Current Exhibition
The Sanctuary
Historic Sanctuary, Summer 2023. Photo: Imagine Photography
Enter one of the Museum’s most treasured artifacts – a synagogue opened in 1876, in time for the US centennial. Since then, the building has been relocated several times to accommodate construction in a changing city. Today, it provides a space for visitors to imagine the experiences of the past.
Sit in a restored pew used by one of DC’s early congregations as an immersive film fills the sanctuary evoking early regional Jewish life. Meet the founders of DC’s first Jewish synagogues, hear the recollections of children who grew up in this early Jewish community, and learn about the architecture of this special place. With a cameo appearance by President Grant!
Photos from the Sanctuary
Visitors in the historic Sanctuary and viewing the Judaica in cases, Fall 2024. Alex Fradkin Photography
Visitors watching the immersive film in the historic Sanctuary, Fall 2023. Chris Ferenzi Photography
The “Gotthelf Torah,” the historic synagogue's original Torah, was gifted to the new Conservative movement Adas Israel Congregation by the second president of the synagogue, Nathan Gotthelf, in May, 1876. On loan from Adas Israel Congregation
Film production in the historic synagogue was a collaboration of Northern Light Productions and Video Art Productions.