A Vision for 2030

Rooted in Tradition. Rising to Tomorrow.

OUR FUTURE | OUR MISSION | OUR PRINCIPLES | OUR PILLARS

Our Future

All 6 clergy stand in front of the Yod MenorahAs we look ahead to the next five years, we do so with boldness, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose. As a result of sustained dialogue with WHC’s clergy, lay leaders, staff, and congregants, we have developed a strategic vision for 2025–2030 embracing our responsibility to make hard choices and be forward-thinking, and creating a roadmap that strengthens our spiritual, educational, and communal foundations. We take pride in sharing this vision, which is rooted in our traditions and enduring values and inspired by the current moment.

Washington Hebrew Congregation has always embraced leadership — whether within our congregation, across the Jewish community, or in broader interfaith circles. In challenging times, we will remain at the forefront of positive change. Together, we will continue to grow and embrace our thriving, inclusive Jewish community, elevate learning and social action, foster meaningful connections to Israel, and ensure financial sustainability for future generations. There is much work ahead, and we remain hopeful and energized. With your partnership, WHC will continue to lead with courage and compassion — rising to tomorrow for our congregation and the world around us.

B’shalom,

Jeff Weiss, Temple President
Rabbi Susan N. Shankman, Senior Rabbi

Our Mission

all 6 clergy stand on the bimah which is decorated for sukkotWHC is a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant community grounded in the values of Reform Judaism, combining the teachings of Torah with our traditions and contemporary life.

Our Principles

  • Jews throughout the DMV experience inspiring, transformative worship services as part of a dynamic, engaged congregation.
  • Congregants connect with Judaism and build community through exceptional educational content and accessible volunteer (tikkun olam) opportunities for every life stage.
  • We are proudly Reform and Zionist, from different denominations, varied backgrounds, and different political perspectives.
  • As one of the largest Reform synagogues in the country, WHC will continue our 175-year tradition of meeting the challenges of our times by standing strong together.
  • Our congregation is supported by a culture of philanthropy and a dues structure designed to enhance WHC’s long-term sustainability.

Our Pillars

crowded Kreeger LobbyTHRIVING JEWISH COMMUNITY: Fortify the synagogue’s position as a vibrant hub for Jewish community, connection, and spiritual growth.

EXCELLENCE IN JEWISH LEARNING & COMMITMENT TO TIKKUN OLAM: Strengthen and develop excellent Jewish learning and tikkun olam opportunities as the essential building blocks of a Jewish life and strong Jewish identity.

LEADER IN THE LARGER JEWISH COMMUNITY: Enhance WHC’s position as a leader of Jewish thought and a leading proponent of Jewish values and ideals in the Jewish and interfaith communities locally and in the broader community.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: Provide for WHC’s financial sustainability through careful stewardship of resources and comprehensive philanthropy.

White woman talks to Black man and Black woman in the lobby

Thriving Jewish Community

Create transformative and engaging worship experiences inspiring congregants on their spiritual and life journey.

  • Support and encourage every member in their personal growth toward their Jewish identity.
  • Enable members to engage in the broad range of opportunities at WHC through different stages of their Jewish life.

Foster a warm and welcoming congregation that strengthens belonging and connection, celebrates diversity, embraces interfaith relationships, and empowers members of all ages.

  • Enhance varied programmatic initiatives and cultivate an environment honoring individuality, supporting our members, and inspiring a sense of belonging.
  • Cultivate brave spaces where people can express opinions and perspectives, ask questions, and understand a different viewpoint, recognizing we are blessed to be a congregation with members holding a range of political and theological views and affiliations.
  • Advance a strong and sustainable strategy that reaches new members and supports existing members, ensuring ongoing growth of the congregation.

Enhance the synagogue’s role as a vibrant hub for Jewish community, connection, and spiritual growth.

  • Create spaces where our community gathers, worships, and learns that align with the vibrancy, innovation, and warmth of our services and programs.
  • Continue to enhance the security of our facilities.
  • Design our spaces and programs to be accessible to all of our congregants.
  • Provide state-of-the-art video and electronic capabilities enhancing our worship and programmatic experiences and expanding our virtual and hybrid programming.

 

White woman talks to Black man and Black woman in the lobby
two young children look at an unrolled Torah scroll

Excellence in Jewish Learning & Commitment to Tikkun Olam

Deliver high-quality education that empowers our children and teens to reach their potential.

  • Offer intentional, innovative and engaging educational experiences for children of all ages, through their teen years, that spark a love of learning, a sense of belonging and a strong sense of Jewish values.
  • Strengthen the special connections between our early childhood and religious school programs with our membership and the wider congregation.
  • Encourage lifelong engagements with Judaism and WHC from birth through adulthood, enhancing connections following b’nei mitzvah with inviting entryways throughout the journey.

Build upon and expand our innovative programs for adult learners.

  • Maintain a comprehensive and engaging calendar of educational opportunities tailored for adults.
  • Forge clear pathways toward additional enriching activities and events hosted by WHC, ensuring members’ continued growth and involvement in the community.

Champion social action by supporting initiatives grounded in our shared Jewish values that strengthen our community.

  • Showcase the importance of involvement in “repairing the world” or tikkun olam.
  • Enhance member engagement in social action activities at WHC.
  • Develop new and innovative volunteer opportunities for members of all ages.
  • Promote the TOV Center as the central hub for the congregation’s social action activities, both within and beyond the WHC community.
Members of the WHC Board and Rabbi Shankman at the Western Wall in Jerusalem

Leader in the Larger Jewish Community

Recognize our clergy, staff, and lay leaders as prominent, knowledgeable voices with influence and expertise in the Jewish community.

  • Continue the culture of excellence and collaboration that is reflective of our Jewish values.
  • Provide opportunities for clergy and staff to engage in professional development as spiritual and organizational leaders.

Continue to be a catalyst for discussion and action in the Jewish and interfaith communities on critical issues of our times.

  • Create and host important discussions, including with national and international leaders, on topics including antisemitism, October 7th and its aftermath, and the future of American Judaism.
  • Continue to identify opportunities to strengthen and expand partnerships and community-based programs.
  • Enhance and expand current collaborations with local synagogues as well as Jewish and interfaith organizations.

Foster a strong connection to the State of Israel and Reform organizations within it and in the U.S. to uphold the principles of Zionism.

  • Increase awareness of the Israeli experience and encourage a close bond between our congregants and the Jewish State.
  • Inspire congregants of all ages to learn about and discuss Israel’s complexities and struggle for peace, as well as the critical role democracy and pluralism play in the State of Israel.
  • Reflect the significance of Israel and its meanings for the Jewish people throughout our worship, educational, and communal spaces.
Members of the WHC Board and Rabbi Shankman at the Western Wall in Jerusalem
Children on the bimah under a tallis

Financial Sustainability

Provide for WHC’s future through careful stewardship of resources and comprehensive philanthropy.

  • Maintain WHC’s financial health and resilience.
  • Partner with members in ensuring our dues and fees structures are both welcoming to all and providing financial stability for our synagogue.

Strengthen our philanthropy program to support our beloved Congregation.

  • Champion the Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund as an essential source of funding for WHC’s operations.
  • Promote the philanthropic impact of major gifts, endowment and legacy
    bequest donations.

WHC Strategic Plan FINAL

 

DOWNLOAD THE PLAN

Washington Hebrew Congregation
(Temple)

3935 Macomb Street NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: 202-362-7100

Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
(JBSC)

11810 Falls Road
Potomac, MD 20854
Phone: 301-279-7505

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