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Capital Jewish Museum

Exploring the Jewish experience in the national capital region and inspiring visitors to connect personally and collectively, reflect on the relevance of the past to today, and act on behalf of their communities and values.

Capital Jewish Museum at dusk, Fall 2023. Photo: Alex Fradkin Photography

Plan Your Visit

Hours, Admission & more

President Carter lights a menorah in Lafayette Square across from the White House, December. 17, 1979. Capital Jewish Museum Collection. Gift of the Washington Jewish Week.

History Happy Hour

Virtual: Thu, Dec 7, 6pm
Hanukkah and the White House

Triple Your Impact

3x match for new or increased gifts through December 31

Historic Adas Israel synagogue (foreground) and National Building Museum, formerly the headquarters of the United States Pension Bureau, background, ca. 1905.

Ongoing Exhibition

What is Jewish Washington?

Step into history–a real 19th-century synagogue–as you explore local Jewish stories in DC and the Maryland and Virginia suburbs.

Spark Curiosity

Give the gift of a Museum membership

Cornerstone laying, Jewish Community Center, 16th and Q Streets NW in 1925. Capital Jewish Museum Collection, Jewish Community Center Collection.

Cornerstone laying, Jewish Community Center, 16th and Q Streets NW in 1925. Capital Jewish Museum Collection, Jewish Community Center Collection.

The Whole Spiel

SPIEL (shpeel): A long involved story or tale. A blog.

Modular clay menorah featuring Fir and Pine trees

Hanukkah Gifts

Featuring works from international and local artists & makers
[In store only]

Decoupage bottle made by Sol Ereza of Magen David Sephardic Congregation. Gift of Gwen Zuares, Capital Jewish Museum Collection.

Ongoing Exhibition

Connect. Reflect. Act.

Dig deep into local Jewish history, discover Jewish perspectives on social justice issues facing the world today, and think about your own identity and values.

Matchbox, signed by President Jimmy
Carter and used by the president at the
White House Hanukkah event, December
17, 1979. Capital Jewish Museum
Collec􀆟on. Gi􀅌 of Michael Kranish and
family.

Holiday Resources for Educators

Elementary and Secondary Learners

Exterior of Giant store #7 located at 3412
Connecticut Ave, NW, which opened on January
25, 1945. Capital Jewish Museum collection. Gift of the Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation.

Explore the Collection

From the 1850s to the present day

“Almost 150 years after the region’s first purpose-built synagogue was dedicated, the Capital Jewish Museum figuratively and literally connects the story of Jewish Washington’s past, present, and future.”

Esther Safran Foer, President

With thanks to our partners.

Partner Agency of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington