Since celebrating its 50th anniversary about two years ago, B’nai Shalom of Olney has seen tremendous growth. Head Rabbi Jesse Nagelberg said, “We’ve experienced growth, really, in all sectors.” More specifically, growth has occurred among members age 55 and older and in the Early Childhood School.
“So really, on all fronts, we’re growing,” Nagelberg added.
Nagelberg also excitedly shared the news about his renewed contract for the next six years. Describing it as “firing on all cylinders,” Nagelberg explained that new programs are being developed all the time: “It’s just a really wonderful, exciting time to be here at BSO.”
B’nai Shalom also continues to run quality programs. One program that’s been running for a number of years is the volunteer work done at a local women’s shelter every month. One Wednesday night per month, a group of synagogue members cook and deliver food at the Interfaith Works women’s center. Each year, a monthly sign-up sheet is sent out. Nagelberg noted that program leaders “do a really good job about reaching out to the whole community.”
For this program, different community members volunteer each month to ensure the opportunity is open to anyone interested.
“One month it might be our women’s circle, which is our version of sisterhood. Another month might be the men’s club. The young families of our early childhood school could [volunteer] this past month, and then, other months, it’s [another] family or a group of families. So every month is a completely different group of congregants,” Nagelberg said.
Nagelberg added that he feels a sense of fulfillment when involving community members in acts of chesed.
“I know we feel really good about it, certainly when we’ve had children involved … or when different groups, from our seventh graders to our preschoolers, have actually done some of the cooking here at the synagogue,” Nagelberg said. “It’s a great opportunity to get them together in the kitchen and talk about what we’re doing and why we’re doing [it].”
Nagelberg teaches his community members about the purpose of giving, but simultaneously recognizes that “it’s good to feel good about doing good deeds in the world and to teach our children that it does feel good to help other people.”
Nagelberg is especially proud of this volunteer project because it involves food. With a background as a chef and caterer, Nagelberg enjoys sharing his love of food with his community: “Here at BSO … we have some really fun food at our kiddushes during Shabbat. In fact, during the summer, we do a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar every Saturday afternoon following Shabbat services. We believe that giving food is just another beautiful way to get to [know] the community.”
B’nai Shalom has also made strides within the community with its volunteer work in the women’s shelter, as well as through Israel outreach and raising awareness for scholarship funds. The synagogue has previously partnered with the Jewish National Fund and is looking to bring in guest speakers and send delegations to Israel. Nagelberg adds that with their love of Israel, B’nai Shalom continues to devote “their time and energy and prayers to Israel.”
Immediately after tensions recently escalated between Iran and Israel, Nagelberg sent an email inviting community members to come to the synagogue and pray. Nagelberg noted that it was B’nai Shalom’s “devotion to Israel as a community which [has guided] us the past two years and into the future.”
Although it’s not a new program, B’nai Shalom is involved with a scholarship fund for children with disabilities. The fund, named in memory of Alex Kovalsky, awards scholarships annually to people both inside and outside of the community. The family works hard to help others, just as they did for Alex during his lifetime, seeking ways to support people and communities navigating through similar situations.
Kovalsky, who died in the summer of 2012, was a member of the synagogue. His parents, also members, are a devoted family, as his mother is a former president and remains involved in the B’nai Shalom community. After his passing, his family decided to establish the fund.
Amy Hollander is a Washington Jewish Week intern.
