Community Sundays
In-person gathering have been suspended due to COVID-19, but we are planning a return to in-person gathering in September. Our Adult Ed Summer Sessions are still online and you are welcome to register from anywhere!
The Machar community thrives upon its diversity. We have members of all ages with different cultural and religious backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs, and we welcome the opportunity to come together based on a shared interest in Jewish heritage. After a quick break for bagels and coffee following our Jewish Cultural School and Adult Education program (10 to 11:45 a.m.), join us for our Community Sunday activities from 11:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We do something different each Sunday, and we are always open to new ideas.
Book Club
Currently not active, but could easily become so if anyone is interested in volunteering to organize.
Machar’s Book Club meets to discuss books that relate to Judaism, humanism, and/or social or humanitarian concerns in the same vein as our Adult Ed topics. The Book Club is open to all members of Machar, and guests are welcome, too.
Community Service
At Machar, we believe that helping others less fortunate than ourselves is one of the most important mitzvot (good deeds) we can perform. As a Machar member, you will have many opportunities to participate as a Jew and a humanist in community service. Demonstrating the Congregation’s commitment to being “good without God,” our members volunteer their time and raise funds for organizations that meet the needs of our local, national, and international communities.
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At Machar, we believe that helping others less fortunate than ourselves is one of the most important mitzvot (good deeds) we can perform. As a Machar member, you will have many opportunities to participate as a Jew and a humanist in community service. Demonstrating the Congregation’s commitment to being “good without God,” our members volunteer their time and raise funds for organizations that meet the needs of our local, national, and international communities.
LEARN MORE
Mispachah Committee
Mishpachah, headed by Renée Weitzner, is Machar’s special committee to care for members of our community. Mishpachah is a Hebrew word for family, although it also refers to friends. Our purpose is to help our members in good times and bad by providing support, be it with a card to encourage recovery or in some other way. If you know of someone who needs a helping hand or has an important life event to celebrate, please contact Renée at rwcats [at] aol.com or by phone (see membership directory).
LEARN MORE
Mishpachah, headed by Renée Weitzner, is Machar’s special committee to care for members of our community. Mishpachah is a Hebrew word for family, although it also refers to friends. Our purpose is to help our members in good times and bad by providing support, be it with a card to encourage recovery or in some other way. If you know of someone who needs a helping hand or has an important life event to celebrate, please contact Renée at rwcats [at] aol.com or by phone (see membership directory).
LEARN MORE
Neighborhood Havurot
Neighborhood Havurot provide opportunities for Machar members to gather and socialize on an informal basis. The Hebrew word “havurah” (plural “havurot”) translates roughly as “fellowship” and can include a variety of activities. This past year saw members enjoying Shabbat and Havdala potluck dinners, games nights, Sunday brunches, and an afternoon BBQ.
LEARN MORE
Neighborhood Havurot provide opportunities for Machar members to gather and socialize on an informal basis. The Hebrew word “havurah” (plural “havurot”) translates roughly as “fellowship” and can include a variety of activities. This past year saw members enjoying Shabbat and Havdala potluck dinners, games nights, Sunday brunches, and an afternoon BBQ.
LEARN MORE
Social Action Committee
As a Machar member, you will be able to put your Jewish and humanistic values into action. Machar is the most socially active congregation of the Secular Humanistic Judaism movement. We are at the vanguard of many social justice campaigns fought by the Jewish, humanistic, and social justice communities in the Washington, DC area.
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As a Machar member, you will be able to put your Jewish and humanistic values into action. Machar is the most socially active congregation of the Secular Humanistic Judaism movement. We are at the vanguard of many social justice campaigns fought by the Jewish, humanistic, and social justice communities in the Washington, DC area.
LEARN MORE
Wimmin in Transtion (WITs)
WiTs is open to all women members of Machar. Our monthly meetings take place in each other’s homes or in area restaurants. These gatherings provide a warm and friendly environment for us to derive support from each other, giving us the power to face life’s joys and challenges. For more information, contact Renée Weitzner at rwcats [at] aol.com or by phone (see membership directory). We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
WiTs is open to all women members of Machar. Our monthly meetings take place in each other’s homes or in area restaurants. These gatherings provide a warm and friendly environment for us to derive support from each other, giving us the power to face life’s joys and challenges. For more information, contact Renée Weitzner at rwcats [at] aol.com or by phone (see membership directory). We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
Young Adult Havurah (YAH)
Machar’s Young Adult Havurah is for young adults and the young at heart. Join our listserve at groups.google.com/group/macharyah or join our group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/macharyah to get the details. YAH events are open to all regardless of membership status in Machar, and participants are encouraged to bring friends who may be curious about our movement.
Machar’s Young Adult Havurah is for young adults and the young at heart. Join our listserve at groups.google.com/group/macharyah or join our group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/macharyah to get the details. YAH events are open to all regardless of membership status in Machar, and participants are encouraged to bring friends who may be curious about our movement.
Calendar 2024 -2025 Jewish Cultural School (JCS)
Adult Ed and Community Sunday Calendar