:: Who We Are

Founded over 160 years ago in 1852 by a small group of German Jews, Washington Hebrew Congregation has grown to more than 2,900 families, making it one of the largest and most dynamic Reform congregations in the nation.  Our congregation is led by Senior Rabbi, Bruce Lustig, along with Rabbis Susan N. Shankman, Joui Hessel, Noah Fabricant and Aaron Miller and Cantors Mikhail Manevich and Susan Bortnick.  Under their spiritual guidance, Washington Hebrew Congregation continues as a Beit Knesset, a house of communal gathering, a Beit Midrash, a house of Jewish study, and a Beit Tefilah, a house of prayer.

At each of its two locations – the main sanctuary at the corner of Massachusetts and Macomb and the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center on Falls Road in Potomac -- WHC provides a wide variety of opportunities for worship, volunteering, socializing, and learning for individuals of all ages.  WHC and its members have a deep commitment to social justice and our congregation has developed innovative community service events such as our annual Mitzvah Day and our Martin Luther King Service Day.

From our renowned Early Childhood Centers and religious schools to our award-winning programs for teens, singles, young families, interfaith couples, empty nesters, and seniors, WHC responds to the needs of every individual and family.  No matter your interests or stage of life, there is a place for you at Washington Hebrew Congregation.  We welcome new members and encourage interested individuals to get in touch with our Membership Committee for more information.