Welcome

 
 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 170 years old, as is our congregation. With a membership of about 45 families, it is a tight-knit congregation with congregants ranging from 5 months to 100 years of age. 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. Please contact our membership chairperson for information on our introductory membership offer.

B’er Chayim is a member of the Union of Reform Jews. Our history of affiliations has varied over the years: Orthodox when first chartered in 1853; Classical Reform in the late 1800 and early 1900s; and Reform after merging with Beth Jacob Synagogue (a Conservative Shul) in 1998. Our services are respectful of each tradition, reflecting such rich history.

                Upcoming Calendar of Services


             August 31              Saturday       10:00 am

             September 6          Friday              7:30 pm  

             September 14        Saturday        10:00 am       

                September 20         Friday              7:30 pm 

                September 28         Saturday         time TBA                                                                 Slichot Service

                           High Holiday Services – 5785

                   October 2              Wed               7:30pm                                                       Erev  Rosh Hashanah                                                       New Year’s Reception

                  October 3              Thursday        10:00 am      
                                            Rosh Hashanah Svce
                                                                                                                                     Tashlich Service  3:00 pm
                                             Braddock Run behind
                                             Fratelli’s Restaurant


               October 4              Friday             10:00 am 
                                             Second Day Study
                                             NO Erev Shabbat Service

               October 6              Sunday       12 noon    
                                             East  View Cemetery                                              Memorial Service                                                     
                    October 11             Friday         7:00 pm
                                              Kol Nidre

                    October 12             Saturday      10:00 am
                                              Yom Kippur
                                                                                                                                         Yizkor Service  11:30am
                                                                 
                                              Afternoon Svce  3:00 pm

                                              Break the Fast to Go

               October 16             Erev Sukkat     6:00 pm
                                              Pot Luck Dinner/Service                                               Cantor Roskin’s Sukkah
                                              750 Washington Street 

                   October 19             Saturday       10:00 am
                                              Shabbat Morning Service

                   October 25             Friday            7:30 pm
                                              Simchat Torah

                                  Please remember:

 Our services are held both in the Temple and on Zoom.

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

From the Sukkah to the Voting Booth: A Reform Jewish Call to Action

From the Sukkah to the Voting Booth: A Reform Jewish Call to Action jemerman

Every Voice, Every Vote
Photo of a woman hanging up the side of a sukkah
As we celebrate the joyous holiday of Sukkot and approach election day, we are reminded of the importance of shelter, community, and social justice. The sukkah, a temporary dwelling, symbolizes our vulnerability and dependence on others. It's a powerful metaphor for the interconnectedness of our society and the impact of our actions on our broader community.

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th

Resources for Marking the Anniversary of October 7th jemerman

Israel
Photo of two hands holding a memorial candle, with white label and a blue star of david on it
These materials include readings, interviews, and more that reflect on the year that has passed since the October 7th attacks.

Judging Others, Judging Ourselves

Judging Others, Judging Ourselves jemerman

Talk for a Change
Photo of a woman looking at her reflection in a small hand-held mirrow
One year ago, I wrote a reflection about the label "Judgement Days" for the time between Rosh HaShanah and the end of Yom Kippur. Since then, we only need to say a date out loud to realize how dramatically our world has changed: October 7th.

Creating High Holiday Memories for Children

Creating High Holiday Memories for Children sdolgov

Yom Kippur
A child blowing a shofar
Finding ways to make the High Holidays meaningful for your child is an important way to nurture their Jewish identity. There are many ways to celebrate at home, like reading books, making crafts, or discussing what the holiday means to you and them.