B’nai Tzedek Congregation in Potomac strives to create an inclusive environment for people of all ages to engage with its programming and find a meaningful Jewish connection.
The synagogue has programs from kids in preschool, throughout their K-12 education, into college and several adult education and senior programing options. It’s part of the synagogue’s mission to create a warm environment where the Jewish community can come together and form bonds.
The congregation recently had an event called the Wrapping Memory Art Exhibit where members got to put those values into action.
“It’s all art that is painted by different Israeli artists from the Gaza envelope. So different cities in Israel, near Gaza. All the paintings represent life before Oct. 7,” said Lesley Levin, director of programming and engagement at B’nai Tzedek.
The exhibit remained in the synagogue from Sept. 17-28.
The congregation also holds great pride in its programming for young children, especially in the preschool.
“The commitment that we have from our families to helping raise our children Jewishly and making sure that they’re participating, not only during the day, but after school hours are over. They’re going to be back in synagogue, sticking with their kids and eating pizza in the sukkah. It’s just so great,” Levin said.
Levin said this high level of programming continues through religious school programming, after-school activities and a youth lounge that incorporates kids and teens.
Levin added that when kids finish their b’nai mitzvah, they are offered the chance to become madrichim, or young Jewish leaders.
“We have a great group of kids, and they come back year to year. It’s like an exciting thing to sign up to be a madrich. They get excited that post-b’nai mitzvah you get to be a madrich, which is awesome,” Levin said.
The congregation also emphasizes senior programming. There are two major programs: Hazak and B’nai Boomers, which provide social outlets for retirees and empty-nester parents, respectively.
“The fact that we are able to build community within B’nai Tzedek is just really nice, and that we’re giving our seniors an opportunity to be out of the house and also be at the congregation is also really nice,” Levin said.
Levin said there has been excitement for in-person activities for seniors since the pandemic, and it allows older members to stay connected to the congregation.
Hazak began just over a decade ago and meets once a month for retirees to do a brunch-lunch program and brings in a speaker to talk to the seniors. Levin said they’ve partnered with Charles E. Smith Life Communities, the Washington Jewish Genealogical Society, biblical speakers and more for these events.
“Our Hazak program will be, at most, two hours, and then people will stay an hour after just to chat. So, it’s really nice to see those friendships form,” Levin said.
B’nai Boomers targets people aged 55-70, according to Levin. Levin said that the group has done tours of wineries this year and will try to do trivia and trips to see productions at Round House Theatre in Bethesda.
“There’s always a facet that really does include that component for seniors to participate in, whether they are sponsoring the part of the program or there’s an activity directly targeting that group. We make sure that every age and facet of the congregation is involved,” Levin said.
