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.

The Rabbi’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, he keeps Judaism relevant in today’s changing world. He 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 the Gospel Choir of the Community Baptist Church of Silver Spring, 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 Amanda Katz and let her know you are coming. You’ll receive a warm welcome.