Home > Community > Interest Groups
We have created some small groups to bring people together based on shared interests; we also continually seek to identify additional groups to bring members together to engage with experts in a safe, non-threatening community.
Beth El has adult, teen, and children’s choirs.
Beth El Empty Nesters are people in their late 40s to early 60s who have in common that they no longer have (or never had) children at home, and wish to connect with others in our community at the same stage of life.
Our activities are planned in part by an informal steering committee, but also by individuals who have the interest and willingness to organize an event.
We hope you will contact Deb Geiger so we can add your names to our Google mailing list.
Congregation Beth El is committed to strengthening our community through education and relationship building. Throughout the year, we offer breakfast study sessions with our clergy based on your profession. These breakfasts are an opportunity to network with fellow Beth El members who are your professional peers as well as learn Torah through topics that relate to your professional field. Currently, there are professional groups for:
To learn more or create a group for your profession, contact Deb Geiger at dgeiger@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext 146.
The Chug Kriah meets twice a month to read and discuss modern Israeli literature in Hebrew. New members welcome. For more information and to join us, please contact congregant Bill Kanter.
Join us for one of Beth El’s favorite ways to relax, recharge, and build community! Family Camp is held over Memorial Day weekend at a camp facility conveniently located within a 90-mile drive of Bethesda.
What to Expect:
“Family Camp was our key to finding our Beth El community. Not only did we have a great time, we met so many wonderful members and made lots of new friends. Now whenever we go to Beth El, we always see people we know and our kids always see friends. This made a huge difference for us, and it’s all thanks to Family Camp!” -Family camp attendee
Interested in learning more about Family Camp? Click here to fill out our interest form, and someone will be in touch.
2024 Registration Fees – includes housing, all meals, and just about all the fun you can imagine!
Family of 2: $980 Family of 3: $1,460 Family of 4: $1,950 Family of 5: $2,435
Children who will be under 2 at camp are included at no charge (reduce family size by that number — so for a family of 5 with one child under two, your registration is for a family of 4 rate).
Couples and families without children are also most welcome to attend!
Register for Family Camp
What happens at Family Camp? Here’s a sample schedule from a previous year to give you an idea of what to expect.
CONGREGATION BETH EL FAMILY CAMP SAMPLE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
Tennis, basketball courts and other activities are open to explore.
SATURDAY
(Parents responsible for children throughout the afternoon, counselors are not on duty)
– Lake Free Swim 1:15 – 3:15p
– Watercraft (kayak, paddleboard, canoe) @ Lake 3:30 – 4:45p
Pick-up family baseball @ Upper Field
Little kid playgrounds are open
Anyone interested
OR
All ages gaga games refereed by counselors @ Gaga pit
SUNDAY
Parents are responsible for their children; no counselors on duty until 4:30p
– Free Swim @ Pool 1:00 – 3:30p
– Fishing, Mini-Golf, Playgrounds, Tennis, Pickleball, Driving Range, Paddleboats, Canoes
Activities for older kids including: ropes course, archery, go-karts, climbing wall
Participant led activities such as mountain biking
Gaga games
Optional babysitting to be provided by counselors & older middle schoolers (sign up ahead)
MONDAY
Younger kids’ playtime with counselors @ Dining Hall & basketball court
Monday morning meditation with Hazzan
Interested younger kids, see below
Interested adults
Younger kids activity (games and playground)
Ages 4-9
Havurah is derived from the Hebrew word for friend – havurot is the plural of havurah – and havurot provide a way to become a part of a more intimate shul experience.
These groups are formed around common interests (such as opera) or stages in life, meeting outside the synagogue to engage in Jewish learning, socialize, and develop a deeper feeling of friendship and community within the larger Beth El congregation.
If you’re interested in starting a havurah, please contact Deb Geiger at dgeiger@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 146.
Books, cards, choirs, camping, gardening…if a group doesn’t already exist to match your interest, think about starting one!
If you would like help starting a group, contact Deb Geiger at dgeiger@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 146.
