Membership
A havurah, by its very definition, is a community. Its root is the Hebrew word “haver,” meaning friend.
This is what makes Hill Havurah unique. We are, first and foremost, a community: a community of faith, of learning, of caring and, yes, of friendship.
"It is not one person's congregation....it is everybody's congregation." -- Sig Cohen, Hill Havurah co-founder.
Started by a handful of Jewish “pioneers” on Capitol Hill, we have evolved over the years into a fellowship that is rich in diversity and known for its inclusiveness. Who are we? We are Jews and those who love them….single threads woven together into a colorful tapestry of people of all ages, genders, races, sexual orientations, and financial means.
Hill Havurah has “haverim” who were raised in traditional homes….and others who had little or no religious education. As an independent congregation -- unaffiliated with any of the major denominations of modern Judaism -- we seek common ground to provide a rich Jewish experience for all.
"We are a community enriched by our diversity. That is what a real community is. You don't have to be an expert in Judaism to engage....or you don't have to be in a particular category of religious practice to engage....you are just allowed to engage, which I think is great." -- Joe Hurowitz, Hill Havurah member.
"My feeling about the Havurah is the same as my feeling about the neighborhood ... this is home and it is welcoming and it is accepting and it is forgiving and it is nurturing." -- Laurie Solnik, Hill Havurah lay leader.
The membership process is simple. If you have any questions or are interested in signing up, contact our Executive Director Alan Shusterman at alan.shusterman@hillhavurah.org or 202-729-3515 (ext. 1). He will be happy to assist you.
Below is information on membership dues, which cover our expenses for staff, rent, and programs. Members who can are encouraged to give more. Our standard dues amounts are not set to cover all of our expenses; we rely on donations for that. No one is ever turned away from membership for lack of funds.
|
2024-25* MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES |
STANDARD DUES |
SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL |
| Family | $1,950 | $390 |
| Couple | $1,550 | $310 |
| Senior Couple | $1,475 | $295 |
| Single Parent | $1,325 | $265 |
| Individual | $800 | $160 |
| Senior Individual | $750 | $150 |
| Couple Under 30 | $300 | $60 |
| Individual Under 30 | $200 | $40 |
*Our fiscal year runs from August 1st through July 31st.
Financial Assistance: Hill Havurah is an inclusive, welcoming community, and we will work to make membership available to anyone regardless of ability to pay. To request a reduction to the standard dues amount, please contact our Executive Director Alan Shusterman at alan.shusterman@hillhavurah.org.
