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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. 

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
  • Saturday ,
    JunJune  10 , 2023
    Shabbat Morning with Rabbi Rachel Gartner in person & on Zoom
    Shabbat, Jun 10th 10:00a
    at 11:15 a.m. SHN member George Leventhal will discuss his four terms on the Montgomery County Council from 2002 to 2018. He served as Chairman of the Montgomery County Democratic Party from 1995 to 2001, and on the staff of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski from 1990 to 1995. He will talk about his journey in political life and lessons learned from a Jewish perspective, as well as about how his perspective on life and politics have changed since leaving elected office. Find the Zoom link in the weekly newsletter or contact us at info@shirathanefesh.org.

    MORE INFO

  • Saturday ,
    JunJune  17 , 2023
    Member-Led Shabbat
    Shabbat, Jun 17th 10:00a
    This month's member-led service (the last of the fiscal year) will feature the combined talents of Nan Wellins, George Franklin, David Balto, Liora Moriel, and Lisa Schwartz. David Balto will give a drash on the Torah portion, Parashah Sh'lach. We will also honor Kevin McIntyre, our guest cantorial student, who has been leading monthly services for us on Zoom. Find the Zoom link in our weekly newsletter or contact us at info@shirathanefesh.org.

    MORE INFO

  • Thursday ,
    JunJune  22 , 2023
    Nevi'im (The Prophets): A New Series of Classes
    Thursday, Jun 22nd 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 ,
    JunJune  24 , 2023
    Shabbat Morning with Rabbi Rachel Gartner in person and on Zoom
    Shabbat, Jun 24th 10:00a
    At 11:15 a.m. - Hot Topic: Judaism and the Afterlife Please join us for Rabbi Rachel's last Shabbat service as our regular Rabbi (although she may continue as a guest rabbi). Her Hot Topic this month is Judaism and the Afterlife. We will have a special kiddush afterwards to honor and thank her. Find the Zoom link in our weekly newsletter or contact us at info@shirathanefesh.org.

    MORE INFO

  • Thursday ,
    JulJuly  6 , 2023
    Nevi'im (The Prophets): A New Series of Classes
    Thursday, Jul 6th 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

  • Thursday ,
    JulJuly  20 , 2023
    Nevi'im (The Prophets): A New Series of Classes
    Thursday, Jul 20th 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. Twice/month we meet in person. Contact us at info@shirathanefesh.org  for location information. Please check the calendar to confirm the dates. Our mailing address is PO Box 8681, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8681.

 

Fri, June 9 2023 20 Sivan 5783