Remote Shabbat at BCRC
04/04/2020 04:40:24 PM
Seth Leventhal
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Have you attended our remote Erev Shabbat services yet? They are a great way to create an online community in this time of 'social distancing', when many of us are missing out on community connections. They have also been a welcome respite from all of the news of the week for the ever-growing group that has joined us. If you haven't attended these services yet, we invite you to join us this week! BCRC members will be provided a link...Read more...
Update from BCRC's Team to Fight Anti-Semitism
03/02/2020 10:58:42 AM
Marc Nodell
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BCRC now has a team devoted to fighting Anti-Semitism, headed by Marc and Dale Nodell. As we have seen anti-Semitic events increase over the past year, this team has already been meeting with elected officials and organizations to seek their support. A meeting will be held soon, open to anyone who is interested in helping out, to compare ideas and put a game plan together. Here's a few updates from Marc Nodell on...Read more...
Architect Presentation on Master Plan
01/31/2020 09:56:41 AM
Seth Leventhal
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Our architects from Brawer Hauptman visited on Thursday Jan 30 to hold a 'meet and greet' and to present the master plan for the next generation upgrade of our BCRC facility. We have dubbed this plan 'BCRC21' since it will lead our facility, which has served us well as a permanent home for over a decade, into a new, more welcoming and more spiritual era. Don't worry if you were not able to join us Thursday night (although you missed the...Read more...
FIGHT ANTI-SEMITISM: Our Voices Must Be Heard
01/16/2020 11:21:16 AM
Marc Nodell
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Last year has been a devastating one for Jews world-wide as we have seen the number and level of anti-Semitic events increase. Here in the US, I am sure you are aware of the incidents in NJ, Monsey NY, Brooklyn, Pittsburgh, LA as these are the most publicized. There are many more incidents occurring on campuses, workplaces and in public settings that are just as unsettling yet not given any press.
Over the last year my wife Dale...Read more...
Rabbi Amy's High Holy Day Sermons
10/25/2019 04:57:03 PM
Rabbi Amy Sapowith
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By popular demand, we have posted Rabbi Amy's High Holy Days sermons for 5780. Please click below to read them:
Erev Rosh Hashanah: Time to Pave Paradise, or Cheshbon Hanefesh: An accounting of our soul and the assumptions we live by
Rosh Hashanah: The first son, the first sin, and the goal of self-control.
Kol Nidre: In every Generation... we pursue Justice
Yom Kippur morning: Why are Jews considered...Read more...
Security Grant Update
10/04/2019 10:38:36 AM
Seth Leventhal
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I am very pleased to announce that due to the hard work of our dedicated Security Committee and many other committed congregants and staff members, BCRC has been approved for a federal security grant for the upcoming year, administered by FEMA.
The grant will be used for various needed improvements to our physical facility to reduce our vulnerability to security threats. Here are some key aspects:
Security rated entry doors...Read more...Welcome Back Weekend
08/27/2019 08:25:43 AM
Seth Leventhal
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BCRC kicked off the 5780 worship year with a great 'Welcome Back' weekend Aug 23-25. Starting with a potluck featuring our congregants' delicious recipes, and highlighted by a talk about the new Capital Jewish Museum, opening in 2021. Click here to learn more about the...Read more...
Interfaith Trip to Israel on Inaugural Non-Stop United Flight
06/19/2019 04:07:18 PM
Seth Leventhal
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Recently, Rabbi Amy joined with Pastor Mike Trivett of Christian Fellowship Church and Syed Alam of the ADAMS Center on a historic trip to Jerusalem, to help inaugurate United Airlines’ (who Syed works for) non-stop route to Israel. They were approved to fly on the maiden flight on this route. Here’s an excerpt from their proposal to United outlining the historic significance of this trip:
“We believe that the opportunity to...Read more...
Preview: Rabbi Amy's Busy Interfaith Outreach Week
05/20/2019 09:42:26 AM
Seth Leventhal
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In case you are wondering what Rabbi Amy is up to this week, keep an eye out for her upcoming accounts of a week of important interfaith outreach, starting with a 'Clergy Uniting for Racial Empathy' trip through Virginia to tour many sites and experience Virginia's complex racial past. And this is just the start - watch this space for details.
Message to Parents about Chabad Poway Shooting
04/30/2019 07:13:37 AM
Rabbi Amy Sapowith and Rachel Strasburg, VP Education
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In the wake of the tragic shooting at the Chabad of Poway, CA, we convened the 5th through 7th graders for an assembly at the beginning of our school day yesterday. There, with Mr. Phil, we led a brief service combining songs, prayers, and words of strength and hope. By standing together as a community in this way, we strengthen our faith and our Jewish pride. Some classes later wrote notes of condolence that will be sent to the Chabad in...Read more...
Interfaith Remembrance for Sri Lankan Christians & All Victims of Easter Terrorist Attack
04/23/2019 10:47:56 AM
Seth Leventhal
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We were all shocked and saddened by the news of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, as well as other recent attacks on religious institutions. On April 22, an interfaith prayer vigil was held at the ADAMS Center, next door to BCRC, which was co-sponsored...Read more...
Purim at BCRC
03/25/2019 08:05:47 AM
Seth Leventhal
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Purim at BCRC was a very festive event this year! We started with a Megillah reading by Rabbi Amy (and all of the attendees) on the actual date of Purim. Boo Haman! Have you ever joined us to read the entire Book of Esther? If not, try it next year - it is considered a mitzvah to read it on Purim! On Friday we had our traditional Purim spiel. This year we presented "Spooky Purim! - A Musical Purim Shpiel and Erev Shabbat Service...Read more...
Healing Virginia is our Responsibility Too
03/10/2019 10:52:42 AM
Rabbi Amy Sapowith
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Rabbi Amy attended Healing Virgina (#HealingVa), an Interfaith and Civic Discussion with Attorney General Mark Herring on Sunday, March 3rd at Mt. Zion UMC in Leesburg. Here are her reflections on this event and the issues it raised:
As Jewish tradition understands the Bible, humanity’s first sin is Cain’s killing of his brother, Abel. It’s not about Adam and Eve. It’s about Cain and Abel. It’s not...Read more...
Architect Update
02/22/2019 10:59:19 AM
Seth Leventhal
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We met with our architecture team from Brawer Hauptman to provide an update and obtain congregational input on our master plan. For those who couldn't make it, here's a quick update on some of the exciting things they are working on.
The architects showed us several ideas for our temple entrance. Attendees favored combining the idea for a canopy over the entry, plus a bench. See below:
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BCRC Interfaith Weekend
02/22/2019 07:33:27 AM
Seth Leventhal
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Our recent Interfaith Dialogue Event featuring Rabbi Joe Charnes, scholar in residence, and Rev. Annabelle Markey and Rev. Joseph Vought from Community Lutheran Church in Sterling was a wonderful event, enjoyed by many in both our congregation and by our guests from the...Read more...
BCRC Security Update
01/25/2019 10:21:25 AM
Seth Leventhal
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The BCRC Security Committee is now working actively to implement security upgrades for the BCRC facility. We are planning to apply for a FEMA grant program which could provide funding for some significant capital upgrades. One of our major capital upgrades will be new secure front doors integrated with an electronic entry control system. Options such as electronic keypad, badge reader and other state-of-the-art entry systems are being...Read more...
Tu B'Shevat at BCRC
01/20/2019 08:00:00 PM
Seth Leventhal
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We had a wonderful celebration of Tu B'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, at BCRC on Friday, January 18. The evening began with a Tot Shabbat led by our 1st graders. Following that, we had a special Tu B'Shevat oneg/preneg featuring the traditional foods of the...Read more...
BCRC Chanukah Happenings
12/10/2018 10:53:22 AM
Seth Leventhal
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I think it can be said that everyone had a happy Chanukah at BCRC! Our Chanukah themed Tot Shabbat featured the wonderful Chanukah song stylings of our very own Phil Kane. Afterwards everyone enjoyed latkes and jelly donuts at our new member oneg/preneg, followed by a group menorah lighting.
On...Read more...
Some Reflections on Pluralism in Israel
11/30/2018 09:22:32 AM
Seth Leventhal
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While the impression you may get from the media is that Israeli politics and religion is dominated by the Ultra-Orthodox, one thing we learned during our travels is that Israeli society is becoming increasingly pluralistic. This was quite apparent soon after our arrival when I took a stroll along the boardwalk on the beach in Tel Aviv. It seemed that just about every person we walked by came from a different ethnic or religious background and...Read more...
Photos from BCRC Trip to Israel
11/29/2018 01:40:27 PM
Seth Leventhal
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Have you seen the photos from the ten day trip to Israel recently made by Rabbi Amy and members of BCRC, along with Temple Beth El of Riverside CA and some of Rabbi Amy's former congregants from Rochester? If you've never been to...Read more...
Facility Update: Part II - Meet the Architects
10/17/2018 03:59:12 PM
Seth Leventhal
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On Thursday Oct 11 our architects visited for a “mini-charrette”- a group workshop. Based on their review of the responses to the survey that I talked about in our previous blog entry, they prepared design ideas for discussion. At the session, we looked at some excellent preliminary ideas that they presented. They sought our reaction to various directions the project could take, and also solicited further ideas and input from the...Read more...
Update on Temple Facility Project - Part I
10/15/2018 02:15:37 PM
Seth Leventhal
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Many of you have been asking us how the temple facility project is going. As you know, we have contracted with the architecture firm of Brawer & Hauptman to produce a master plan that will serve as our guide in implementing our facility’s next phase of development, that will provide us with a welcoming spiritual home for many years to come.
We recently finished a building survey to gauge some of the general ideas and priorities...Read more...
Rabbi Amy's High Holy Sermons
09/27/2018 03:50:53 PM
Seth Leventhal
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Rabbi Amy provided us with a plethora of fascinating, thought-provoking and useful insights in her High Holy Day sermons this year. Provided below are short summaries along with a link to the full texts.
In her Erev Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Amy cited the oft-stated notion that being Jewish is like belonging to a family – along with all the dynamics that come with belonging to a family. On the one hand, it’s a safe haven...Read more...
New Inscription for Sanctuary
09/14/2018 02:19:23 PM
Seth Leventhal
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Next time you enter our sanctuary, be sure to check out the beautiful and welcoming new inscription, Hinei Mah Tov, or 'How good and pleasant when we dwell together in peace' (Psalm 133:1). The inscription was designed and painted by Tamara Stoneburner, a noted calligraphy artist, who donated much time over several months to get the art work and calligraphy just right. Some other aspects that you may be interested in: You will see the...Read more...
BCRC Picnic 2018
08/27/2018 09:41:28 AM
Seth Leventhal
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The BCRC annual picnic was held Sunday Aug 26 at Claude Moore Park in Sterling. Great fun was had by all, with over 70 congregants as well as some prospective new members joining us. Perfect weather this year - no hurricanes to worry about! Many thanks to Consuelo Scott and a...Read more...
New Book by BCRC Author
08/07/2018 02:12:23 PM
David Mendelsohn
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One of our congregants, David Mendelsohn, has written a new book which provides compelling evidence of the afterlife/heaven/reincarnation. The story follows the lives of three main characters, fictitious but drawn from real life cases, and a psychiatrist who finds her core beliefs challenged by her patients experiences. It's an intriguing story. While "heaven" is an integral tenet of other major religions, it is not...Read more...
Shabbat Tisha B'Av: Cacophony and Compromise 2018
07/27/2018 01:10:32 PM
Rabbi Amy J Sapowith
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Last week Sonja and I were having Shabbat dinner in L.A. at the home of old friends’ of mine and their twin teenagers who are preparing to begin college in the Fall. We were seated at their Shabbat table on the patio: candles, wine, challah all set to go.
“If you want to do or say anything special just let us...Read more...
We Welcome our Newest and Youngest Members!
07/18/2018 04:30:02 PM
Rabbi Amy Sapowith
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Pictured here is Rabbi Amy, Ruben holding one of the twins, Diane holding the other, and the mohel, Dr. Stephen Adashek.
We welcome our newest and youngest members: Jakob Andreas Borbon and...Read more...
New Fiscal Year Message from the President
07/15/2018 08:46:08 AM
Seth Leventhal
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On July 1 we began a new temple fiscal year (not to be confused with the secular new year of Jan 1 or Rosh Hashanah!) So I'd like to give you a short report. Last week I attended the ShulCloud conference in New Jersey. Since we adopted ShulCloud as our congregation management system in 2015 we've really been able to clean up our accounts and increase our collections! ShulCloud also helps us economize by consolidated all of our web site,...Read more...
Annual Congregational Meeting
06/23/2018 09:48:25 AM
Seth Leventhal
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Our annual Congregational Meeting was held Sunday June 10. For those who were unable to attend, here's a brief summary. Rabbi Amy thanked our current Board of Directors for their service, and singled out our departing members, thanking Brian Freed for doing a “'tzaddik’s job' as worship VP”, and Neil Frank for giving his heart and soul and labor to BCRC as Facilities VP. Board President Seth Leventhal discussed our so far...Read more...
Mon, June 5 2023
16 Sivan 5783
it's BCRC's 25th Anniversary
This year our 'house of friends' is celebrating our 25th anniversary by returning to a full schedule of events where adults, kids and families can get together. Please consider a special 25th anniversary donation to your house of friends (click donate above).
Register NOW for Religious School
This year we are seeking to complete registrations for our 2023-24 Religious School year early so that we can plan for a successful school year . Please SIGN UP NOW. Even if you filled out the form in previous years, we require that you again fill out this quick online form so all of our information will be up-to-date.
This week's Torah portion is Parashat B'haalot'cha
Shabbat, Jun 10 |
Fast of Tammuz
Thursday, Jul 6 |
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The BCRC Blog
Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation
Monday, May 8 8:52amFirst Annual Northern VA Night of Lights
Wednesday, Dec 21 1:13pmRabbi Amy's High Holy Day Sermons
Saturday, Oct 8 9:05am
Contact Us!
Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation
21740 Beaumeade Circle, Suite 100
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 729-1659
office@bcrcva.org