Shirat HaNefesh

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.

Nevi'im (The Prophets): A New Series of Classes on Zoom

Click here for the schedule and information.

SHIRAT SHABBAT IS HERE!

Introducing our new initiative, Shirat Shabbat! We hope it will inspire a broad swath of people to take part. Our Shabbat morning services will feature diverse intellectual, social, spiritual, and tikkun olam programs. Shirat Shabbat will feature all key parts of the Shabbat service and, starting at 11:15 a.m., a different Shirat Shares segment every week.

Click here for more details

Upcoming Events

All Events

Thursday ,
MarMarch 30 , 2023

Nevi'im (The Prophets): A New Series of Classes
Thursday, Mar 30th 12:00p to 1:00p
Part I focuses on the “Historical Books” (Joshua, Judges, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings). We expect to explore the Other Books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the "Minor Prophets") later this year. Each session will feature a "Class Gabbai" who will provide a brief introduction and then be available during our class discussion. We encourage participants to read the text before each class.
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
AprApril 1 , 2023

Shabbat Morning with Guest Cantorial Student Kevin Mcintyre (on Zoom)
Shabbat, Apr 1st 10:00a
Featuring Shirat Shmooze
MORE INFO
Thursday ,
AprApril 6 , 2023

2nd Night Seder
Thursday, Apr 6th 6:00p to 8:00p

MORE INFO
Tuesday ,
AprApril 11 , 2023

Nevi'im (The Prophets): A New Series of Classes
Tuesday, Apr 11th 12:00p to 1:00p
Part I focuses on the “Historical Books” (Joshua, Judges, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings). We expect to explore the Other Books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the "Minor Prophets") later this year. Each session will feature a "Class Gabbai" who will provide a brief introduction and then be available during our class discussion. We encourage participants to read the text before each class.
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
AprApril 15 , 2023

Member-Led Shabbat
Shabbat, Apr 15th 10:00a

MORE INFO
Tuesday ,
AprApril 25 , 2023

Nevi'im (The Prophets): A New Series of Classes
Tuesday, Apr 25th 12:00p to 1:00p
Part I focuses on the “Historical Books” (Joshua, Judges, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings). We expect to explore the Other Books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the "Minor Prophets") later this year. Each session will feature a "Class Gabbai" who will provide a brief introduction and then be available during our class discussion. We encourage participants to read the text before each class.
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
AprApril 29 , 2023

Shabbat Morning with Guest Cantorial Student Kevin Mcintyre (on Zoom)
Shabbat, Apr 29th 10:00a
Featuring Shirat Shmooze
MORE INFO
Saturday ,
MayMay 6 , 2023

Shabbat Morning with Guest Cantorial Student Kevin Mcintyre (on Zoom)
Shabbat, May 6th 10:00a
Featuring Shirat Shmooze
MORE INFO
Sunday ,
MayMay 7 , 2023

Book Discussion: The Prague Sonata: A Novel by Bradford Morrow
Sunday, May 7th 10:00a to 11:30a
In the early days of the new millennium, pages of a worn and weathered original sonata manuscript come into the hands of Meta Taverner, a young musicologist. The gift comes with the request that Meta attempt to find the manuscript’s true owner and to make the three-part sonata whole again. This story evokes decades of Prague’s tragic and triumphant history, from the First World War through the soaring days of the Velvet Revolution.
MORE INFO
Thursday ,
MayMay 11 , 2023

Nevi'im (The Prophets): A New Series of Classes
Thursday, May 11th 12:00p to 1:00p
Part I focuses on the “Historical Books” (Joshua, Judges, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings). We expect to explore the Other Books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the "Minor Prophets") later this year. Each session will feature a "Class Gabbai" who will provide a brief introduction and then be available during our class discussion. We encourage participants to read the text before each class.
MORE INFO

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 by Rabbi Rachel Gartner, guest clergy, or lay members of the congregation. Sometimes we expand the Torah service into a one-hour study session.

Tikkun Olam

Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) is an integral part of Judaism and a fundamental part of the work of Shirat HaNefesh. Our Tikkun Olam Committee discusses and plans events addressing poverty, racism, immigration, food insecurity, policing, environmental issues/climate change, democracy in crisis, and other social justice issues.

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 2022-2023 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, Second Night Passover Seder, 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. We have returned to our pre-COVID location approximately twice/month at the North Chevy Chase Christian Church, 8814 Kensington Parkway, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Please check the calendar to confirm the dates. Our mailing address is PO Box 8681, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8681.

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