About Us
Established in 1964, BJC is a liberal Jewish congregation whose members engage in a wide spectrum of Jewish practice.
All religious backgrounds, races, genders, and sexual orientations are welcome here. 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. Services are in person and on livestream
Friday night, begins at 7:30 PM
Saturday morning, starts at 10:30 AM
Zoom link shared weekly in BJC newsletter. Subscribe for information.
Look for occasional outdoor Havdalah and Shabbat Under the Stars.
(No morning services during July & August)
High Holy Days
High Holy Days services for All
Also Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Young 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 Passover Second Night Seder, Sukkot, Hannukah, Purim, Tu B’shvat Seder and tikkun olam programs.
Youth Education
Weekly Youth Program
Our small religious school welcomes each student as an individual.
Saturdays: Mornings (twice a month) and Afternoons (once a month)
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.
To learn more about our Religious School Program, click here.
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.
Tue, September 2 2025
9 Elul 5785
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BJC Calendar - Join Us
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2025Back to Shul Celebration
Friday, Sep 5th 5:00p to 8:00p
Mark your calendars for September 5 at 5 PM for our annual Back to Shul celebration! Enjoy a delicious evening with the Taste of Palmetto Bay food truck and sweet treats from Fred’s Ice Cream, while the kids bounce and play in our inflatable bounce house. As the sun sets, we’ll gather outdoors for a joyful musical Shabbat service under the stars. RSVP is requested but not required. -
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 11 , 2025Personal Safety Training
Thursday, Sep 11th 9:00a to 11:30a
BJC Adult Congregants are invited to our Community Awareness Personal Safety Training. -
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2025Apple Picking with BJC Youth Education
Shabbat, Sep 20th 10:00a to 11:00a
Bring the family and join BJC’s Youth Education for a fun morning at Homestead Farm. Pick your own apples and get to know some of BJC’s young families! Sept 20 at 10:00 AM at Homestead Farm in Poolesville. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025Tashlich
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 12:45p to 2:30p
After Rosh Hashanah services, join us in Memorial Hall for a light lunch followed by an uplifting Tashlich service. During Tashlich, we symbolically cast off the sins of the previous year by tossing bread crumbs into flowing water. Family Services will take place directly after Tashlich. Please RSVP so we can plan for lunch.
-
Friday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2025Back to Shul Celebration
Friday, Sep 5th 5:00p to 8:00p
Mark your calendars for September 5 at 5 PM for our annual Back to Shul celebration! Enjoy a delicious evening with the Taste of Palmetto Bay food truck and sweet treats from Fred’s Ice Cream, while the kids bounce and play in our inflatable bounce house. As the sun sets, we’ll gather outdoors for a joyful musical Shabbat service under the stars. RSVP is requested but not required. -
Thursday ,
SepSeptember 11 , 2025Personal Safety Training
Thursday, Sep 11th 9:00a to 11:30a
BJC Adult Congregants are invited to our Community Awareness Personal Safety Training. -
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2025Apple Picking with BJC Youth Education
Shabbat, Sep 20th 10:00a to 11:00a
Bring the family and join BJC’s Youth Education for a fun morning at Homestead Farm. Pick your own apples and get to know some of BJC’s young families! Sept 20 at 10:00 AM at Homestead Farm in Poolesville. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025Tashlich
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 12:45p to 2:30p
After Rosh Hashanah services, join us in Memorial Hall for a light lunch followed by an uplifting Tashlich service. During Tashlich, we symbolically cast off the sins of the previous year by tossing bread crumbs into flowing water. Family Services will take place directly after Tashlich. Please RSVP so we can plan for lunch.
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Upcoming Programs & Events
Sep 5 |
Sep 11 |
Sep 20 |
Sep 23 |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Ki Teitzei
Shabbat, Sep 6 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Sep 5, 7:15pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Sep 6, 8:22pm |
Erev Rosh Hashana
Monday, Sep 22 |
Join Us for Regular Shabbat Worship, Holidays, and Special Programs. We Welcome Talking with You about Your Jewish Journey and Interests.
Email: admin@bethesdajewish.org Phone: (301)469-8636 Address: 6601 Bradley Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
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