Shabbat under the Stars
About Us
Established in 1964, BJC is a liberal Jewish congregation whose members engage in a wide spectrum of Jewish practice.
All are welcome, regardless of religious background, race, gender, or sexual orientation. BJC stresses equal participation of all members in all aspects of congregational life. BJC currently has members from Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia, as well as members who join us online from all over the country.
While there are several movements in Judaism, BJC chooses to remain independent, that is, not officially affiliated with any of the established Jewish movements.
BJC takes a trans-denominational approach to Jewish worship and thought. We use prayer books from both the Reform and Conservative movements for their even-handed balance between Hebrew and English in the liturgy.
Our worship style, however, incorporates Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Neo-Hassidic, and Jewish Renewal liturgical elements, and most prayers are expressed through song and chant.
We use musical instruments in all of our services. As a result of this blending, our worship experience is a dynamic expression of modern Judaism.
Worship
Shabbat Services
Feel the spirit of Shabbat with a community of friends gathering each Shabbat on Zoom.
Friday night, begins at 7:30 PM
Saturday morning, starts at 10:00 AM
Zoom link shared weekly in BJC newsletter. Subscribe for information.
(No morning services during July & August)
High Holy Days
High Holy Days services for Adults
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Family Services led by the Rabbi
Non-members are welcome to purchase tickets by contacting the office.
Holidays & Festivals
BJC celebrates all of the major holidays as a congregation.
We offer family education programs throughout the year, with a major annual event each spring.
Join us for Second Night of Passover Seder, Sukkot, Hannukah, Purim, Tu B’shvat Seder, as well as many other exciting programs often including guest instructors and entertainers.
Youth Education
Weekly Youth Program
ONLINE FOR Fall 2020
Our small religious school welcomes each student as an individual.
Saturday Morning
Our experienced, caring teachers guide our students’ learning through interactive, multi-disciplinary learning, experiential programs: tzedakah/social action engagement, music, dance, arts, field trips, and more.
Weekday Hebrew
We teach Hebrew through an innovative on-line, one-on-one study session during the week, complemented by in-person tutoring during class.
Bar & Bat Mitzvah
The Rabbi provides personal instruction, leadership, and direction for each B’nai Mitzvah.
At BJC there is flexibility in setting dates.
The program includes family learning and social action components as well.
Tichon for Upper Grades
We welcome our students to continue their learning post B’nai Mitzvah in our Tichon class for upper grades and to continue through to Confirmation.
Confirmation
Young people going through confirmation explore their Judaism in a meaningful way. Their confirmation ceremony gives them the opportunity to bring their ideas about their Jewish journey and world to life.