Service Schedule

Our congregation celebrates Shabbat and holidays, with each event having its own special flavor. Shabbat services are held every Friday night and Saturday morning, except as noted. A vast array of worship opportunities and expressions are afforded to our members. BJC members often create and contribute to, participate in, and lead religious services. For example, it is our tradition to have members write and select readings to supplement the traditional High Holiday services. The opportunity for parents to help shape a service to celebrate their child becoming a bar or bat mitzvah is one that many members of the congregation find very rewarding.

When we are not having one of our special services, Friday night Shabbat services start at 8:00 and feature interactive discussions of Torah, ethics, and current topics of interest. Shabbat morning services are always at 10:30 am and feature intergenerational discussions of Torah with our religious school students often in attendance.

New-Starting December 2007 - Kabbalat Shabbat All-Music Services (2nd Fridays Sept-May)

Simcha B'Shabbat - Third Fridays of the Month (except July & August)

The Third Friday of each month is our Simcha B'Shabbat, an all music service with a small band and vocal ensemble, including Hazzan Schnitzer and Director of Education and Congregational Life Adrian Durlester, leading congregational song and prayer.

Tot Shabbat - Fourth Fridays

The Fourth Friday we feature a 6:30 pm Tot Shabbat geared for children ages 2-7, their parents, and grandparents. Songs, stories, puppets, and play are featured as a way for children of all ages to encounter the wonder of Shabbat.

Service of Meditation - Fourth Fridays

Later on the same Friday evenings as Tot Shabbat, at 8:00, BJC holds a unique service of renewal and healing. This special service is an intimate experience of song, meditation, and prayer.

High Holy Days

On the High Holy Days we use the Reform prayer book, Gates of Repentance, as well as a special supplement of poetry, other readings, and original writings by members of the Congregation. The services also feature singing by the Congregation's choir and the Hazzan. There are also separate, age-appropriate services for Pre-K children, and a Family Service for children and their parents. Tickets are provided to all dues paying members. Non-members may purchase tickets by contacting the office at 301/469-8636.

Music

In addition to Simcha B'Shabbat and Kaballat Shabbat All-Music Services, all of our services are very musical. BJC is a singing, participatory congregation. Instruments are used at Shabbat services unless otherwise noted.