Jewish tradition and customs help define the most significant rites of passage in life. From birth through death, ceremonies and rituals attend to the different stages in life. Our clergy are here to work with the community to make these moments of transition and celebration filled with purpose and meaning.

The first step toward preparing for any Life Cycle ceremony is to contact Reb David at 301-349-2799 or by email at RabbiDavid@am-kolel.org.  After you have spoken with Reb David, please follow the appropriate link below, print the necessary form, and return to Am Kolel at the address below.

Am Kolel
19520 Darnestown Road
Beallsville, MD 20839

Birth and Naming Rituals
Welcoming your child into the community is an age old tradition. Am Kolel advises families of the traditions and also the ways in which a Brit Milah (for boys) or a Simchat HaBat (for girls) can be meaningful, joyful and inclusive

• Information Form

Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Am Kolel provides guidance and wonderful resources for this rite of passage. The preparation for becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a special opportunity for the family to explore Judaism and appreciate our value culture more deeply. We plan the service together, blending traditional liturgy and song with contemporary readings and music. Jewish and non-Jewish family members all can participate in this important rite.

• Information Packet
• Information Packet for Kehila Chadasha members

Wedding
Am Kolel recommends officiants and provides resources for marriages. We perform intermarriage ceremonies when there is a commitment to Jewish continuity.

• Information Form

Conversion
Am Kolel's staff offers guidance to anyone interested in becoming Jewish. We help create a curriculum, mentors and make arrangements for a Bet Din (rabbinic court) and Mikvah (Ritual Immersion).

• Information Form

Death and Mourning
We provide pastoral counseling for individuals and families confronted with end of life decision making. Am Kolel offers officiation at funerals, memorial services, shiva minyans and unveilings. Our community recently acquired a section of the Garden of Remembrance in Clarksburg for burials

• Information Form

Am Kolel Pardes at Garden of Remembrance
Background Information
Request for Purchase Form
MD Consumer Guide to Cemeteries & Funeral Homes

Sanctuary as a Celebration Venue
The Am Kolel Sanctuary and Renewal Center is a wonderful place to celebrate rites of passage. These may include Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, weddings, baby namings, birthdays and/or family reunions.

Our indoor chapel can seat up to 75 persons. Our outdoor chapel and Mikdash M'at can accommodate 100 or more. For receptions that exceed 75 persons we do recommend renting a tent.

Overnight  accommodations are available for you and your guests. We can accommodate up to 28 people in our comfortable and cozy Manor House and the Guest House.

Close to Washington DC, Am Kolel Sanctuary offers the opportunity for a beautiful ceremony, indoors or out. Tents and caterers are welcome.  For more information, view Sanctuary’s website.