:: Special Events

Shirei Shabbat

Back for a second wonderful year, the Shirei Shabbat service is an exciting musical Shabbat experience. Cantors Manevich and Bortnick, joined by Kol Rinah – the Temple's adult choir – and a live instrumental band, offer congregants the opportunity to enjoy Shabbat in an innovative way. Through the generosity of the Marianne and Leon Minkoff Music Fund, CDs of the service music will be provided to all WHC members allowing our congregants to become familiar with the new musical selections.

For more information,
please contact Carolyne Ojwang
at 202-895-6309 or COjwang@whctemple.org

Scholar in Residence Mel Urofsky Discusses Jewish Justices

Our February scholar in residence, Melvin I. Urofsky, is an esteemed member of WHC, an expert on the U.S. Supreme Court, and is Professor of Law and Public Policy and Professor Emeritus of History at Virginia Commonwealth University. His new book, Louis D. Brandeis: A Life, has solidified Dr. Urofsky's place as a leading authority on one of the most influential American Jews of all time.

But while Brandeis may be the best-known Jewish Supreme Court Justice, he is far from the only one. Join our scholar in residence, Dr. Mel Urofsky, this month as he introduces us to the lives and importance of the various Jewish Justices.

• Benjamin Cardozo - Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 7PM - Temple

• Felix Frankfurter - Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7PM  - Temple

• "What's Jewish About Jewish Justice(s)?" - Friday, April 23, 2010, 6PM - Temple

• Arthur Goldberg and Abraham Fortas - Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 7PM - Temple

For more information,
please contact Layne Weiss
at 202-895-6307 or LWeiss@whctemple.org

"Happy Hour to Help"
Wednesday, March 24

Want to do something good while having a great time?
Join 2239 for the
"Happy Hour to Help" on March 24
While enjoying wine and beer at happy hour, help those less fortunate
- including earthquake victims in Haiti and Chile - by making pre-packed meals
Through Project Elijah, 100 volunteers can generate 16,000 kosher vegetarian meals
in as little as an hour!

• Where:    Washington Hebrew Congregation 3935 Macomb Street, NW

• When:      March 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

• Cost:        $10 to buy Project Elijah supplies

• Register Online:       http://2239happyhourtohelp.eventbrite.com

About Project Elijah Foods (PEF): Project Elijah’s Kosher Manna is a nutritious vegetarian food product made from soy protein, pasta, dehydrated vegetables, and a vitamin/mineral flavoring mix. This product has been evaluated and approved by the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department of Iowa State University. PEF's kosher certification is supervised by the Orthodox Union and those who keep Glatt Kosher may consume it without having to choose between maintaining kashrut and going hungry, including the Muslim community. We will be packaging the foods together with using the Project Elijah Foundation's equipment, ingredients, and supervision of the packing process.  In as little as one hour, 100 volunteers can generate over 16,000 meals!

For more information,
please contact Marsha Humphries
at 202-895-6303 or MHumphries@whctemple.org

2239 2nd Night Seder
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 6PM
With Rabbi Joui Hessel and
Student Rabbi Melissa Zalkin Stollman

Staying in town for Passover this year?
Then join the community of Jewish young professionals
celebrating Pesach at the 2239 2nd Night Seder!

Washington Hebrew Congregation
3935 Macomb Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016
202-362-7100

Register online: http://2239secondnightseder2010.eventbrite.com

About 2239: Washington Hebrew Congregation’s Auxiliary for 22-39 Year Olds, “2239” (get it!), is a group of Jewish young professionals who come together monthly for events that include socializing, networking, religious activities, and volunteering. 2239 offers a spiritual home for young Jews in the DC metro area and is proud to be part of Washington Hebrew Congregation’s strong Jewish community. Our goal is to connect young Jews looking for friendship, love, and religious practice through exciting events and activities in and around DC. We welcome everyone, especially those who are new to the city!

For more information,
please join the 2239 Facebook group
or contact Marsha Humphries
at 202-895-6303 or MHumphries@whctemple.org

Rabbi Joui Hessel to Assume New Role at Washington Hebrew Congregation

It is with pleasure that we announce that Rabbi Joui Hessel will assume the position of Associate Rabbi and Director of Religious Education and Jewish Engagement at WHC, effective July 1, 2010. Rabbi Hessel will assume primary responsibility for the Religious School and, on a limited basis, will continue to grace our bima and participate in a broad range of Temple life by developing program initiatives for congregants and coordinating congregation-wide events.

Rabbi Hessel has been serving as Acting Religious School Director since Winter 2007 and has enriched our education programs with her creativity, organizational skills and warmth. An extensive search over the past two years demonstrated that in addition to her experience at WHC and her esteemed contributions to our congregational community, Rabbi Hessel's skills and credentials are exemplary and could not be surpassed by other candidates. In addition to her strengths as an experienced member of our clergy team, Rabbi Hessel's background in camp leadership and education, including a bachelor's degree in the field and a Masters in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College, will serve our congregation well. We look forward to continued growth and innovations in our Religious School under Rabbi Hessel's leadership along with her strong team, including Assistant Principals Suzanne Davidson and Stephanie Tankel.

Rabbi Hessel has been a valued member of our Rabbinic team since her arrival at Washington Hebrew in 2001. She has enhanced our congregation in so many ways, including her work on the 2239 auxiliary, Young Leadership Initiative, Mitzvah Day and Carrie Simon House committees. We anticipate with excitement Rabbi Hessel's new role in our Temple family.

WHC Appoints Rabbinic Search Committee

As Rabbi Hessel assumes her new position at WHC, the Board of Directors has appointed a Rabbinic Search committee, charged with reviewing applicants both from the field and from Hebrew Union College in order to hire the Rabbi that will best serve WHC’s needs. The Rabbinic Search Committee is comprised of the following individuals: Sherry Bindeman Kahn, chair; Christie Weiss, vice-chair; Adam Bernstein; Carrie Coonan; Meg Flax; Alisa Halle; Simeon Kriesberg; Faye Levin; Hank Levine; Leslie Maitland; Bob Shapiro; and ex-officio members Lauren Racoosin and Peter Winik.