Bet Aviv
Best Reform Synagogue in Columbia, MD
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Passover

November 8, 2011 urjnetworkadmin Holidays

Pesach, known as Passover in English, is a major Jewish spring festival, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt over 3,000 years ago. The ritual observance of this holiday centers around a special home service called the seder (meaning “order”) and a festive meal; the prohibition of chametz(leaven); and the eating of matzah (an unleavened bread). On the fifteenth day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, Jews gather with family and friends in the evening to read from a book called thehagaddah, meaning “telling,” which contains the order of prayers, rituals, readings and songs for the Passover seder. Today, the holiday is a celebration of freedom and family.

Click here to read more about Passover.

 

Yahrzeit

November 4, 2011 urjnetworkadmin Worship, Yahrzeit

 

You are invited and encouraged to let us know the name and yahrzeit of your beloved ones who have departed from us. We will honor their memory by announcing their name at our synagogue during services. May you be comforted among all the mourners of Israel.

In Jewish tradition, when the year of mourning is over, mourners are expected to return to a fully normal life. There are several occasions each year when our loved ones who have passed on are memorialized. The most significant of these is yahrzeit, the anniversary of the death, which is observed according to the Hebrew calendar. As is the case in all Jewish holy days, yahrzeit observance begins at night. A 24-hour candle is lit and one may attend synagogue to recite the Kaddish [the memorial prayer]. It is traditional to avoid attending any celebrations or parties on the day of yahrzeit, and some people fast on that day.

In addition to Yahrzeit remembrance, we have the opportunity to remember our departed loved ones four additional times during the year at Yizkor services. Many people are familiar with the Yizkor service associated with Yom Kippur which we conduct at 5:00 immediately before the closing Ne’ilah service. There are also Yizkor services held on the last day of Sukkot; on the last day of Passover; and on Shvu’ot. Each of these three Yizkor services is conducted at 10:00 am on the date of the associated holiday. See the Calendar on this website for specific dates.

MOURNER’S KADDISH

Click to enlarge.

 Yit-ga-dal v’yit-ka-dash sh’mei ra-ba,

b’al-ma di-v’ra chi-ru-tei, v’yam-lich mal-chu-tei
b’chai-yei-chon uv’yo-mei-chon
uv’chai-yei d’chol-beit Yis-ra-eil,
ba-a-ga-la u-viz-man ka-riv,
v’im’ru: Amen.

Y’hei sh’mei ra-ba m’va-rach
l’a-lam ul’al-mei al-ma-ya.

Yit-ba-rach v’yish-ta-bach,
v’yit-pa-ar v’yit-ro-mam v’yit-na-sei,
v’yit-ha-dar v’yit-a-leh v’yit-ha-lal, sh’mei d’ku-d’sha, b’rich hu,
l’ei-la min kol bir-cha-ta v’shi-ra-ta,
tush-b’cha-ta v’ne-che-ma-ta, da-a-mi-ran b’al-ma,
v’im’ru: Amen.

Y’hei sh’la-ma ra-ba min sh’ma-ya,
v’cha-yim, a-lei-nu v’al kol-Yis-ra-eil,
v’im’ru: Amen..

O-seh sha-lom bim-ro-mav,
hu ya-a-seh sha-lom a-lei-nu v’al kol-Yis-ra-eil,
v’im’ru: Amen.

An English Translation
Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which He has
created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during
your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.

May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.

Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be
the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises
and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.

May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us
and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all
Israel; and say, Amen.


May they rest in peace and may their memory ever be for a blessing… At this moment, I pause for thought in memory of my beloved………………………I give thanks for the blessing of life, of companionship and of memory. I am grateful for the strength and faith that sustained me in the hour of my bereavement. Though sorrow lingers, I have learned that love is stronger than death. Though my loved one is beyond my sight, I do not despair for I sense my beloved in my heart as a living presence. ustained by words of faith, comforted by precious memories, we kindle the light in remembrance. “The human spirit is the light of Adonai” (Proverbs 20:27). As this light is pure and clear, so may the blessed memory of the goodness and nobility of character of our dear…………..illumine our souls.

 

Healing

November 4, 2011 urjnetworkadmin Worship

We invite you to announce during a Shabbat service or send us the name(s) of loved ones who are facing the challenge of illness, that we may support them, and you, by inclusion in our communal Mi Shebeirach prayers.

The Mi Shebeirach prayer is one of the central Jewish prayers for those who are facing the challenge of illness. The prayer includes pleas for both physical and spiritual healing within the community of others facing illness. Traditionally, the Mi Shebeirac is said in synagogue when the Torah is read. In modern times, the Mi Shebeirach is often said by professional health caregivers, patients, and loved ones at various times during treatment and recovery from illness of all sorts.

At Bet Aviv we traditionally sing the Debbie Friedman version of Mi Shebeirach.

Mi Shebeirach

Lyrics by Debbie Friedman and Drorah Setel

Mi shebeirach avoteinu
M’kor habracha l’imoteinu

May the source of strength who blessed the ones before us,
Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing
And let us say: Amen.

Mi shebeirach imoteinu
M’kor habracha l’avoteinu

Bless those in need of healing with refuah sh’leimah
The renewal of body, the renewal of spirit
And let us say: Amen.

Click here to listen.

Life Cycle Events

October 28, 2011 urjnetworkadmin Worship

Brit Milah

The Torah commands us to circumcise our newborn sons on the eight day of their new lives. This powerful ceremony celebrates new life, and also brings our sons into Judaism’s sacred covenant. Rabbi Joseph can put you in touch with a Mohel (ritual circumciser) and help the parents understand the ceremony.

Baby Naming/Simchat Bat

We celebrate the great blessing of a newborn daughter with a ceremony that brings her into the covenant, and confers upon her a Hebrew name.  Rabbi Joseph can help you think through and design this ceremony, which can take place at the synagogue, on a Shabbat.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are moving from childhood to adulthood, from learning to be responsible to being responsible. As son or daughter of the commandments, you commit yourself to be proud membership in our ancient people. Contact Rabbi Joseph to plan for your event.  In 2005, ten women at Bet Aviv celebrated their B’not Mitzvot together.  Six adult congregants studied with Rabbi Bernstein for over a year to prepare for their B’nai Mitzvah, held in November 2016.

On June 3, 2022 Tom Cramer celebrated his Bar Mitzvah after learning Hebrew and studying with Rabbi Joseph

Wedding

Rabbi Joseph can help you prepare for this wonderful, joyous occasion, by teaching bride and groom the meaning of the ceremony, from Ketubah (marriage document), to Kiddushin (Engagement) to Huppah (Marriage Canopy) to Nissuin (marriage ceremony) to breaking the glass.  We also counsel you, offering Jewish wisdom in preparation for a life dedicated to love and companionship.  We also work with you in designing the ceremony, providing our knowledge and experience.

Funeral

Our tradition offers several powerful end of life rituals – Kriah (tearing of a garment), Levayah (funeral procession), Hesped (eulogy), Kevurah (burial) and Shiva (days of mourning). Rabbi Joseph will instruct you on these and other rituals.  We can also perform the funeral ceremony, and help you understand and implement other meaningful Jewish mourning practices. We can also arrange lay leaders for one or more Shiva services.  See our Funeral and shiva policy by clicking here for more details.

SPONSORING AN ONEG

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Consider sponsoring an Oneg in honor of a baby naming, special birthday or annivesary or some other significant event in your life!  If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg following Friday evening Shabbat service, our staff can assist you.  Please fill out our Oneg Sponsor Form and contact the office for more information!

High Holy Days

October 28, 2011 urjnetworkadmin Holidays

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High Holy Days are a time for reflection, introspection, prayer, and re-connection. Join us in experiencing the spirituality of the High Holy Days. We observe the service of Selichot at the start of Rosh Hashanah, before the beginning of the ten day period of penitence and introspection ending on the fast day of Yom Kippur. In our services, we use the two-volume set of Mishkan HaNefesh, the text of which reflects our interest in gender-sensitive language. Membership in Bet Aviv includes admission to High Holy Day services. As a gesture of hospitality, you may invite your parents, children and grandchildren to attend at no additional cost.  Please see the Schedule of Services for a list of dates, times, and locations of services.

Last year, a trio of congregants called us to worship with the sound of the shofar. A special highlight of our Yom Kippur service is hearing the haunting melody of the Kol Nidre played by a professional cellist.

As a reminder, please bring your Mishkan HaNefesh prayer books with you to services, as we have only a limited number for guests. If you need to purchase the two volume Mishkan HaNefesh prayer books, then call the Bet Aviv office at 410-992-9994 prior to the High Holy Days.  Also, please remember to stop at security for check-in prior to entering the sanctuary so that we can be informed of your presence.

If you are not a member of the congregation and not yet ready to make that commitment, you may purchase a seat at our High Holiday services to join us. If you decide to join the congregation shortly after the holidays have ended, we will apply the ticket costs toward your membership dues! Please contact us for details.

We look forward to sharing a wonderful High Holy Days together!

The Union for Reform Judaism suggests, where space allows, that those members in good standing at Union congregations who will be in another community during the High Holy Days be welcomed to worship. If you will be traveling during the holidays and wish to attend services at a URJ member synagogue, download and fill out the  “High Holiday Courtesy Seating Request.” Then forward this form to the Bet Aviv office where it will be completed and mailed to your destination congregation.

High Holiday Letter and Schedule of Services

Click the link below to read the High Holiday Letter for 2024 that includes the list of services.

  • High Holiday Letter 2024
Bet Aviv and Kol Nefesh Guest Attendance Requests

Bet Aviv and Kol Nefesh allow members in good standing to bring guests to High Holiday services if space allows.  Please review our High Holiday Ticket Policy to learn the the important details about guests.  If you have guests who will attend Bet Aviv or Kol Nefesh High Holiday services, then please notify us by filling out our on-line High Holiday Guest Attendance form.

High Holiday Donations

Click the links below to make online High Holiday Donations.  You may also print the forms below and sent it to the Bet Aviv office with a check.

  • Book of Remembrance Donations  
  • High Holiday Appeal  
Read the Bet Aviv High Holy Days Appeal Letter
  • High Holy Days Appeal Letter
Break-the-Fast Information

Kol Nefesh is sponsoring a Break-the-Fast pot-luck immediately following Neilah at approximately 6:00 pm in Room 100.  Click here to sign up.

Download Rabbi’s High Holiday Sermons from 2023
  • Erev Rosh Hashanah – What is Awe?
  • Rosh Hashanah Morning – Days of Awe
  • Kol Nidre – Shopping for Awe
  • Yom Kippur Morning – Ultimate Awe

URJ High Holy Days Resources

  • High Holiday Food
  • Books and Music
  • Rosh Hashanah
  • Yom Kippur

Shabbat Services

October 28, 2011 urjnetworkadmin Worship

Congregant blesses the Torah during a Shabbat Service 

Feel the peace and joy of Shabbat

Come join us at Shabbat services to learn from the thought-provoking teachings of our rabbi, Linda Joseph. Experience the joy of singing led by our cantor ial soloist, Beth Rubens. Feel a great sense of community as we worship together and sing the blessings at our Oneg Shabbats. Our members reach out to make guests and new members feel at home. We respect diversity and welcome all into our family.

Our rabbi’s sermons are a mix of relevant topics of the day and Torah discussions. Throughout the service our rabbi may read us some of her favorite psalms or a poem that she finds moving and appropriate for the occasion. Our cantorial soloist leads us in a variety of music, from traditional to modern, designed to please every ear and expectation.  We have piano accompaniment at every Shabbat service and occasionally singing by our choir to enhance the service.

At the end of the service, we recite the prayers for the wine and bread as one community.  Following the prayers, we all gather in a separate room to partake of refreshments, to catch up with the news our fellow congregants have to share, and to meet newcomers.

If you would like to experience a Bet Aviv service for yourself, please contact us to let us know you’re coming, so we can greet you. You are most welcome to join us.

Our services are Covid-safe. For those who are not able to attend in person, we offer streaming and a virtual session afterwards to catch up with fellow congregants.

All Shabbat services are held in the Meeting House, usually in Room 200.  Evening services generally begin at 7:30 PM.

Shabbat Service Schedule
Second and Fourth Fridays January – June

September – October

7:30 PM

7:30 PM

First and Third Fridays November – December

 

7:30 PM
Summer Shabbat Services

Fourth Friday

July – August 7:30 PM

 

Worship

October 28, 2011 urjnetworkadmin Worship

Prayer is a language that each of us speaks and hears in a different way. When we pray together, we try to find meaning within the chorus of diverse voices. With his engaging sermon and stimulating teachings, our Rabbi shows us how the lessons from the past are relevant to our lives today.

Our services are fully egalitarian (men and women participate equally). We believe we have found a healthy balance between the traditional and the creative. We use the Mishkhan T’filah prayer book for our services and offer a mix of English and Hebrew. We use both traditional and contemporary melodies. People who attend vary from those with Orthodox backgrounds to Jewish by choice.

This page summarizes all you can learn by reading the Worship pages. Click on the page title to the left to go directly to the page.

Summary
LiveStream Go to the LiveStream Broadcast player
Shabbat Learn about the Rabbi’s upcoming Shabbat sermon topic.
Holidays Discover Bet Aviv’s holiday traditions, including High Holiday schedules.
Life Cycle Events Find out how Bet Aviv celebrates life cycle events.
Yahrzeit Discover Bet Aviv’s yahrzeit prayers and practices,
Healing Learn about our healing practices and prayers.
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Bet Aviv
The Meeting House
5885 Robert Oliver Place
Columbia, MD 21045
Office Phone: (410)-992-9994
Rabbi Phone:  (410)-992-9995

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