- Worship
- Education
- Lifecycle
- Events & Programs
- About Us
- Join Us
- Donate
Clergy
JOnathan A. Schnitzer
RABBI EMERITUs
Since his arrival at B’nai Israel in 1989, Rabbi Jonathan Schnitzer has clearly communicated the ideals of Judaism through word and deed. Under his leadership, B’nai Israel dramatically expanded both its programmatic scope and physical facility and yet maintained its warm, friendly and inclusive style.
Rabbi Schnitzer received a B.A. degree from Columbia College and then studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary where he received his Master’s Degree and was ordained in 1974. In 2001 the Seminary awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity.
Rabbi Schnitzer has been very active on the local and national Jewish scene. He is a past Chair of the Rabbinic Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and a past president of the Washington Board of Rabbis. He has served on the Boards of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Jewish Social Service Agency, the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington.
Earlier in his career, while at B‘nai Abraham Synagogue in Easton, Pennsylvania, Rabbi Schnitzer taught in the Department of Religion at Lafayette College and served as President of ProJeCt of Easton (an anti-poverty interfaith social service agency) and Family Counseling Service of Northampton County.
A voracious reader, avid traveler and biking enthusiast, Rabbi Schnitzer also has a special passion for Israel. He and his wife, Beverly, were among recipients of the Israel 67 Award from Israel Bonds in 2015.
Rabbi Schnitzer and his wife, Beverly, a long-time teacher and community volunteer, are the parents of two children. Dr. Shira Schnitzer is a leader in strategic philanthropy in the UK and is married to Graeme Cohen. David Schnitzer, an attorney in Washington D.C. is married to Claire Bergeron. Their sons, Benjamin Noah Bergeron Schnitzer and Nathan (Nate) Adam Bergeron Schnitzer, represent the newest generation of the family.
Click here for a list of selected sermons given by Rabbi Schnitzer.
Fri, April 19 2024
11 Nisan 5784
Livestream
Shabbat Services
Friday at 6:15 PM
Saturday at 9:00 AM
the latest
announcements
Lessans Talmud Torah registration for 2024–2025 is open!
Registering early just got sweeter. Learn more about our program and registration raffle.
B'nai Israel Schilit Nursery School 2024-2025 Program Registration is now OPEN - OPEN HOUSE ON APRIL 18!
Our award-winning school can't wait to meet your family. Very limited spaces remain. Learn more. Click here to learn more about our Truck Day Open House on April 18.
Visit Our Judaica Shop for all of Your Passover Needs
For shop hours, click here.
B'nai Israel First Synagogue in North America to Install RightHear, supporting those who are blind or low vision.
Read our press release here.
NEW Resource: Fighting Antisemitism
Raise Awareness, Educate, and Act to stop antisemitism. Learn more.
Our 2023-2024 Hineini Annual Campaign is Under Way
B'nai Israel is "Here for YOU". Support us today.
Join Our Shabbat Morning Livestream
Click here to access.
Explore Our Exciting Adult Education Offerings
Learn more here.
weekday services
Sunday | 9:00 AM & 8:00 PM
Monday–Thursday | 7:15 AM & 8:00 PM
Friday | 7:15 AM
*Service times vary on holidays.
Click here for access information.
shabbat services
Friday | 6:15 PM (7:00 PM during Summer)
Saturday | 9:00 AM & 12:30 PM (Minha)
Click here for access information.
inclement weather policy
Click here for information.