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, May 20 2025
22 Iyyar 5785
Join Our Mailing List
BJC Calendar - Join Us
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 21 , 2025Understanding & Leading Jewish Prayer
Wednesday, May 21st 7:00p to 8:30p
Join Rabbi Abbott for a limited series class! Perfect for anyone who wants to: Understand more about prayers and Shabbat Learn how to lead worship (or hone those skills you already have!) RSVP is requested but not required -
Thursday ,
MayMay 22 , 2025Mahjongg at BJC
Thursday, May 22nd 6:30p to 8:30p
Mahjongg is back for our monthly session! Come play with BJC and friends, have a nosh, and win some fabulous prizes. Beginners and players of all experience welcome. Please register in advance. We're just playing for fun and bragging rights so join in! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 25 , 2025Glenstone Museum
Sunday, May 25th 12:00p to 2:00p
Join Us for a Cultural Escape! 🎨🖼️ We're heading to the Glenstone Museum on Sunday, May 25 at 12 PM for an unforgettable experience of contemporary art, architecture, and nature. Space is limited to just 20 participants! RSVP now to secure your spot! -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 28 , 2025Understanding & Leading Jewish Prayer
Wednesday, May 28th 7:00p to 8:30p
Join Rabbi Abbott for a limited series class! Perfect for anyone who wants to: Understand more about prayers and Shabbat Learn how to lead worship (or hone those skills you already have!) RSVP is requested but not required -
Thursday ,
MayMay 29 , 2025Rosh Chodesh Women's Group
Thursday, May 29th 2:30p to 4:00p
Using a guide from "At the Well", this new womens group will bring in the new month with learning & sharing. Please RSVP to Amy in the BJC office. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 1 , 2025Shavuot Tikkun Leil
Sunday, Jun 1st 8:00p to 9:30p
Join us for an evening of learning, community, and cheesecake as we celebrate Shavuot with our annual Tikkun Leil! Come study late into the night and enjoy the tradition of sweet Torah—and sweeter cheesecake. 🍰📖 All are welcome. Come hungry for knowledge (and dessert)! -
Saturday ,
JunJune 7 , 2025March with BJC at World Pride!
Shabbat, Jun 7th 2:00p to 5:00p
Bethesda Jewish Congregation is proud to march in the World Pride Parade on June 7th—and we want YOU to join us! For the past three years, our community has shown up to Capital Pride with spirit and solidarity, and this year, we’re hoping to make our fourth march the biggest and most joyful yet. Marching together is a powerful way to stand up for love, inclusion, and justice. It's a celebration of who we are—an open and welcoming congregation that affirms the dignity and worth of every individual. Whether you're a longtime member, a friend of the community, or simply looking for a welcoming groupto walk with, we invite you to step out with us in support of LGBTQ+ pride. Bring your signs, your smiles, and your ruach (spirit)—let’s make this our most colorful and spirited showing yet! Please register to march, pick your t shirt size (by May 21) and we'll keep you posted on meeting details and the march route.
-
Wednesday ,
MayMay 21 , 2025Understanding & Leading Jewish Prayer
Wednesday, May 21st 7:00p to 8:30p
Join Rabbi Abbott for a limited series class! Perfect for anyone who wants to: Understand more about prayers and Shabbat Learn how to lead worship (or hone those skills you already have!) RSVP is requested but not required -
Thursday ,
MayMay 22 , 2025Mahjongg at BJC
Thursday, May 22nd 6:30p to 8:30p
Mahjongg is back for our monthly session! Come play with BJC and friends, have a nosh, and win some fabulous prizes. Beginners and players of all experience welcome. Please register in advance. We're just playing for fun and bragging rights so join in! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 25 , 2025Glenstone Museum
Sunday, May 25th 12:00p to 2:00p
Join Us for a Cultural Escape! 🎨🖼️ We're heading to the Glenstone Museum on Sunday, May 25 at 12 PM for an unforgettable experience of contemporary art, architecture, and nature. Space is limited to just 20 participants! RSVP now to secure your spot! -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 28 , 2025Understanding & Leading Jewish Prayer
Wednesday, May 28th 7:00p to 8:30p
Join Rabbi Abbott for a limited series class! Perfect for anyone who wants to: Understand more about prayers and Shabbat Learn how to lead worship (or hone those skills you already have!) RSVP is requested but not required -
Thursday ,
MayMay 29 , 2025Rosh Chodesh Women's Group
Thursday, May 29th 2:30p to 4:00p
Using a guide from "At the Well", this new womens group will bring in the new month with learning & sharing. Please RSVP to Amy in the BJC office. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 1 , 2025Shavuot Tikkun Leil
Sunday, Jun 1st 8:00p to 9:30p
Join us for an evening of learning, community, and cheesecake as we celebrate Shavuot with our annual Tikkun Leil! Come study late into the night and enjoy the tradition of sweet Torah—and sweeter cheesecake. 🍰📖 All are welcome. Come hungry for knowledge (and dessert)! -
Saturday ,
JunJune 7 , 2025March with BJC at World Pride!
Shabbat, Jun 7th 2:00p to 5:00p
Bethesda Jewish Congregation is proud to march in the World Pride Parade on June 7th—and we want YOU to join us! For the past three years, our community has shown up to Capital Pride with spirit and solidarity, and this year, we’re hoping to make our fourth march the biggest and most joyful yet. Marching together is a powerful way to stand up for love, inclusion, and justice. It's a celebration of who we are—an open and welcoming congregation that affirms the dignity and worth of every individual. Whether you're a longtime member, a friend of the community, or simply looking for a welcoming groupto walk with, we invite you to step out with us in support of LGBTQ+ pride. Bring your signs, your smiles, and your ruach (spirit)—let’s make this our most colorful and spirited showing yet! Please register to march, pick your t shirt size (by May 21) and we'll keep you posted on meeting details and the march route.
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Today's Sefirah Count Is 37
היום שבעה ושלשים יום שהם חמשה שבועות ושני ימים לעמר |
Today's Calendar
Friday Night
: 7:30pm |
Candle Lighting : 8:03pm |
Shabbat Day
: 9:00am |
: 10:30am |
Havdalah : 9:12pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
May 21 |
May 22 |
May 25 |
May 28 |
May 29 |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Behar-Bechukotai
Candle Lighting
Friday, May 23, 8:03pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, May 24, 9:12pm |
Shabbat Mevarchim
Shabbat, May 24 |
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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