Welcome. Bruchim HaBa’im to Bayit Shelanu. (Our House) A Joyful, Spiritual Home for the High Holy Days
Pesach 5786 April 1-8, 2026
Pesach 5786 April 1-8, 2026

Pesach 5786 April 1-8, 2026

The Power of Your Questions Unique. Unpredictable. Unknowable. Unknown. These words have come to define the opening months of 2026. Along with all of us at Bayit Shelanu Synagogue, Jews the world over will gather to celebrate Passover—a story that began more than 3,000 years ago, when our ancestors lived through their own time of uncertainty as they fled Egypt toward freedom.   Passover is a holiday about freedom—but we do not celebrate it by acting free. Instead, we step into the experience of our ancestors. For seven days (in Israel and amongst the Reform Movement) or eight days (for many in the Diaspora) we eat matzah, the bread of haste—made of the same ingredients as bread, yet without the time to rise. As Philo of Alexandria teaches, the difference between matzah and bread is not what they are made of, but what they become. Bread is puffed up; matzah remains humble. That puffiness, he suggests, is like the human ego. Matzah calls us to strip away excess, to invite humility, quiet ourselves, and to return to what is essential. In that same spirit, we prepare for Passover by cleaning our homes—removing chametz, clearing away the noise and clutter of daily life—so we can focus on what truly matters.  There is a beautiful tradition that the Maas Center at American University suggests we consider:  they explain that in the Syrian Jewish community at the beginning of the Seder, the leader enters carrying a bag. The children ask: “Where are you…
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About Bayit Shelanu

Over a decade ago, our community came together to launch BAYIT SHELANU, Hebrew for “Our House”, reaching out to all who seek a Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur experience that speaks to the heart, mind, spirit and soul.

Our innovative High Holy Day services aim to inspire Jews to get involved in Judaism once again or to connect to it for the first time! Drawing on the richness of all denominations, we place an emphasis on the spiritual and the celebratory. 

Our services reflect that joy and meaning in the power of its prayers, inspirational readings, and the celebration of music and song.

Jan Goldstein

Author, Educator, Rabbi

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 Bruce Garnitz

Singer Songwriter

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Rena Strober

 Lay Cantor, Vocalist 

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Steve Blum

Keyboardist 

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Alisha Bauer

Cellist

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Poetry and Humor

Beannacht – John O’Donahue

Beannacht – John O’Donahue

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Prayer For Our People – Loren Judaken

Prayer For Our People – Loren Judaken

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For One Who Is Exhausted, a Blessing – John O’Donohue 

For One Who Is Exhausted, a Blessing – John O’Donohue 

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THE THREE MONKEYS – Loren Judaken

THE THREE MONKEYS – Loren Judaken

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Chelm: The Musical

Chelm: The Musical

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IF NOT NOW – WHEN – Loren Judaken

IF NOT NOW – WHEN – Loren Judaken

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Tashlich A La Carte – 2022

Tashlich A La Carte – 2022

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Shredded Hearts (after Oct 7 massacre in Israel) – Loren Judaken

Shredded Hearts (after Oct 7 massacre in Israel) – Loren Judaken

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L’chaim! To the health of our community and the rich
possibilities ahead!