Our History

In 1972, 18 families created a Jewish community in the outlying suburb of Olney to meet the needs of the many Jewish families in the rapidly growing areas of Montgomery and Howard counties. Meeting in members’ homes, we conducted services, organized and elected officers, and established a religious school. Classes and services were held in the basement of the old Montgomery General Hospital. 

In 1975, with the help of the late Dr. Leonard Kapiloff, publisher and real estate developer, the synagogue purchased its current four acres of land in Olney, and its enthusiastic membership of 70 families transformed a construction shed that sat on the property into B'nai Shalom of Olney’s first home. Torah scrolls and an Ark were donated, and the first life cycle events were celebrated. 

In 1978, the synagogue hired its first full time rabbi and, in December 1980, broke ground for its permanent home. In late 1981, the new synagogue was formally dedicated. As synagogue membership increased, we outgrew our building, and, in 1990, we added about 8,000 square feet and doubled our size. Our membership has grown steadily to its current status of over 300 families. 

Throughout the years the lay and professional staff have dedicated themselves to serving the needs of our congregants. With your support, we look forward to maintaining and continuing to provide a nucleus for Jewish prayer, education and fellowship in our community.

• Rabbi Jesse Ryan Nagelberg (2022 - present)
• Rabbi Scott Hoffman (Interim 2019-2022)
• Rabbi Dina Rosenberg (2017-2019)
• Rabbi Ari Sunshine (2006-2017)
• Rabbi Moshe Ulmer - (Interim 2005-2006)
• Rabbi Philip Pohl (1978-2005)

• Hazzan Sara Geller (2002-2020)
• Cantor Aaron Marcus (1998-2002)
• Cantor Donald Weisman z"l (1985-1998)