We invite you to end your week and welcome Shabbat with us as we honor and recognize Juneteenth with our Jews of Color Group and Community Partners!

RSVP Using the Form Below

Juneteenth is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining “June” and “nineteenth”, it is celebrated on the anniversary of General Order No. 3, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas. Originating in Galveston, Juneteenth has since been observed annually in various parts of the United States, often broadly celebrating African American culture. The day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

At 6:00 pm: Enjoy some light appetizers (to tide you over or as your dinner), a drink (full bar, plus non-alcoholic options. The Juneteenth Shabbat Bar is sponsored by Mr. Saumil Parikh of Band Baaja Entertainment, LLC.), and connect with your community.

Kids are always welcome, and they’ll be able to eat before (and after) the service, play Connect 4, Jenga, and cornhole games, create at a coloring table, and do other arts & crafts activities.

6:30 pm – Our Shabbat service begins, featuring the music of Lapidus & Myles (you may remember them from their visit earlier this year).

After the service – Provost, a Black-owned catering business, and Byblos are providing a fantastic dinner for us following the service. Plus, we’ll have some wonderful desserts from Souk.

Special thanks to our musicians who add so much to the service. We wouldn’t have them without the support of the Irene & Abe Pollin Music Program Initiative.

This week’s featured menu items include:
(GF – Gluten-free, V – Vegetarian, VG – Vegan)

• Salmon Sliders
• Quesadillas (VG)
• Meatballs (GF)
• Mac & Cheese Balls (V)
• Cornbread
• Roasted Cauliflower Bites (GF, VG)
  • These items are catered by Provost
• Grilled Chicken Cutlets (GF)
• Kefta (Beef & Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce) (GF)
• Jasmine Rice (GF, VG)
• Hummus (GF, VG)
• Tzatziki (GF, V)
• Pita Bread
  • These items are catered by Byblos
• Salted Caramel Brownies
• Passion Fruit Saffron Bars
• Honey-Almond Bars (GF)
  • These items are catered by Souk

If you would like to sponsor a portion of a future Shabbat@WHC to celebrate a milestone or honor a memory, please contact Lindsay Feldman, Executive Director, lfeldman@whctemple.org.

Other Juneteenth Activities

• June 13 — Film screening of BET’s Content for Change: Black X Jewish and panel discussion with director Lacey Schwartz Delgado at Edlavitch DCJCC
• June 18 — Celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day with John Wesley AME Zion Church, Washington, DC
• June 19 — Juneteenth Festival with Scotland AME Church, Cabin John Village & Regional Park