Bethesda Jewish Congregation

BJC is truly representative of Klal Yisrael (all Israel), serving Jews from traditional and liberal religious backgrounds, as well as secular Jews, intermarried couples, and their families. We are concerned with bringing a new vitality to our tradition, while maintaining continuity with our heritage, our people, and our history to preserve our unique way of life and value system. We have always enjoyed the benefits of the diversity among our members, and we seek like-minded individuals to join with us and enrich our explorations with their experiences and points of view.

We feel that our synagogue should take form naturally in response to the needs of its members as they interact with life and with Judaism. In terms of congregational life, this means that in all of our synagogue’s activities, both for adults and children, we strive for programs that enable our members to fully engage our traditions no matter how extensive an individual’s level of Jewish knowledge. We evaluate our programs according to how deeply each participant is moved and how effectively the connection to community is strengthened.

Bethesda Jewish Congregation subscribes to the view that Judaism and the Jewish people are evolving and dynamic. The message of Judaism is at once the oldest and the newest. In every age the Jewish people have revisited their texts and traditions, reinterpreting and reinventing them so that they are relevant and have continued meaning. At BJC, we wish to do our part in the development of the world’s understanding of the human condition and the perfection of the same through a Jewish lens. We are truly partners in the work of creation, performing Tikkun Olam, the repair of the world.

The congregation follows many paths of Jewish observance. The congregation’s philosophy and practice stress equal participation of all members in all aspects of congregational life.

As a small congregation, BJC depends on the involvement of its membership. The congregational leadership also believes that volunteer opportunities must be fulfilling and it designs its governance and committee structures to meet that end. Our goal is that all of our members will want to give their time to make BJC into the type of community they want it to be. All board and committee meetings are open, and the ultimate authority in all matters resides with the congregation.

While there are several movements in Judaism, BJC chooses to remain independent, that is, not officially affiliated with any of the established movements. BJC takes a trans-denominational approach to Jewish worship and thought. We use a prayer book of the Reform movement for its even-handed balance between Hebrew and English in the liturgy. Our worship style, however, incorporates Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Neo-Hassidic, and Jewish Renewal liturgical elements. The worship experience that grows out of these diverse forms is a dynamic expression of modern Judaism.

Location

6601 Bradley Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817