Worship
THE NATURE OF OUR WORSHIP SERVICES
At B’nai Tzedek we strive to create an atmosphere in our services that combines the best of traditional prayer with contemporary and modern expression. We want our congregants and guests to feel welcome, and to find joy, meaning and spirituality. It’s important to us that when you attend services here you feel you are in a Jewish setting, where the tradition speaks to you in a way that’s meaningful and relevant.
“When planning our services, I’ve always been guided by the Talmud which teaches that if a person has not added to their own prayers and hasn’t incorporated their own personal expression to the words, it’s as if they haven’t prayed.” - Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt
We strike a balance of Hebrew and English
English readings and passages are incorporated into the service, and integrated into the familiar traditional prayers to enhance the sense of spirituality and our connection to our heritage. The prayerbooks we use include historical notes and modern interpretations of traditional prayers allowing worshippers to explore and delve into the text.
Sermons you’ll want to stay for.
Rabbi Weinblatt and Rabbi Werbin's sermons are engaging and thought provoking, covering a wide spectrum of topics as he skillfully weaves Jewish values and teachings with references to today’s issues. Whether regarding the State of Israel, family life, world events, or personal issues, they keep Judaism relevant in today’s changing world. Rabbi Weinblatt is well-known for his use of humor sprinkled throughout his sermons which keeps them lively and engaging.
Music. Music. Music.
Music is an important component of our services. Cantor Kapell encourages congregants of all ages to find spirituality through music and song. In addition to his own beautiful voice, it’s not unusual to hear him in a duet with any number of our talented members of all ages. On the second Friday of the month, come and experience our musical Shabbat, with instruments integrated into our liturgy in our beautiful sanctuary. We always look for opportunities to use music to celebrate, such as when we incorporated modern Israeli music into the melodies for the Kedushah on Yom Yerushalayim.
Participate, please.
Congregants and guests are encouraged to participate in our services, sometimes on the bimah and sometimes from their own seats. On Shabbat mornings, Rabbi Weinblatt will often lead a discussion of the week’s Torah portion, making it relevant to what’s happening in today’s world. On Yom Kippur the Rabbi leads an afternoon discussion about a relevant topic that’s grown so popular that more and more people attend each year making for lively and dynamic discussions.
We love our Fridays.
Friday night services are short but very sweet. For one hour, we warmly welcome Shabbat with the beautiful music of Kabbalat Shabbat. Before Ma’ariv services we reflect privately on our lives as the rabbi sets the mood of individual meditation. We share in celebration of our b’nai mitzvah and in summers we hold casual services outside on our wooded grounds. If you haven’t attended our annual MLK Shabbat with a Gospel Choir from a local church, make it a must-attend next year.
Families warmly welcome.
All of our services are family friendly and we regularly schedule tot Shabbat and child-focused Shabbat Services. On the high holidays there’s children’s programming for all ages. Parents of babies and young children asked for a special seating area where they can feel comfortable sitting with other parents, while remaining engaged in the service. The youngest of children will enjoy the music and the shared community.
Join us?
Have we convinced you to visit and attend a service? We’d love to have you join us. Please contact Lesley Levin and let her know you are coming. You’ll receive a warm welcome.
Wed, April 24 2024
16 Nisan 5784
This Week at CBT
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Monday ,
AprApril 22 , 2024
Monday, Apr 22nd (All day)
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Thursday ,
AprApril 25 , 2024
Thursday, Apr 25th 9:30a to 10:30a
Join Rabbi Weinblatt in this popular class to study the parasha for the week. If you can't make it in person, join via Zoom by clicking here! -
Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024
Monday, Apr 29th (All day)
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Thursday ,
MayMay 2 , 2024
Thursday, May 2nd 7:30p to 9:00p
Join us to hear Rabbi Weinblatt’s personal reflections on his 45 years as a rabbi as he is interviewed by award-winning video producer, Arty Berko. In addition to founding Congregation B’nai Tzedek, Rabbi Weinblatt has served as: • Founder of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition • President of the Rabbinic Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America • Director of Israel Policy and Advocacy for the Rabbinical Assembly, • Head of the Jewish National Fund’s “Rabbis for Israel” • President of the Washington Board of Rabbis • Chair of the National Convention of the Rabbinical Assembly twice • Chair of the prestigious Annual Israel Bonds’ Ambassador’s Ball in D.C. with Symcha • Adjunct professor at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. • And so much more! Arty Berko has spent more than 35 years in broadcast and investigative journalism working for major news organizations like CNN, NBC News and ESPN. During his time at ESPN (27 years), Arty covered many major sporting events and breaking news stories around the world including 12 Olympic games. He was also fortunate enough to be recognized with multiple National Sports Journalism EMMY Awards, a Peabody Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award. You won’t want to miss this fascinating interview! RSVP below. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024
Shabbat, May 4th 9:30a to 12:00p
Join us for services to celebrate Liane Aaron's 25 years of dedication to CBT. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024
Shabbat, May 4th 11:00a to 12:00p
Bring your preschoolers to dance and sing and welcome Shabbat! -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024
Shabbat, May 4th 12:30p to 1:30p
These brief and informal study sessions generally are lay-led and are held on the first Shabbat of each month, excluding the summer, approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of services. The topic each month is the Parashat for the following week. During the study sessions, everyone has a chance to weigh in and express their views on moral, ethical and societal issues. Those attending enjoy the comradery, passion and enthusiasm of their fellow Torah students. Schedule for Post Shabbat Service Study Sessions 2023 – 2024 (5783 – 5784) Date Parashat – Following Week Citation/Location Leader Sept. 2, 2023 Nitzavim + Vayelech Deut. 29:9 – 31:30 Eric Raps Oct. 7, 2023* Bereshit Gen. 1:1 – 6:8 Stan Beder* Nov. 4, 2023 Chayei Sara Gen. 23:1 – 25:18 Dec. 2, 2023 Vayeshev Gen. 37:1 - 40:23; Num. 7:18 - 23 David Lowe Jan. 6, 2024 Vaera Exodus 6:2 – 9:35 Deborah Fox Feb. 3, 2024 Mishpatim Ex. 21:1 – 24:18; Num. 28:9 -15 Mar. 2, 2024 Vayakhel Ex. 35:1 – 38:20; 30:11 – 16 Apr. 6, 2024 Tazria Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59 Rabbi Betsy Roth May 4, 2024 Kedoshim Leviticus 19:1 – 20:27 June 1, 2024 Bamidar Numbers 1:1 – 4:20 Carol Greenwald * The Torah study session on Oct. 7th will be held in the courtyard, and under the outside overhang if there is inclement weather. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024
Sunday, May 5th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Congregation B’nai Tzedek as we pay tribute to the memory of the 6 million Jews tragically lost in the Holocaust. Together, we will honor their enduring legacy through the voices of second generation survivors, a memorial ceremony and discussion. -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 7 , 2024
Tuesday, May 7th 5:30p to 7:30p
5:30 pm BBQ Dinner 6:30 pm Shabbat Under the Stars Celebrate the start of summer with CBT and wish our Shaliach, Ido, farewell! Dress casually for a fun, family-friendly Shabbat experience. Popsicles will be served in honor of the June birthdays. Register below. Early Bird Pricing: $15/adults $10/children through June 3rd After June 3rd: $18/adults $12/children Free to any CBT member who brings a prospective family! This event is generously subsidized by the Frances and Alvin Duber Family Fund. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 8 , 2024
Wednesday, May 8th 7:30p to 9:00p