Washington's First Congregation

Washington Hebrew—the first Jewish congregation in the nation’s capital—is the only one in the country with a Congressional charter. The congregation petitioned Congress (constitutionally responsible for local law) for legislation ensuring its right to own property in Washington. President Franklin Pierce signed “An Act for the Benefit of the Hebrew Congregation in the city of Washington” on June 2, 1856.

1863: The congregation purchased this former Methodist Episcopal Church on 8th Street, NW.

Courtesy of Washington Hebrew Congregation.

1856: Washington Hebrew’s Congressional Charter.

Facsimile copy courtesy of Washington Hebrew Congregation. Original in National Archives.