Home > About Us > Join Us
Each of our Jewish journeys is unique, and at Washington Hebrew, you will find clergy and educators who will meet you wherever you are on your path.
Washington Hebrew is a welcoming community where people at all stages of life can celebrate, support, learn, and grow along life’s Jewish journey. We remain committed to meeting the needs of our community now and in the future. Through Congregational Commitment, we can help current members maintain a lifelong connection at a support level of their choosing and make joining our sacred community more accessible for prospective members.
We are individuals and couples; we are seniors and students.
We are families with young children, and we are empty nesters.
We are single parents, blended families, widows, and widowers.
We are LGBTQ+ and their allies, Jews of Color, Jewish, Jew-ish, and interfaith.
Tell me more I’m ready to join WHC!
Your Temple membership includes you, your spouse or partner, and your children under 30.
*Not included with Non-Resident membership
We offer several types of membership. Unless otherwise indicated, each includes all member benefits. The fees below are for our July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 fiscal year. Monthly amounts are based on 12 payments.
Our standard membership type for people age 36+
$278/month or $3,330 annually ($2950 Membership Commitment + $380 Security Fee)
Ages 35 & under without children enrolled in our Religious School
Ages 30-35 — $55/month or $655 annually ($385 Membership Commitment + $270 Security Fee)
Under 30 — $22/month or $265 annually ($190 Membership Commitment + $75 Security Fee)
An enhanced membership category that includes additional benefits
Choosing to become a Sustaining Member at Washington Hebrew is both an act of tzedakah and a reflection of faith in our shared Jewish future — it ensures that Washington Hebrew can be a welcoming and inclusive community for all.
$2,115/month or $25,380 annually ($25,000 Membership Commitment + $380 Security Fee)
$1,532/month or $18,380 annually ($18,000 Membership Commitment + $380 Security Fee)
$865/month or $10,380 annually ($10,000 Membership Commitment + $380 Security Fee)
$657/month or $7,880 annually ($7,500 Membership Commitment + $380 Security Fee)
$448/month or $5,380 annually ($5,000 Membership Commitment + $380 Security Fee)
$357/month or $4,280 annually ($3,900 Membership Commitment + $380 Security Fee)
Under Age 36: $182/month or $2,180 annually ($1,800 Membership Commitment + $380 Security Fee)
Learn more about Sustaining Membership and its benefits.
Complimentary
For families with children enrolled in our Early Childhood Center. Learn more about our ECC.
$33/month or $400 annually
For long-time members who have moved from the D.C. area and wish to maintain their connection to Washington Hebrew. Benefits differ from standard membership.
$223/monthly or $2,680 annually ($2,390 Membership Commitment + $290 Security Fee)
For individuals, couples, and families who maintain a membership at another congregation — of any denomination or faith.
For more information about any of our alternative membership options, please contact Jennifer Millstone (202-895-6328).
We offer an incredible array of choices. Participating in Temple life will make your membership more fulfilling and meaningful. And in turn, your involvement will enrich our community.
It’s a membership category designed to help those who are just starting out be able to call WHC their spiritual home. Young Members are under 36 and do not have children enrolled in our Early Childhood Center or Religious School.
Becoming a Sustaining Member is an act of tzedakah and a commitment to helping ensure our shared Jewish future.
The actual cost of membership is around $5,000/household, significantly higher than our standard member rate. Sustaining Members enable us to keep our standard rate lower, which helps current Members maintain a lifelong connection with our community and makes membership accessible to all who wish to be part of our sacred congregation, regardless of financial circumstances.
Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the philanthropy of congregants who choose to become Sustaining Members, and we are grateful for their strong commitment to Washington Hebrew.
Sustaining Membership also comes with added benefits.
Your annual commitment has two components: your Membership Commitment and a Security Fee. For our 2024-2025 congregational year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025):
Sustaining Member commitments for 2024-2025:
On your membership form you’ll have the option to pay your annual fees in full or set up automatic monthly payments. There’s no extra charge to pay monthly.
Yes, a Capital Pledge that is paid over time.
The Capital Pledge supports our Building Fund, which enables major facility upgrades and improvements that are not covered by the annual budget. The Capital Pledge for new Members age 36 and up is $5,000. Members can satisfy this pledge with annual installments in beginning in the 2nd year of membership ($500/year) or pay it in full.
We don’t want anyone to forgo being part of our community because membership is unaffordable. If you are unable to pay the full membership fee, we will work with you sensitively and confidentially. Please contact Jennifer Millstone, Director of Member Engagement, at 202-895-6328 or jmillstone@whctemple.org to begin this conversation.
Yes. In honor of our beloved WHC president, Lew Wiener z”l, The Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund keeps alive his goal of a vibrant and sustainable Washington Hebrew. Formerly known as Yad B’Yad (Hebrew for “hand in hand”), the Temple’s annual fund was created by the Board of Directors in 2015 to provide a dependable revenue stream for the Congregation’s operations and activities, and has become an increasingly important part of the WHC budget.
Membership Commitments (annual member dues) support approximately 40% of our expenses. Once tuition and fees for the Early Childhood Centers and Religious School are factored in, 57% of WHC’s operating costs are covered. This leaves a gap of 43% of uncovered expenses that The Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund helps to fill.
In addition to The Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund, WHC funds its budget through endowments, facility rental fees, foundation grants, and the generosity of individual members who respond to special funding requests. While we continue to seek all these sources of support, The Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund provides crucial unrestricted and flexible funds that support Temple operations and unanticipated needs such as an exciting, timely program or speaker.
Most importantly, The Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund provides stability to our community and is funded by members of all income levels. Every gift — whether $18 or $18,000 — is essential and emphasizes that the financial health of WHC is our shared responsibility.
Sustaining Members make a yearly Membership Commitment above and beyond the $2,950 Member rate. Their generous commitment makes it possible for many families, young professionals just starting out, and seniors who may be on a fixed income to affiliate with WHC. The Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund, as described above, supports WHC’s annual budget. It helps to pay for the 43% of expenses that are not met by Congregational Commitments, tuition, and fees. It also makes it possible for WHC to offer special programs and opportunities that arise during the year.
Yes! Washington Hebrew truly depends on both your annual Membership Commitment (membership dues) and your donations to The Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund. WHC is our shared community, and with your support, we can thrive!
We can help! Please reach out to Jennifer Millstone, WHC’s Director of Member Engagement, at jmillstone@whctemple.org or 202-895-6328.
Read More >
Explore Our Blog
Jennifer Millstone Director of Member Engagement jmillstone@whctemple.org 202-895-6328
Inquiry Form Membership Form
