Guide to Jewish Life > Religious Life

Religious Life
Life Cycle

Denominations

Religious Organizations

Synagogues and Chavurot

Keeping Kosher

Guide to Jewish Life > Religious Life > Life Cycle

LIFE CYCLE

PRE-BIRTH

Making Mishpacha Adas Israel Congregation
202-362-4433, ext. 133
Coordinator: Shira Reeves
shira.reeves@adasisrael.org
A workshop for Jewish couples expecting their first child. Rabbi Avis Miller and Natalie Merkur Rose, LCSW-C, director of Jewish community outreach at the Jewish Social Service Agency, lead a course designed to prepare and educate couples for the changes that accompany transformation into a family. Course begins October 2007.

L'Mazel Series for Jewish Parents-to-be B'nai Israel Congregation
301-881-6550, ext. 500
Coordinator: Sharon R. Safra
sharons@bnaiisraelcong.org
A series of informal gatherings that will include topics such as how to pick a Jewish name, preparing for the transition from couple to family, details for brit milah and naming ceremonies and values for Jewish parenting. Facilitated by family education director with presentations by rabbis, community mohel and a JSSA professional. Single parents, interfaith couples and families considering adoption are welcome. One series held in fall and one in spring.

TAY SACHS SCREENING

Tay-Sachs is an inherited genetic disorder, invariably fatal, that mainly affects Jewish infants. There is a 1 in 4 chance that an infant will have Tay-Sachs if both parents are carriers. A simple blood test can determine if an individual carries the Tay-Sachs gene.

National Capital Tay-Sachs Foundation
301-897-9722
800-906-8723
Provides information about Tay-Sachs and places for screening.

SCREENING
Children's Hospital
202-884-4168
Johns Hopkins Hospital
410-955-3091
University of Md. Medical School
410-706-2810

GAUCHER DISEASE

Gaucher is far more prevalent than Tay-Sachs. One out of every 450 Ashkenazi Jews is affected. There is a simple test to detect Gaucher Disease and there is now a safe and effective treatment.

National Gaucher Foundation
2227 Idlewood Rd., Suite 12
Tucker, GA 30084
800-925-8885
fax 304-725-6429
www.gaucherdisease.org
Provides information and assistance for those affected by Gaucher Disease; also provides educational programs and outreach to the community.

JEWISH GENETIC DISEASE SCREENING

Victor Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases/Kaiserman Jewish Genetic Disease Screening Program
Albert Einstein Medical Center
5501 Old York Rd., Levy 2-West
Philadelphia, PA 19141
215-456-8722
800-EINSTEIN
www.einstein.edu/jewishgenetics/
Provides genetic counseling and screening for nine Jewish genetic diseases, as well as information and resources. Screening available at a discount rate, and is offered free to students and engaged or newly married couples.

ADOPTION

JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) Adoption Options
6123 Montrose Rd.
Rockville, MD 20852
301-816-2700 or
703-204-9592
fax 301-881-6156
fax 703-204-9590
www.jssa.org
A program assisting couples and individuals in Maryland and Virginia who wish to build or expand their families through adoption. Services include: pre-home study counseling; home studies and post-placement supervision for domestic, private and international adoption; counseling for adoptive families through all the life stages; counseling and searches for adult adoptees and birth parents.

BIRTH

ShalomBaby Jewish Information and Referral Service
6101 Montrose Rd.
Rockville, MD 20852
301-770-4848
703-978-3910
fax 301-230-7260
www.jirs.org
shalombaby@shalomdc.org
Coordinator: Francie Kranzberg
A program to welcome babies born or adopted into a family with at least one Jewish parent within the past 12 months, available throughout the Greater Washington metropolitan area. Provides ShalomBaby bags, containing goodies and information for new parents, a listserv, etc.

BRIT MILAH (CIRCUMCISION)

Circumcision, symbolizing the covenant God established with Abraham and with the Jewish people, is celebrated on the eighth day after birth, assuming the baby faces no health problems. The brit is traditionally performed by a mohel. Following is a list of mohalim who practice in the Washington area.

Dr. Habib Ahdoot
703-960-7440

Rabbi Yirmiyahu Benyowitz
410-484-2058

Dr. Andrew Engel
301-320-6065
andrewengel@verizon.net

Rabbi Michael Henesch
410-653-3255

Rabbi Raphael Malka
301-649-3042
www.otbrit.com
otbrit1@msn.net

Dr. Louis M. Marmon
301-294-2684
www.pedsurg-mohel.com

Rabbi Abraham Rappaport
301-260-7590
www.mdmohel.com
rabbi@mdmohel.com

Rabbi Moshe Rappaport
410-358-6560

Cantor Philip Rosenblatt
410-764-9207

Rabbi Moshe Roshan
410-764-2291

Dr. April Rubin
202-841-3329
www.dcmohel.com

Dr. Lawrence Shuman
877-274-7362
brisdoc@cox.com

SIMCHAT BAT/ NAMING CEREMONIES/ COVENANTAL CEREMONY

Simchat bat rituals (ceremonies to mark the birth of a girl) have become commonly held for girls. Traditionally, the parents name the baby when they are given an aliyah at a synagogue on the Shabbat following the birth of a baby.

PIDYON HABEN/ PIDYON HABAT (Redemption of the First-Born Son/Daughter)

According to the Book of Exodus, the firstborn of a mother belongs to God or to the kohen (the priest), who represents God. To free a first-born male Israelite from the obligation of dedicating his life to the service of God, it was necessary to redeem him through the payment of five shekalim to the kohen. The redemption ceremony is called a pidyon haben. In modern times, some families are choosing to redeem first-born daughters with a pidyon habat. Contact your local rabbi, or those listed under Special Ceremonies.

MIKVAH

The ritual bath is associated with the most intimate aspect of family life and therefore is used with utmost modesty. The mikvah is also part of the conversion ceremony. Appointments are suggested.

Adas Israel Congregation

2850 Quebec St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20008

202-362-4433

For daytime appts:

mikvah@adasisrael.org

11621 Seven Locks Rd.

Potomac, MD 20854

301-299-0144, ext 18

Orthodox

Manager: Zlata Geisinsky

Chabad Lubavitch Mikvah- Northern Virginia Region

3939 Prince William Dr.

Fairfax, VA 22031

703-426-1980

Orthodox

Kemp Mill Community Mikvah

Silver Spring Jewish Center

1401 Arcola Ave.

Silver Spring, MD 20902

301-649-4800

Orthodox

Manager: Robin Niman

The Mikvah Emunah Society of Greater Washington

8901 Georgia Ave.

Silver Spring, MD 20910

301-565-3737

Orthodox

Manager: Libby Fleischmann

National Capital Mikvah

1308 28th St., N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20007

For appointments, call 202-342-5303

appointments@dcmikvah.org

www.dcmikvah.org

Appointment times vary seasonally.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH

The bar and bat mitzvah celebrations mark a young person as an adult member of the community and are typically celebrated in the synagogue with the boy or girl called to recite the blessings over the Torah. Some synagogues have programs for adult men or women who did not have a bar/bat mitzvah ceremony when they were younger. For a copy of Washington Jewish Week's biannual Bar and Bat Mitzvah Planner, call 301-230-2222 ext. 222.

REMEMBRANCE

R3 (Reflection, Remembrance, Response) The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Contact: Shira Mitchell

877-90.USHMM

R3Program.ushmm.org

R3Program@ushmm.org

The museum's online R3 program links memory, history and the future. Each b'nai mitzvah celebrant will create a homepage, where he or she will be able to receive messages from family and friends and track contributions to the museam in his or her honor.

TWINNING

The following organizations offer twinning programs.

Ethiopian Twin

North American Conference

on Ethiopian Jewry

212-233-5200

Holocaust Twin

Remember a Child Project

The majority of rabbis are available to counsel and teach potential converts to Judaism. Many synagogues have programs of classes for conversion.

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM CLASSES

Conservative

Agudas Achim Congregation

Rabbi Jonathan Z. Maltzman

301-493-8198

Conservative Consortium

Sponsored by:

Adas Israel Congregation, Congregation Beth El of Mongomery County, Ohr Kodesh Congregation, Shaare Tefila Congregation, Tifereth Israel Congregation

To register: Marcia Miller

202-362-4433

marciamiller@adasisrael.org

www.adasisrael.org/adult_education.

htm#conversioncourse

Orthodox

The Rabbinical Council

Rabbi Kalman Winter

301-593-0336

Reconstructionist

Mishkan Torah Congregation

Rabbi Jonathan Cohen

301-441-2624

Reform

Union for Reform Judaism

Classes offered in Maryland, the District and Virginia locations twice a year.

OTHER JUDAISM CLASSES

Washington DCJCC-Center for Jewish Living & Learning

202-777-3268

fax 202-518-9420

Dir.: Jean Graubart

jeang@washingtondcjcc.org

Jewish Study Center

www.jewishstudycenter.org

202-332-1221

info@jewishstudycenter.org

Offers eight-session beginner and intermediate courses three times a year in five D.C. locations.

Judaism: An Owner's Manual

Partnership for

Jewish Life & Learning

See Lifelong Learning section

Prince George's County Interdenominational Consortium

Temple Solel

Hillel at U. Md.

Congregation Beth Torah

Mishkan Torah Synagogue

Nevey Shalom Congregation

Oseh Shalom Congregation

To register:

Rabbi Gary Fink

301-498-5151

Washington Institute for Conversion and the Study of Judaism

301-299-7273

www.converttojudaism.org

Rabbi Bernice Weiss

Check the nearest Jewish Community Center program guide for introduction to Judaism classes.

MARRIAGE

There are many customs and a variety of services associated with Jewish weddings. The ketubah, the wedding contract, is a symbol of a Jewish marriage. Refer to Washington Jewish Week's Wonderful Weddings, published every February and October. Call 301-230-2222 ext. 222 for a copy.

MARRIAGE WORKSHOPS

JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) Making Marriage Work

Rockville 301-881-3700

Gaithersburg 301-990-6880

TTY 301-990-7215

Fairfax 703-204-9100

www.jssa.org

An innovative, nationally acclaimed workshop series designed to enrich the relationship of couples who are engaged, considering marriage or recently married. The workshops help couples identify issues that can be potential "hot buttons" in relationships — and provide the information and communication skills training couples need to meet and work through these critical issues. Licensed clinical therapists lead sessions on all aspects of married life; financial and legal professionals offer information on budgeting, insurance, investing, managing and buying a home and other issues. Workshop topics include: the meaning of love and commitment, the impact of personal histories and personalities on relationships, communication skills, conflict resolution, dual-career couples, parents, in-laws and friends, sexuality and marriage, children and family planning, religious issues and money management. Offered throughout the year at JSSA's Rockville, Gaithersburg and Fairfax offices.

Seven Blessings

Adas Israel Congregation

202-362-4433, ext. 133

Coordinator: Shira Reeves

shira.reeves@adasisrael.org

A workshop for engaged and newly married Jewish couples. Rabbi Avis Miller and Natalie Merkur Rose, LCSW-C, director of Jewish community outreach at the Jewish Social Service Agency, lead a course designed to help young couples set up a Jewish home and develop positive communication. Next course begins March 2008.

Interfaith Outreach Programs

Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington

301-348-3760

Contact: Debbie Sokobin

Designed as a gateway for introducing intermarried couples and families to Jewish life, beliefs, synagogues and resources. The program offers classes for couples, parents and grandparents, as well as holidays workshops, Jewish life-cycle programs, informal gatherings for interfaith couples, and serves as a resource center for information relevant to interfaith community.

DIVORCE

Couples contemplating divorce are urged to consult with a rabbi regarding the advisability of obtaining a religious divorce (get) in addition to a civil divorce. The lack of a religious divorce can be an obstacle to a religious remarriage.

Therapy/Workshops/ Support Groups

JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)

JSSA's professional staff offers individual and group therapy, support groups and workshops for separated and divorced adults as well as for the children of separation and divorce.

Orthodox Get

Rabbinical Council

of Greater Washington

202-291-6052

Conservative Get

Rabbi Jonathan Z. Maltzman

301-493-8198

DEATH

Death is the last great area of Jewish personal ritual. Rabbis should be consulted for specific questions about burial and mourning practices. There is a communal organization of volunteers, Chevra Kadisha of Washington, which helps prepare the deceased in accordance with Jewish traditions. There is also Chesed Shel Emes, a free burial society for those unable to pay.

Local Funeral Homes with Jewish Services

Danzansky-Goldberg Memorial Chapels, Inc.

www.danzanskygoldberg.com

www.dignitymemorial.com

Edward Sagel Funeral Direction, Inc.

www.sagelfuneraldirection.com

www.dignitymemorial.com

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, Inc.

11800 New Hampshire Ave.

Silver Spring, MD 20904

301-622-2290

fax 301-622-1254

www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com

Jefferson Funeral Chapel

5755 Castewellan Dr.

Alexandria, VA 22315

703-971-7400

www.jeffersonfuneralchapel.com

info@jeffersonfuneralchapel.com

Joseph Gawler's Sons, Inc. Funeral Directors

5130 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.

Washington, DC 20016

202-966-6400

fax 202-966-6186

www.JosephGawlers.com

Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home, Inc.

254 Carroll St., N.W.

Local Jewish Cemeteries

Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park

www.gardenofremembrance.org

Judean Memorial Gardens

16225 Batchellors Forest Rd.

Olney, MD 20832

301-384-1000

www.judeangardens.com

King David Memorial Gardens

7482 Lee Hwy.

Falls Church, VA 22042

703-560-4400

fax 703-208-3221

Jewish community liaison:

Philip Dondes

703-289-4750

fax 703-208-3215

philip.dondes@sci-us.com

Menorah Gardens at Parklawn Memorial Park Cemetery

Mount Lebanon Cemetery

United Hebrew Cemetery

3901 Washington Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21227

410-242-1444

410-242-3424

For older cemeteries and burial organizations, call Jewish Information and Referral Service, 301-770-4848 or 703-978-3910.

Local Burial and Funeral Practices Organizations

Chesed Shel Emes Free Burial Society

Rabbi Saul Koss

301-230-7294

fax 301-230-7272

Provides burial service for the

indigent.

Communitywide Chevra Kadisha of Greater Washington

Burial society makes arrangements, performs ritual washing of the body.

Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington

Pres.: Bob Hausman

RMHaus@Comcast.net

www.jewish-funerals.org

Federation of congregations of every denomination devoted to Jewish death education, organizing congregational control and lay participation in funerals, and protection of the bereaved from exploitation. Has contracts with funeral homes in Maryland and Virginia.

Independent Chevra Kaddisha of Northern Virginia

c/o PPC, Plotkin

P.O. Box 2596

Springfield, VA 22152

703-519-0764 or 703-864-1512

icknova5767@yahoo.com

BEREAVEMENT

JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)

www.jssa.org

Rockville 301-881-3700

Gaithersburg 301-990-6880

TTY 301-990-7215

Fairfax 703-204-9100

Offers individual counseling and ongoing support groups for bereaved spouses, adults, parents and children.

SPECIAL CEREMONIES

Some individuals are choosing to mark general passages of life in a Judaic way with a ritual ceremony and/or objects. Call the Jewish Information and Referral Service, 301-770-4848 or 703-978-3910.

Jonina Duker

301-530-2361

Afternoon and evening calls only.

Am Kolel Sanctuary & Renewal Center

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