Dear Chaverim,

We've Heard You - Let's Talk Parking!

As your Executive Director, I’ve heard from many of you about the stress of finding parking during the High Holy Days. We know it can be a challenge, and we want to make things just a little easier.

So, here’s something special…If you purchase your 5786 High Holy Day tickets by Friday, August 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a reserved priority parking spot in the B'nai Shalom of Olney parking lot - just for you - for the High Holy Days.

No circling the lot, no worries, just pull in and walk in with ease.
Already purchased your tickets? Great news - you’re already entered!

Looking forward to celebrating the High Holy Days together.

Shanah Tovah,

Alissa Messian

Executive Director

Monday, September 22
Erev Rosh Hashanah

6:30 PM  
Erev Rosh Hashanah Services
6:48 PM
Yom Tov Candle Lighting

Tuesday, September 23
Rosh Hashanah Day 1

9:00 AM
Rosh Hashanah Morning Services
10:00 AM
Babysitting (Ages 0-7)
10:00 AM
Tot Chag (Ages 3-7 and their grownups)
10:00 AM
Gesher Service (Ages 8-13)
11:00 AM
Teen Talk (Ages 14-18)

2:00 PM
Tashlich w/ Rabbi Nagelberg
7:46 PM
Yom Tov Candle Lighting

Wednesday, September 24
Rosh Hashanah Day 2

9:00 AM
Rosh Hashanah Morning Services

Wednesday, October 1
Erev Yom Kippur

6:30 PM
Kol Nidre Services

6:33 PM
Yom Tov Candle Lighting

Thursday, October 2
Yom Kippur

9:00 AM
Yom Kippur Morning Services including Yizkor
10:00 AM
Babysitting (Ages 0-7)
10:00 AM
Tot Chag (Ages 3-7 and their grownups)
10:00 AM
Gesher Service (Ages 8-13)
followed by Chugim at 12:00 PM
11:00 AM
Teen Talk (Ages 14-18)
4:30 PM
Mincha
5:30 PM
Ne'ilah and Ma'ariv
7:13 PM
Havdallah and Shofar Blowing

Our Yizkor: A Book of Remembrance is a thoughtful way to memorialize our departed loved ones. It combines the names of the departed with original prayers, poetry, and psalms sensitively organized and consoling in content. It is distributed at Yom Kippur and is used during Yizkor services (Sukkot, Passover, Shavuot) and may also be used at unveilings and cemetery visits throughout the year.

In the form, there is space to submit a new memorial, to submit the same memorial as last year, and to make additions to a previous year's memorial. 

Click on the button below to submit a memorial for this year's Yizkor: A Book of Remembrance.

All submissions are due by August 15, 2025.

One of the hallmarks of the High Holy Days at BSO is joining together to sing and pray using beloved traditional melodies as well as contemporary compositions.

Click on the videos below to familiarize yourself with Nigun Hoda'ah - a tune we will sing together as we dance the Torahs around the sanctuary during the Torah Service and Nigun Hayadata - a tune we will use as we take the Torah Scrolls out for Kol Nidre.

We are happy to help match those in our community who are looking for a Break Fast to join with those who are willing to have a few more at their Break Fast meals. Use the form below to let us know if you would like to host congregants or join a Break Fast meal.

In the coming days, we will be asking for volunteers to sign up for a timeslot to usher or to serve as a greeter during the upcoming High Holy Day services. Be on the lookout for a sign up form in this section.

There is a long-standing, uplifting custom of including the memories of our loved ones as a part of our personal reflections for the High Holy Day season. Some have the tradition of visiting the graves of their loved ones in the days before Yom Kippur. 

The annual public memorial service in memory of all departed will be conducted by clergy at Judean Memorial Gardens (16225 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney) on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM. For more information, contact Judean Memorial Gardens (301-384-1000). 

Following the service, Rabbi Nagelberg will be available to walk with you to the graves of your loved ones to offer a memorial prayer.

The month of Elul and the High Holy Days are times for spiritual reflection and personal preparation. Consider using the resources below as you ready yourself for this important time in the Jewish calendar. 

Listen to one of these podcasts in the month of Elul, a month of self-reflection and spiritual preparation

Check out these books that can guide you into the High Holy Days

Learn about the history of the High Holy Days and the background on some of the most popular customs and prayers from Exploring Judaism

Explore these resources from PJ Library for children and families  

Listen to the sounds and songs of Elul and the Yamim Hanora'im