Welcome to B'er Chayim Congregation. We are proud to be one of the oldest Congregations in Maryland, and have the oldest continuously operating Temple building in the state. Our building is over 150 years old, as is our congregation. With a membership of about 80 families it is a flourishing congregation with congregants ranging from 5 months to 100 years of age. Our community is unique in that we have many multi-generational families. As a result of our small size, new members are welcomed into the fold quickly and are able to be as active as they are willing and able to be.
B'er Chayim is curently a member of the Union of Reform Jews. Our history of affiliations has varied over the years however, ranging from Orthodox when first chartered in 1853, through classical reform in the late 1800 and early 1900's, and finally merging with Beth Jacob Synagogue (a Conservative Shul) in 1998. Our current services are respectful of each tradition, with traditional services being held on festivals and Shabbat, incorporating both conservative and reform styles of worship. Our goal is to be the center of Jewish life for our region, and as an active and thriving congregation, we have met our goal.
URJ-MAC Biennial
B'er Chayim Temple is excited to be the host congregation for the 2008 URJ Mid-Atlantic Council Regional Bienniel held at Rocky Gap Lodge October 24-26, 2008. We will be hosting a tour of B'er Chayim Temple for our out-of-town visitors during the free session on Saturday afternoon. We are proud of our building and congregation. We look forward to sharing our 141 year old Temple building and our 155 year old congregation with our visitors.