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.
Wed, April 30 2025
2 Iyyar 5785
Join Our Mailing List
BJC Calendar - Join Us
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Friday ,
MayMay 2 , 2025Family Shabbat!
Friday, May 2nd 5:30p to 8:30p
It's Family Shabbat at BJC! Join Rabbi Abbott for a short tot shabbat service at 5:30 PM followed by a 6:00 PM pizza dinner. Regular Friday night services will start at 6:45 PM. If it's your birthday, make sure to come and get a special blessing! RSVP required for dinner. There's no charge for dinner but donations are always welcome. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 7 , 2025Meet Holocaust Survivor Esther Starobin
Wednesday, May 7th 7:30p to 9:00p
Please join us for a presentation by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum featuring Holocaust survivor Esther Starobin. This conversation will be online only, beginning promptly at 7:30 PM. Please register for the Zoom link. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 8 , 2025Noshes & Notes
Thursday, May 8th 6:00p to 8:00p
Come together to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community with handwritten notes of affirmation and encouragement. These messages will be shared by community centers as bright beacons of hope, reminding recipients that they are seen, valued, and deeply supported—especially in these challenging times. We'll provide wine, cheese, and a playlist full of good vibes to keep things groovy while you write. May 8 from 6-8 PM in the Lounge. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 10 , 2025Member Lunch
Shabbat, May 10th 10:30a to 2:00p
Join Us for the Annual BJC Member Lunch! We are thrilled to invite you to our Member Lunch on Shabbat, May 10th, following 10:30 AM services. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our vibrant BJC community, connect with friends, and meet new faces. 🌟 Highlights of the Day: Celebrate our members and their contributions to our community during the morning services. Enjoy a delicious, catered lunch featuring a variety of dishes to suit all tastes. Welcome and get to know members who have joined BJC since July 1, 2024—new members attend free of charge! 💵 Costs: Adults: $18 Children: $8 New members since July 1, 2024: Complimentary RSVP by May 4th Let’s make this a memorable gathering for our BJC family. We can’t wait to see you there! -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 13 , 2025Interfaith Book Discussion
Tuesday, May 13th 7:00p to 8:30p
The next Inter-Congregational Partnership Committee (ICPC) book discussion will be about Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, a New York Times best seller by Yossi Klein Halevi. The in-person discussion will be held Tuesday May 13, 2025 in Covenant Hall from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. The author writes a series of letters to unspecified Palestinians to explain why Israel matters to him and the Jewish people, and why it's so hard to make peace even when folks want it. Mr. Halevi is upfront with his readers, sharing that he is representing his personal Jewish point of view but wishes to engage in a real dialogue. Originally published in 2018, the second edition (2019) includes responses from Palestinian and other Arab readers. Please read the second edition if possible. This ICPC event is sponsored by Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church (BHPC), Bethesda Jewish Congregation (BJC), and Maqaame Ibrahim Islamic Center (MIIC), all congregations that worship at 6601 Bradley Boulevard. For further information, please contact Karen Levi (BJC) karenlevi1969@gmail.com, Laurie Mabile (BJC) mabileweb@gmail.com, or Marilyn Allen (BHPC) mpallen114@aol.com. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2025Understanding & Leading Jewish Prayer
Wednesday, May 14th 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 15 , 2025Annual Members Meeting
Thursday, May 15th 7:30p to 9:00p
All members in good standing are encouraged to join us for the Annual Members Meeting. Please look for an informational email in your inbox. May 15th at 7:30 PM, Covenant Hall and Online. -
Friday ,
MayMay 16 , 2025End of Year Celebration
Friday, May 16th 5:15p to 8:00p
Join us on Friday, May 16th as we wrap up the year with an unforgettable night of friendship, flavor, and flame! 💫 Friendship Bracelet Making 🌯 Dali's Falafel Truck – come hungry! 🔥 Bonfire Vibes – s’mores, stories, and songs And stick around for our beautiful outdoor service under the stars ✨ Let’s close out the year together — connected, inspired, and full of falafel. 💙 Bring a friend, bring your spirit — we’ll bring the bracelets and the firelight! -
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!
-
Friday ,
MayMay 2 , 2025Family Shabbat!
Friday, May 2nd 5:30p to 8:30p
It's Family Shabbat at BJC! Join Rabbi Abbott for a short tot shabbat service at 5:30 PM followed by a 6:00 PM pizza dinner. Regular Friday night services will start at 6:45 PM. If it's your birthday, make sure to come and get a special blessing! RSVP required for dinner. There's no charge for dinner but donations are always welcome. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 7 , 2025Meet Holocaust Survivor Esther Starobin
Wednesday, May 7th 7:30p to 9:00p
Please join us for a presentation by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum featuring Holocaust survivor Esther Starobin. This conversation will be online only, beginning promptly at 7:30 PM. Please register for the Zoom link. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 8 , 2025Noshes & Notes
Thursday, May 8th 6:00p to 8:00p
Come together to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community with handwritten notes of affirmation and encouragement. These messages will be shared by community centers as bright beacons of hope, reminding recipients that they are seen, valued, and deeply supported—especially in these challenging times. We'll provide wine, cheese, and a playlist full of good vibes to keep things groovy while you write. May 8 from 6-8 PM in the Lounge. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 10 , 2025Member Lunch
Shabbat, May 10th 10:30a to 2:00p
Join Us for the Annual BJC Member Lunch! We are thrilled to invite you to our Member Lunch on Shabbat, May 10th, following 10:30 AM services. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our vibrant BJC community, connect with friends, and meet new faces. 🌟 Highlights of the Day: Celebrate our members and their contributions to our community during the morning services. Enjoy a delicious, catered lunch featuring a variety of dishes to suit all tastes. Welcome and get to know members who have joined BJC since July 1, 2024—new members attend free of charge! 💵 Costs: Adults: $18 Children: $8 New members since July 1, 2024: Complimentary RSVP by May 4th Let’s make this a memorable gathering for our BJC family. We can’t wait to see you there! -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 13 , 2025Interfaith Book Discussion
Tuesday, May 13th 7:00p to 8:30p
The next Inter-Congregational Partnership Committee (ICPC) book discussion will be about Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, a New York Times best seller by Yossi Klein Halevi. The in-person discussion will be held Tuesday May 13, 2025 in Covenant Hall from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. The author writes a series of letters to unspecified Palestinians to explain why Israel matters to him and the Jewish people, and why it's so hard to make peace even when folks want it. Mr. Halevi is upfront with his readers, sharing that he is representing his personal Jewish point of view but wishes to engage in a real dialogue. Originally published in 2018, the second edition (2019) includes responses from Palestinian and other Arab readers. Please read the second edition if possible. This ICPC event is sponsored by Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church (BHPC), Bethesda Jewish Congregation (BJC), and Maqaame Ibrahim Islamic Center (MIIC), all congregations that worship at 6601 Bradley Boulevard. For further information, please contact Karen Levi (BJC) karenlevi1969@gmail.com, Laurie Mabile (BJC) mabileweb@gmail.com, or Marilyn Allen (BHPC) mpallen114@aol.com. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 14 , 2025Understanding & Leading Jewish Prayer
Wednesday, May 14th 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 15 , 2025Annual Members Meeting
Thursday, May 15th 7:30p to 9:00p
All members in good standing are encouraged to join us for the Annual Members Meeting. Please look for an informational email in your inbox. May 15th at 7:30 PM, Covenant Hall and Online. -
Friday ,
MayMay 16 , 2025End of Year Celebration
Friday, May 16th 5:15p to 8:00p
Join us on Friday, May 16th as we wrap up the year with an unforgettable night of friendship, flavor, and flame! 💫 Friendship Bracelet Making 🌯 Dali's Falafel Truck – come hungry! 🔥 Bonfire Vibes – s’mores, stories, and songs And stick around for our beautiful outdoor service under the stars ✨ Let’s close out the year together — connected, inspired, and full of falafel. 💙 Bring a friend, bring your spirit — we’ll bring the bracelets and the firelight! -
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!
Update this content.
Today's Sefirah Count Is 17
היום שבעה עשר יום שהם שני שבועות ושלשה ימים לעמר |
Today's Calendar
Yom Hazikaron |
Friday Night
: 5:30pm |
: 5:30pm |
: 6:45pm |
Candle Lighting : 7:44pm |
Shabbat Day
: 9:00am |
: 10:30am |
Havdalah : 8:53pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
May 2 |
May 7 |
May 8 |
May 10 |
May 13 |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Tazria-Metzora
Shabbat, May 3 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, May 2, 7:44pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, May 3, 8:53pm |
Yom Hazikaron
Wednesday, Apr 30 |
Join Us for Regular Shabbat Worship, Holidays, and Special Programs. We Welcome Talking with You about Your Jewish Journey and Interests.
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