Our History
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.
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Rabbi Jesse Ryan Nagelberg (2022 - present)
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Rabbi Scott Hoffman (Interim 2019-2022)
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Rabbi Dina Rosenberg (2017-2019)
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Rabbi Ari Sunshine (2006-2017)
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Rabbi Moshe Ulmer - (Interim 2005-2006)
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Rabbi Philip Pohl (1978-2005)
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Cantor Aaron Marcus (1998-2002)
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Cantor Donald Weisman z"l (1985-1998)
Sat, July 27 2024
21 Tammuz 5784
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Tuesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2024
Tuesday, Aug 13th 8:00a to 9:30p
This year, we are observing the fast day of Tisha B'Av with Kehilat Shalom, Kol Shalom, Shaare Torah, Shaare Tefila, and Tikvat Israel. -
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2024
Tuesday, Aug 13th 2:00p to 3:00p
This year, we are observing the fast day of Tisha B'Av with Kehilat Shalom, Kol Shalom, Shaare Torah, Shaare Tefila, and Tikvat Israel. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 23 , 2024Early Kabbalat Shabbat for Young Families
Friday, Aug 23rd 5:00p to 6:30p
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 24 , 2024Back to School Shabbat
Shabbat, Aug 24th (All day)
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Sunday ,
AugAugust 25 , 2024Women's Circle Book Club: Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
Sunday, Aug 25th 11:00a to 12:30p
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Sunday ,
AugAugust 25 , 2024BSO Youth Planning Meeting at Playa Bowls
Sunday, Aug 25th 3:00p to 4:15p
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2024Bar Mitzvah of Andrew Horowitz (Mincha)
Shabbat, Sep 7th (All day)
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Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 10 , 2024A Conversation with Yizhar Hess @ Shaare Torah in Gaithersburg
Tuesday, Sep 10th 7:30p to 9:30p
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2024Bat Mitzvah of Londyn Bonner
Shabbat, Sep 14th (All day)
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 28 , 2024Bat Mitzvah of Sloane Mills
Shabbat, Sep 28th (All day)
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 29 , 2024Machar Youth Group Event
Sunday, Sep 29th (All day)
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 29 , 2024Tikkun Olney
Sunday, Sep 29th 11:45a to 12:45p