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Shirat HaNefesh — Your Jewish home in southern Montgomery County

Shirat HaNefesh (Song of the Soul) is an eclectic Jewish congregation rooted in community, music, learning, and social justice. We welcome everyone from young families to vibrant elders, from interfaith and LBGTQ couples to singles of all ages. 

We value religious diversity, as our members range from Shabbat observant to secular. We seek through our practice, our prayer, our voices, and our questions to  foster joyous Jewish living and build a more just world. 

Upcoming Events

All Events
  • Saturday ,
    MayMay  21 , 2022
    Visiting Rabbi Series: Rabbi Susan Swartz
    Shabbat, May 21st 10:00a to 12:00p
    Sue Swartz enrolled in the ALEPH rabbinic ordination program after decades as a labor & community organizer, writer, visual artist, stepparent, and other job titles too numerous to mention. She co-founded and still serves as a davenning leader in her congregation's Jewish Renewal minyan, a lively bunch of seekers who gather monthly on Shabbat mornings. Sue's collection of Torah poems & riffs, we who desire, was published in 2016 by Ben Yehuda Press; poetry and creative non-fiction have appeared in Lilith, Jewish Currents, Cutthroat Magazine, and a dozen other publications (she’s even won a prize or two). A perfect day would include ocean or forest, chocolate, grandkids, and laughter. Find the Zoom link in our weekly newsletter or contact us at shiratcoordinator@gmail.com

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  • Saturday ,
    MayMay  28 , 2022
    Shabbat Morning Service with Hazzan Ramón
    Shabbat, May 28th 10:00a to 12:00p

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  • Sunday ,
    MayMay  29 , 2022
    Book Discussion: Plunder: A Memoir of Family Property and Nazi Treasure
    Sunday, May 29th 10:00a to 11:30a
    Our book discussions take place about every two months on a Sunday, from 10–11:30 a.m. At present, we plan to continue to meet using Zoom; links will be in the weekly e-newsletter close to the date of each event, or contact us at info@shirathanefesh.org for more information. Plunder: A Memoir of Family Property and Nazi Treasure by Menachem Kaiser (288 pages) A master storyteller embarks on a journey to learn about his grandfather and to reclaim an apartment building in Poland that was stolen during the Holocaust. The odyssey is fascinating and thought-provoking.

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  • Saturday ,
    JunJune  4 , 2022
    Shabbat Morning Service and Farewell Kiddush for Hazzan Ramón
    Shabbat, Jun 4th 10:00a to 2:00p

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  • Saturday ,
    JunJune  4 , 2022
    Farewell Kiddush for Hazzan Ramón June 4
    Shabbat, Jun 4th 12:00p to 2:00p
    Please find more information and RSVP with this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945aea72cabff2-kiddush. As you all know, on June 4, we will be honoring Ramón's fifteen years of service as Hazzan and leader at Shirat HaNefesh. A Kiddush in his honor will follow Shabbat services. Please use this link to RSVP and for more information about: • contributing towards a gift (DUE BY MAY 26) • including special words or photos you'd like to share with others. Since this is a Kiddush, there will be no speeches so this is your chance! (DUE BY MAY 22). To help you do this, we have set up a special email account: HonoringRamon@gmail.com. Please send your words and wishes to this account. They will be compiled into a booklet for Ramón and Roanne. Note that there will be no speeches at the Kiddush, so this is your chance!

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  • Saturday ,
    JunJune  4 , 2022
    Shavu'ot with Hazzan Ramón
    Shabbat, Jun 4th 7:00p to 8:30p
    Join Hazzan Ramón on Zoom to study and sing the ladino song La Ketubah de la Ley, a famous eighteenth-century kompla (a rhymed Ladino poem) by Rabbi Judah Leon Kalai. Once we conclude you are cordially invited to participate at the Tikkun Leyl Shavu’ot organized by Tiferet Israel Congregation, 7701 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20012. If you are interested in teaching at the Tikkun contact Hazzan Ramón directly at: ramon.tasat@gmail.com. Contact us at info@shirathanefesh.org for the Zoom link.

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  • Saturday ,
    JunJune  11 , 2022
    Visiting Rabbi Series: Doctor Yonina Andrea Foster
    Shabbat, Jun 11th 10:00a to 12:00p
    Doctor Yonina Andrea Foster is the Activities Director for Jewish Federation Apartments, Jewish Educator and Engager with CJEL, Buffalo, NY, and the Founder at Zra'eem (Seeds), Jewish Renewal in Germantown, Maryland. Contact us for the Zoom link at shiratcoordinator@gmail.com

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  • Saturday ,
    JunJune  18 , 2022
    Member-Led Shabbat Service
    Shabbat, Jun 18th 10:00a to 12:00p
    Join SHN members for our monthly member-led Shabbat morning service. We look forward to sharing with you! Find the Zoom link in the weekly newsletter or email us at shiratcoordinator@gmail.com

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  • Saturday ,
    JunJune  25 , 2022
    Visiting Rabbi Series: Kevin Mcintyre in Winnepeg
    Shabbat, Jun 25th 10:00a to 12:00p

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Shirat HaNefesh is an eclectic Jewish congregation...

...rooted in community, music, learning, and social justice. We welcome everyone from young families to vibrant elders, from interfaith and LBGTQ couples to singles of all ages.  We seek through our practice, our prayer, our voices, and our questions to foster joyous Jewish living and build a more just world. 

 

  NEED HELP?  

For more information, technical help, or clergy assistance, please contact us at info@shirathanefesh.org. 

Shirat Hanefesh In Action


 

Shabbat Morning Services 

Shirat HaNefesh holds Shabbat morning services every week, led either by Hazzan Ramón Tasat, guest clergy, or lay members of the congregation.  Often, we expand the Torah service into a one-hour study session.


Kolot HaLev

Several times a year we are enriched with the singing of Kolot HaLev, our resident choir under the direction of Hazzan Ramón Tasat. From holidays to Havdalah, Kolot HaLev lifts the heart and voice of our community.


Book Discussion 

If you love to read and talk about books, you’re in good company. Our Book Discussions take place about every two months on a Sunday morning at a member’s home or on Zoom. Click the link above for the 2021-2022 schedule.


 

Cemetery 

Shirat HaNefesh has a cemetery section at Garden of Remembrance available for members’ needs.  Our clergy and our Chesed and Bereave-ment Committee can help with planning and shiva.  Please consult our guidance document, When Someone Dies , and contact us for help and comfort, at info@shirathanefesh.org 


Wise Aging

Several groups of members have been meeting to explore the aging process and how to grow old with wisdom, joy, and patience. Please contact us at info@shirathanefesh.org if you are interested in starting a new group.

 


Lots More...

There’s lots going on at Shirat HaNefesh!  Shabbat, our annual Chanukah party, Purim Shpiel, Passover Mimouna, Shavuot Tikkun, and musical and meaningful High Holiday services.  Explore our website, get on our mailing list, and talk to our clergy about how Shirat HaNefesh can enrich your life.

 

 

Contact Form

Don't be shy – say Hello!

We’d love to get to know you. Please contact us using the form below or by emailing info@shirathanefesh.org. It is in our prayers to return to our pre-COVID location soon: North Chevy Chase Christian Church, 8814 Kensington Parkway, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

 

Fri, May 20 2022 19 Iyyar 5782