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Bethesda Jewish Congregation
Creative Judaism Rooted in Tradition
We serve Jews from traditional and liberal religious backgrounds, as well as secular Jews, interfaith couples, and their families. We vary in degree of observance and cultural practice, bringing new vitality to our tradition while maintaining continuity with our heritage, our people, and our history. BJC chooses to remain independent and unaffiliated with established movements, taking a trans-denominational approach to Jewish worship and thought. Music and congregant participation infuse all of our services. Our programs enable everyone to engage fully with our traditions no matter their level of Jewish knowledge or practice.
Join with us on your Jewish journey, and become part of our community.
Click here for the Membership Registration Form
Upcoming Events
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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. 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. -
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 🌯 Dalia's Falafel – 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! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 18 , 2025Interfaith Family Fun Day
Sunday, May 18th 5:00p to 7:00p
🍦🎉 Annual Interfaith Family Fun Day – Come for the connections, stay for the fun! Join us for a day of family-friendly games, delicious eats from the Beltway Bistro Food Truck, and FREE ICE CREAM for all ages! Bring your friends, bring your kids, and bring your appetite for a day full of smiles and community. Sunday, May 18th from 5-7 PM, outside at 6601 Bradley Blvd. ✨ Sponsored by the InterCongregational Partnership Committee – building bridges and creating lasting connections. Let’s make memories together!
BJC is Here for You
Our BJC Staff members are available by phone or email to answer any questions.
BJC Main Office Phone: 301-469-8636
Rabbi Eric L. Abbott rabbiabbott@bethesdajewish.org
Rabbi Emeritus Sunny Schnitzer rabbisunny@bethesdajewish.org
Geryl Baer, Synagogue Director, geryl@bethesdajewish.org
Amy Kertesz, Program and Communications Director, amy@bethesdajewish.org
Rebecca Leavey, Religious School Coordinator, becky@bethesdajewish.org
Office Hours (all times Eastern)
Tuesday thru Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday evening and Saturday the office is closed for Shabbat*.
Sunday and Monday our offices are closed.
Weekend messages will be returned on Tuesday unless urgent.
Pastoral Care
Please remember that you remain part of a loving and caring community concerned for your spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Should you or a family member experience any illness, injury, loss, or simply wish to talk to someone, please contact the Rabbi.
Welcome to BJC's website and membership database: Shul Cloud
Shul Cloud is designed to make it easy, to stay informed about services and programs, stay connected and find members in the directory. It also allows you to pay for synagogue support, register for programs, and make donations.
Once you create your personal login, you can also use it to update personal contact information, add yahrzeits, anniversaries and other simchas you'd like to share. In addition, you can find other members' contact information under My Directory.
1st Step: Click on MY ACCOUNT at the top of this page and use your email to login. Need help? Contact Geryl Baer at admin@bethesdajewish.org or call the office.
2nd Step" Review this ShulCloud 101 PDF to guide you through the set-up of online transactions. Save your stamps, and the trees.
Use Shul Cloud.
Fri, May 9 2025
11 Iyyar 5785
Today's Sefirah Count Is 26
היום ששה ועשרים יום שהם שלשה שבועות וחמשה ימים לעמר |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim
Shabbat, May 10 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, May 9, 7:51pm |
Join Us For Services
Service Schedule:
5/9
Friday Night Services 7:30 PM
5/10
Saturday Services 10:30 AM
Most services are livestreamed.
For the Zoom password please contact the BJC office.
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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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