Clergy
Michael J. Safra
SENIOR RABBI
Rabbi Michael Safra joined B’nai Israel after his ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2002. While in rabbinical school, Rabbi Safra served as rabbinic intern at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell, NJ. He received his BA in history and Judaic studies from the University of Michigan, and holds a Master’s Degree in Bible from the Graduate School at JTS.
At B’nai Israel, Rabbi Safra is primarily interested in strengthening congregational life through education at all levels. He continues to work to broaden the variety of learning opportunities available to all members of the community, and to engage people in various aspects of this dynamic community. Committed to the Jewish community as a whole, Rabbi Safra is a past president of the Rabbinical Assembly Washington/Baltimore region. He serves on the boards of the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA), Camp Ramah in New England, and the National Rabbinic Cabinet of Israel Bonds. He frequently teaches for various programs and groups in the Washington area.
Rabbi Safra and his wife Sharon are the parents of three beautiful children, Rebecca, Ethan, and Gila.
Rabbi Michael J. Safra, 301-816-5565
Click here for a list of selected sermons given by Rabbi Michael J. Safra.
Tue, May 27 2025
29 Iyyar 5785
the latest
Something Is Terribly Wrong – Response to the Murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lishinsky (Parashat Behar-Bechukotai, May 24)
Click here to watch.
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Adult March of the Living Trip April 22–May 1, 2025 LIVE BLOG
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NEW Hebrew High Launches for Grades 9–12
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B'nai Israel First Synagogue in North America to Install RightHear, supporting those who are blind or low vision.
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NEW Resource: Fighting Antisemitism
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B’nai Israel is proud to be accessible to all.
Large print siddurim, assistive listening devices and page magnifiers are readily available. Our entire building and grounds are wheelchair accessible. We can provide sign language interpreters upon request and subject to availability.
