:: Join Our Temple

For more than 150 years, Washington Hebrew Congregation has been dedicated to meeting individual congregants' spiritual and "lifecycle" needs. As one of North America's largest congregations, our Temple provides countless educational opportunities for all ages, offers a broad array of cultural and social programming, and attracts renowned speakers on Judaic and secular topics.

Our volunteer congregants are the foundation of our temple, and participation in programs and events are strongly encouraged! Whether it's volunteering for one of our numerous committees, attending a lecture series or adult education class, partaking in the Early Childhood and Youth programming, or getting involved in meaningful community outreach programs, Washington Hebrew Congregation has something for everyone!

Our congregation consists of Jews aligned with Reform Judaism of all ages, occupations, interests and income levels. Our programs are designed to meet the spiritual, religious, educational and social needs of our members, including traditional and non-traditional families, singles, students and seniors. Washington Hebrew Congregation is a member of the Union of Reform Judaism.

WHC offers a warm and welcoming community where you can build a meaningful Jewish life. When you become a member of WHC, you become part of a vibrant and caring Jewish community that will allow you to grow spiritually and intellectually; enrich your Jewish identity; engage in meaningful acts of social justice; share holidays and joyous occasions with your multigenerational congregational family, and count on its support in times of need; and make lifelong friends. The benefits of membership include:

• The privilege of pastoral care, including the services of our clergy for lifecycle events and in times of difficulty and bereavement
• Complimentary tickets for a variety of innovative and traditional High Holy Day worship services
• Eligibility for enrollment of your children in our excellent religious school including confirmation and other programs designed to teach a love for Judaism to children from kindergarten through high school
• Discounted tuition at our award-winning, high-quality preschool
• Subscription to our bi-monthly newsletter and to our weekly email bulletins
• Membership in the  Union for Reform Judaism, the national organization of the Reform Movement, as well as a subscription to URJ's quarterly magazine
• A broad array of  worship, educational, cultural and social opportunities for members of all ages

Each summer, WHC hosts several Shabbat Under the Stars services and provides new and prospective members with a complimentary dinner, an opportunity to meet temple leaders, tour our facility and get a “sweet taste” of what we have to offer.

Throughout the year, all members are invited to gatherings large and small to build friendships and strengthen our community.

There are many ways to get involved and become acquainted with other congregants. During your new membership process, you can tell us about your interests, and we will direct you to programs that meet your needs. By attending a class or participating in a program or worship service, your relationship to the Washington Hebrew Congregation family will gain in strength and in meaning. Your active involvement in congregational life can play a role in shaping the direction of our Temple's future.

At Washington Hebrew Congregation, membership dues are based on a fair-share policy. Our dues structure enables all who are interested in Temple life to contribute their fare share and join the Temple. No individuals or families will be denied membership due to financial circumstances.

For more information or to receive a membership packet,
please contact our Membership Coordinator, Lan Swerdloff
at LSwerdloff@whctemple.org or by calling 202-362-7100.