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Each January, Washington Hebrew Congregation brings our community together for two signature events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 2026, we continue this tradition with a deepened commitment to justice, interfaith partnership, and service, expressed through MLK Shabbat@WHC and our MLK Day of Service on Monday, the national holiday.
On Friday, January 16, 6:00 pm at Temple, our MLK Shabbat@WHC service invites us into a sacred space of reflection and unity. Dr. King taught that “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny,” and this belief animates our gathering. We expect this year’s service to again feature the powerful and uplifting voices of the Shiloh Church Choir and we will welcome clergy and leaders from a wide array of faith traditions. Their presence underscores the truth that Dr. King championed: that people of every faith must stand together in the pursuit of justice. Through prayer, music, and shared purpose, we honor Dr. King’s legacy and renew our dedication to building a world grounded in compassion, dignity, and equality.
On Monday, January 19, 10:00 am at Temple, we turn what for many is a day off, into a “day on” for tikkun olam, transforming our collective inspiration into tangible action during the MLK Day of Service. Dr. King reminded us that “faith without works is dead,” urging communities not only to believe in justice, but to participate actively in creating it. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds will join in a wide variety of projects designed to support families, uplift neighbors in need, and strengthen our broader community. Whether preparing meals, assembling hygiene kits, supporting local shelters, or engaging in social justice initiatives, each act of service becomes a living tribute to Dr. King’s vision of a better world.
Dr. King believed that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Our Day of Service gives each participant a chance to answer that question personally and meaningfully. When we serve side-by-side, we move beyond remembrance and step fully into the values Dr. King embodied — kindness, courage, and a steadfast belief in the power of community.
What makes MLK Weekend at Washington Hebrew Congregation particularly special is its truly interfaith nature. Dr. King’s dream was not confined to one tradition; it was a universal call to justice and love. By learning, praying, and serving together with our partners across the religious spectrum, we exemplify his belief that “love is the greatest force in the universe.” These gatherings reflect the best of who we are and the world we strive to create.
We invite you to be part of this inspiring, uplifting, and transformative weekend. Scan the QR code below to register for either (or both) events and join us as we honor Dr. King by building bridges across faiths, strengthening our community, and taking action that helps bend the arc of the moral universe ever closer toward justice.
