✡️ Jewish Travel Guide to Washington, D.C.

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✡️ Jewish Travel Guide to Washington, D.C.


Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)


The nation’s capital pairs world-class museums with a lively Jewish scene. Synagogues span the spectrum, kosher options are solid (especially with nearby Maryland suburbs), and Jewish history is woven right into the city’s cultural fabric.



🕍 Synagogues & Jewish Life


  • Adas Israel (Cleveland Park) – Large Conservative community with rich programming.

  • Sixth & I (Chinatown/Penn Quarter) – Historic sanctuary hosting Jewish services, learning, and major cultural events.

  • Kesher Israel (Georgetown) – Modern Orthodox, walkable to the waterfront.

  • Ohev Sholom (Shepherd Park) – Modern Orthodox, just by the Maryland line.

  • Chabad – Centers serving downtown and local universities (GWU, AU, Georgetown) with Shabbat meals and classes.



🍽️ Kosher Food & Markets


  • Char Bar (Foggy Bottom/Dupont area) – Sit-down kosher meat restaurant in DC proper.

  • Maryland Suburbs (15–30 min) – Head to Silver Spring/Rockville for more choices:


    • Shalom Kosher & Moti’s Market (Rockville) – Full groceries, takeout, prepared foods.

    • Ben Yehuda Pizza (Silver Spring) – Classic kosher pizza spot.

    • Max’s (Silver Spring) – Shawarma/falafel and crowd-pleasing staples.


Tip: Grab challah and prepared Shabbat meals in Rockville/Silver Spring if staying through the weekend.



📜 Jewish History & Culture


  • U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum – Essential, powerful visit; reserve timed entry.

  • Capital Jewish Museum – Showcases Jewish life in the capital region, including the relocated historic 1876 Adas Israel building.

  • Edlavitch DCJCC (JxJ) – Theater, films, concerts, and Jewish arts festivals throughout the year.



🏛️ Things To Do Nearby


  • National Mall & Smithsonian Museums – Free, walkable, and perfect before/after synagogue in nearby neighborhoods.

  • Georgetown – C&O Canal, waterfront strolls, and cafés near Kesher Israel.

  • Embassy Row / Dupont – Architecture walks, galleries, and easy Metro access.



🧳 Travel Tips


  • Getting around: The Metro is your friend; many sites and shuls are Metro-adjacent. Parking can be tricky—plan accordingly on Shabbat.

  • Eruv: Portions of NW DC (and adjoining MD communities) are covered—verify current eruv status before Shabbat.

  • Where to stay: For easy Shabbat access, look around Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Dupont, Georgetown, or near the MD border if you’ll rely on suburban kosher options.

  • Plan ahead: For peak seasons (spring cherry blossoms, fall holidays), make reservations for museums and kosher restaurants.


✅ Verdict: D.C. is a superb long-weekend pick for Jewish travelers—serious history, vibrant culture, and reliable kosher/Shabbat infrastructure, especially with Maryland’s robust options just up the road.


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