...
The Hidden History of the Renoir Portraits with Author Catherine Ostler Featured January 24, 2027 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Join us via Zoom as British author Catherine Ostler discusses her new work of non-fiction, The Renoir Girls: A Hidden History of Art, War, & Betrayal. The book traces the lives of three French Jewish sisters, painted by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in beloved and widely reproduced Impressionist portraits: Pink and Blue and Little Irène. The sisters were ...
Kol Haneshama Friday Night Musical Service Featured January 29, 2027 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 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. 6:00 pm - Light Dinner 7:00 pm - Kol ...
Senior Caucus Coffee with the Clergy Featured February 17, 2027 at 2:00 pm Coffee with the Clergy Congregation Beth El 8215 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD, United States Join the Senior Caucus for our every other month Coffee with the Clergy. This is an informal time to catch up with each other, hear what is going on at ...
