Shabbat Next Week

Friday, December 27 at 6:00 pm

We will worship at Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St NW) along with our neighbors from Adas Israel and Temple Micah. There will not be a service at Temple Sinai.

Saturday, December 28 at 9:15 am

Join us virtually only for for our Shabbat Morning Torah Study with Cantor Rhodes. This week’s session will be followed by a brief Shabbat morning service at 10:15 am that provides those who are saying Kaddish an opportunity to be in community.

Virtual Details

"Home for the Challah-Day" Young Adult Gathering

Friday, December 20 at 12:30 pm

Calling all Sinai 18-25 year olds! In town for winter break? Connect with old friends and the TS clergy team over bagels and other snacks. 

RSVP

Chanukah Storytime at People's Book

Sunday, December 29 at 9:30 am

Meet TS Librarian Ruth Polk for a special Chanukah-themed story time at People's Book in Takoma Park!

Learn more

Chanukah Cooking Oil Drive

December 15-21

To help us celebrate the season and support our neighbors in need, please bring a small- to medium-sized bottle of cooking oil (preferably olive oil) to the donation bin at Temple Sinai. Items donated will go to NW Community Food.

Reserve Your Chanukah Book Bundle

Get ready for Chanukah with a bundle of 4 to 6 holiday-themed books. Please email the librarian with the ages/interests of your children so she can select books for your family. You can also browse the catalogue or visit the library.

From the TSWRJ

You may know that TSWRJ’s Judaica Shop has all your Chanukah supplies and gifts - menorahs, candles, gelt, toys, and gifts! Stop by during special shop hours this week: Wednesday, 4:00-8:00 pm; Thursday, 12:00-3:00 pm; Friday 4:30- 6:30 pm. After Friday and until Jan. 5, call Meg Seldin for an appointment at (301) 332-9490.

Thank you to everyone who came to this year’s Chanukah Mart on Nov. 24 to shop, eat, and schmooze! We loved seeing you there. Thanks also to the dozens of volunteers and the amazing Temple Sinai staff who made the mart possible. 

Thanks to our business supporters - please shop with them when you can!

• Bethesda Bagels
• Bradley Food and Beverage
• Breads Unlimited
• Harris Teeter
• Parkway Deli
• Party Warehouse
• Snider's
• Word Wizards

Save the date for next year’s Chanukah Mart, November 23, 2025! Happy Chanukah!

Support the Sinai Annual Fund

The Sinai Annual Fund is the engine that allows Temple Sinai to live up to our mission and fully serve the needs of our members. As we approach the end of the calendar year, please consider supporting the Temple Sinai community by becoming a 2024/2025 Sinai Annual Fund donor.

Give now or reach out to Noah Benjamin Director of Development with questions.

Other Ways to Give

Find what you need to know about supporting Temple Sinai as we come to the end of the tax year on the temple website here.

Curious About Temple Sinai Nursery School’s Program Offerings? 

Beginning in Fall 2025, TSNS will provide multiple program offerings to fit families’ needs! Whether families are interested in the core morning program, or the new extended day program option (with flexible scheduling through 6:00 PM), children will learn and grow through play-based learning and a thoughtful, Reggio-inspired curriculum. Learn more about TSNS, and encourage interested families to schedule a tour! 

Magical Mornings

Winter Session begins Tuesday, January 21, 9:30-10:45 am 

Children aged 18-24 months can join this 6-week program to explore Temple Sinai Nursery School! With a parent or caregiver, children enjoy activities promoting social-emotional and cognitive growth, as well as gross and fine motor skill development while getting familiar with TSNS's gentle routines, materials, and other children who may become classmates and forever friends! 

Register

Questions? Contact Ali Hurewitz, Director of Early Childhood Education or call (202) 362-3836.

Finish your holiday shopping and support TSNS! 

Through December 31

Temple Sinai Nursery school in collaboration with local bookstore, People’s Book is hosting their book fair online!Through December 31, you can purchase ANY title using this TSNS link. Shop your books and earn 10% back for our nursery school!

This Week at TSRS

Coming up at TSRS

• Thursday, December 19: Last day of Chug Ivrit before break!
• Friday, December 20: Pre-Chanukah Shabbat Celebration
• Sunday, December 22 - Saturday January 4: Winter Break!

Shabbat with Congregation Ramot Shalom

Friday, December 20 at 10:00 am

Join us as we celebrate Shabbat virtually with our partner congregation, Congregation Ramot Shalom in Be'er Sheva.

Register

Update on CIESJ Activities

CIESJ recently made three new donations to Israeli nonprofit organizations that support Israeli democracy, shared society for Jews and Palestinians, and look toward a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Check out a full list of donations this year and a recap of our programs here.

CIESJ Recommends

The Committee for Israel Engagement and Social Justice continues to compile materials meant to provide a range of thoughtful opinion and analysis pieces that supplement the basic factual reporting that people follow in their regular media intake.

Read this week's recommendations

Volunteer at A Wider Circle with TSMRJ 

Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 am

Volunteer at A Wider Circle with Men of Reform Judaism - though all congregants are invited to join! Lunch is not included in this program but those interested in going to Parkway Deli afterwards are more than welcome!

Register

TSMRJ Book Discussion

Thursday, December 19 at 7:00 pm

Join the Brotherhood for a discussion of The Outsider: A Novel by Richard Wright, "an important work of fiction that depicts American racism and its devastating consequences in raw and unflinching terms." Please RSVP to Howard Oppenheim.

Caregivers Drop-In Group

Monday, December 23 at 10:30 am

Are you seeking a safe space to talk about the stresses and challenges of caring for someone with dementia/Alzheimer’s, stroke, cancer and other debilitating chronic illnesses? Sinai Cares Staff Social Worker Deborah Gordis informally facilitates a monthly drop-in group that provides an unstructured opportunity for peer support, sharing and connection. All are welcome. Please reach out to Deb with any questions.

Calling All Temple Sinai Comedians

The Temple Sinai MRJ will hold its 3rd Comedy Club to benefit Sinai House on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The past 2 years it was a fun event because it gives the Temple Sinai community a chance to see how funny some of its members can be. Your comedy routine could include a bunch or jokes or a funny story; it will be up to you. Joe Fuld will help you prepare and practice, so you'll be ready to make the crowd roar with laughter. All are welcome!

If you think you might be interested, contact Joe Fuld to volunteer or just to get more information.

From the TS Library: Holiday Baking

The Holiday Kosher Baker: Traditional & Contemporary Holiday Desserts by Paula Shoyer (2013)

A thoroughly modern approach to Jewish holiday baking that includes both contemporary and traditional recipes (including 45 adapted for Passover).

The Jewish Holiday Baker by Joan Nathan (1997)

50 original recipes for traditional baked goods associated with the major holidays--challah for Shabbat, hamantaschen for Purim, macaroons and matzah for Passover, jelly doughnuts for Chanukah--as well as delicious and exotic alternatives from around the world.

Jewish Holidays Cookbook: Festive Meals for Celebrating the Year by Jill Bloomfield (2008) 

The traditions and recipes of Judaism are celebrated in this beautiful modern cookbook geared toward kids and their families. Kids can lead the charge on braiding their first challah or making their own kugel.

To borrow these or other books email the librarian. To access the catalogue and see library news, visit our homepage.

In the Community

White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention Briefing

Thursday, December 19 at 4:00 pm

All are welcome to join a virtual discussion and reflection on the Biden-Harris Administration’s work and momentum in the gun violence prevention space.

Register

Jewish Roundtable on Gun Violence Prevention Webinar - The 2024 Election: Threats and Opportunities

Thursday, December 19 at 7:00 pm

With the incoming Administration and Congress likely to prioritze gun access over public safety, gun violence prevention advocates, including faith leaders, ask: what's next? Expert panelists will discuss expected developments, potential legal challenges, and opportunities for stronger state-level gun laws.

Register

Celebrate Chanukah with Jews United for Justice

Thursday, January 2 from 6:30-8:00 pm | Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, 7727 Persimmon Tree Ln, Bethesda

Join JUFJ's Montgomery County team for a Chanukah party filled with food, community, and celebration. Anyone is welcome to join so bring family and friends! You are welcome to bring food to contribute to the potluck, but it is not required to attend.

RSVP