Welcome to Shirat HaNefesh
An Independent Synagogue Community
Find a welcome home at Shirat HaNefesh as we celebrate our 13th Anniversary year. We’ll hold a seat for you!
What’s Ahead… Click on title or picture to read more
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Shabbat Morning Service
Join us on April 24th for a congregational service led by Cindy Arnson, George Franklin, Nan Wellins, and Darius Sivin. Zoom links will be available in our e-newsletter, or by request to our coordinator Janet Braun, info@shirathanefesh.orgApril 24, 2021 • 10:00 a.m.
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Spring Retreat on Zoom!
Join us for a fun and lively Shirat HaNefesh Retreat on Zoom on Sunday, April 25, 2021, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Please register by early so that we can plan the event appropriately! The Zoom link will be sent in a few days to those who register. We’ll sing together, play some virtual games, learn about the strange holiday of Lag B’Omer from Rabbi Gilah, and huddle in smaller groups (your choice of fun or serious discussion!). Optional shmoozing time at the end. Pre-register using this link: https://shirathanefesh.org/contact-2/?mc_cid=ccf38fd16e&mc_eid=3b4915c6f1 The Zoom link will be in the e-newsletter.Sunday, April 25, 2021 • 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
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Shabbat Morning Service and Rabbi’s Table with Amy Schwartz: Can Robots Be Jewish?
Join Rabbi Gilah for Shabbat morning services and a fond farewell to our long-time members Francesca and Brad German who are moving to Cleveland. Guest speaker at our Rabbi’s Table will be Amy Schwartz from Moment Magazine, who recently edited many of the magazine’s “Ask the Rabbi” responses into a book entitled “Can Robots Be Jewish? and Other Pressing Questions of Modern Life.” We’ll take a whimsical and serious look at some of the issues, from “Should Jewish Children Sing Christmas Carols?” to “When Does Life Begin?” — and rabbinic responses from almost the full spectrum of Jewish life. Zoom...May 1, 2021 • 10:00 a.m.
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Movie Nights at SHN!
We’re going to the movies! At least, we’re watching movies each month that have some connection to Jewish life in the US and in the world. And then coming together to talk about them on Saturday evenings. Our next Zoom gathering will be on May 8 at 8:30pm. Our next movie to discuss has not yet been selected but please mark your calendar and keep your eye on this space and the e newsletter for updates. Please watch the movie on your own, at your leisure, and come together with us, via Zoom for a lively discussion led by Liora...Saturday, May 8, 2021 • 8:30 p.m.
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Shabbat Morning Service and Rabbi’s Table: AntiSemitism, You and Your Neighbor
Join us for Shabbat morning services led by Rabbi Gilah. At 11 am, a speaker from American Jewish Committee will take the Rabbi’s Table to present a groundbreaking report on antisemitism in America — the first time both American Jews and the general public were surveyed about antisemitism in a way that highlights differing perceptions about the extent of the problem. There will be ample time for a robust discussion about the report and what it means both for the Jewish community and others subject to discrimination. Zoom links are available in our e-newsletter, or by request to our...May 15, 2021 • 10:00 a.m.
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Sitting Together at Sinai (At Last!)
Let’s welcome in Shavuot with a pre-holiday study session led by Shirat HaNefesh educators. Weather permitting, we will meet outdoors at NC4, masked and socially distanced, for our first in-person gathering since the start of the pandemic. Please register so we can keep our numbers to permissible levels. Join Kol Ami that evening for a short service and conversation about conversion experiences. Zoom links will be in the newsletter or contact us at info@shirathanefesh.org.May 16, 2021 • 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Events Calendar
Mouse over a date with a “corner” for event
Soulful, spiritual, informal, accepting
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 seek through our practice, our prayer, our voices, and our questions to foster joyous Jewish living and build a more just world.
If you need help or would like a sympathetic ear, please contact our clergy, Rabbi Gilah Langner, or Hazzan Ramón Tasat. You can reach our staff by contacting info@shirathanefesh.org.
Shabbat Mornings & Rabbis' Tables
Shirat HaNefesh holds Shabbat morning services every week, led either by Rabbi Gilah or Hazzan Ramón. 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.
Wise Aging
Two groups of members have been meeting to explore the aging process and how to grow old with wisdom, joy, and patience. Please contact the rabbi if you are interested in starting a new group.
When Someone Dies
Our clergy and Chesed and Bereavement committee are there for you when times are difficult. Contact our rabbi or cantor for help and comfort. Email info@shirathanefesh.org.
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. For a list of books for this year, please click here.
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.
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