B’er Chayim Congregation is one of the oldest Reformed Jewish congregations in Maryland, and has the oldest synagogue building in continuous use as a synagogue in the state. The congregation was chartered in 1853 and the building was built between 1864 and 1867.  With a membership of about 50 families, it is a tight-knit congregation. As a result of our small size, new members are welcomed into the fold quickly and are able to be as active as they are willing and able to be. We are the only Jewish organization of any kind for an hour in any direction.

B’er Chayim is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism. Our history of affiliations has varied over the years: Orthodox when first chartered in 1853; Classical Reform in the late 1800’s and early 1900s; and Reform starting in the mid 1900’s to today. We merged with Beth Jacob Synagogue (a Conservative Shul) in 1998. Our services are respectful of each tradition, reflecting the rich history of Judaism in Mountain Maryland.