Home
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
-
Saturday ,
MayMay 21 , 2022
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 -
Saturday ,
MayMay 28 , 2022
Shabbat, May 28th 10:00a to 12:00p
-
Sunday ,
MayMay 29 , 2022
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. -
Friday ,
JunJune 3 , 2022
Friday, Jun 3rd 7:00p to 8:00p
-
Saturday ,
JunJune 4 , 2022
Shabbat, Jun 4th 10:00a to 12:00p
-
Saturday ,
JunJune 4 , 2022
Shabbat, Jun 4th 12:00p to 2:00p
Many of us want to voice our appreciation for 15 years of learning, inspiration, and beautiful music that Hazzan Ramón has brought to our community. 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! We have several ideas in mind for gifts and look forward to sharing details soon. -
Saturday ,
JunJune 11 , 2022
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 -
Saturday ,
JunJune 18 , 2022
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 -
Saturday ,
JunJune 25 , 2022
Shabbat, Jun 25th 10:00a to 12:00p
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?
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
Tue, May 17 2022
16 Iyyar 5782
Today's Sefirah Count Is 31
היום אחד ושלשים יום שהם ארבעה שבועות ושלשה ימים לעמר |
Today's Calendar
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Behar
Shabbat, May 21 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, May 20, 8:00pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, May 21, 9:09pm |
Lag B'Omer
Thursday, May 19 |
Visiting Rabbi Series
Rabbi Sue Swartz
Saturday, May 21, 2022, 10:00am
Join Our Mailing List
New Year Music with SHN