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Upcoming Exhibition

Celebrating 150 Years of the Historic Synagogue

Capital Jewish Museum 1905

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

Location

  • First Floor
  • Second Floor

Tickets

Included with General Admission

Reserve Tickets

2026 marks both the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Adas Israel Congregation’s historic synagogue.

The convergence of these anniversaries is no coincidence. The synagogue’s founders timed its dedication to the nation’s centennial, affirming Jewish belonging and patriotism in the American story. Join us as we mark this important milestone and plan for the historic synagogue’s next 150 years!

Coming this year at the Museum:

  • The installation and dedication of a permanent exhibition showcasing the building’s 150-year history, including the community advocacy behind its preservation.
  • Foundational artifacts on view, including the Mordecai Bible, that showcase early Jewish life in the United States.
  • Exhibition cases highlighting Jewish engagement in patriotic celebrations with snapshots from 1876, 1926, and 1976.
  • Self-guided walking tours of Jewish DC, a version updated from one offered in 1976.
  • Leave a legacy for the future with community contributions to a time capsule with reflections on contemporary Jewish life, set to be opened in commemoration of the nation’s 300th birthday in 2076.
  • Programming throughout the summer and fall exploring these two milestones and the connections between American Jewish life and the Declaration of Independence

Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, 2025. Alex Fradkin Photography.

One of a series of 26 digital photographs taken by Joe Gromelski from the 2019 move of the historic Adas Israel synagogue building down 3rd St. NW onto the foundation of the Capital Jewish Museum, Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Collection, gift of Joe Gromelski.

View of the front entrance of the historic Adas Israel synagogue at 6th & G Streets, NW when a BBQ carry-out occupied the first floor. ca. 1950-1965. Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum. Gift of Hugh G. Whittington.

Color photograph of the original Adas Israel synagogue being moved to 3rd & G Streets, NW. December 18, 1969. Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Collection.

From the Blog

Black and white photograph of the interior of the historic synagogue building before restoration, 1969-73. Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Collection.

The Whole Spiel

Restoring Sacred Spaces 

On December 8th, five years since the devastating fire overtook the 12th-century cathedral in April 2019, visitors and residents in… (Read more)
Scale Model of the Historic 1876 Synagogue, ca. 1968. Capital Jewish Museum Collection

Scale Model of the Historic 1876 Synagogue, ca. 1968. Capital Jewish Museum Collection

The Whole Spiel

Small Scale Restoration

In 1967, DC’s Jewish community rallied together to relocate and save the historic 1876 Adas Israel synagogue. Over the next… (Read more)
Renovation study to identify light fixtures in the historic synagogue.

The Whole Spiel

Decisions, Decisions…

1903 interior of the Synagogue Our starting point is a grainy black-and-white photograph of the historic Adas Israel sanctuary circa 1903. If… (Read more)

This special exhibition is made possible in part by our Designer Sponsors Margie and Mickey Elsberg; and Planner Sponsor Ricki Gerger.

Exhibition donors as of April 14, 2026.

Please contact Chief Advancement Officer Malki Karkowsky, at [email protected] or 301.325.8025 with questions or for additional sponsorship information.