Who We Are

Guided by our Jewish values, history, and traditions, the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center (EDCJCC) builds and strengthens community by engaging individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds through cultural, educational, recreational, and social responsibility programs.

Mission & Vision

Mission
Guided by our Jewish values, history, and traditions, the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center (EDCJCC) builds and strengthens community by engaging individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds through cultural, educational, recreational, and social responsibility programs.

Vision
To be a gateway and home for community and Jewish belonging, and a leading institution of Jewish culture, ideas, and service in the Nation’s Capital and beyond.

Our History

The origins of the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center date back to 1911, when Eastern European Jewish immigrants formed the Young Men’s Hebrew Association. As the DC Jewish community expanded in the years leading up to World War I, the Jewish Community Center moved to its current location at 16th and Q Streets, NW, with a formal opening in 1926.

everything but the turkey event.
Volunteers from EntryPointDC, our programs for Jewish young professionals, at our signature volunteer program Everything But the Turkey.
day of awesome event.
Children and families hear a story at our annual Day of Awesome event, celebrating the High Holidays in a family-friendly setting.
toddler playing.
In our child and caregiver classes, young tots and their grown-ups listen to (and make!) music, play games, and enjoy enriching activities together.
people smiling at edcjcc event.
L'chaim! The EDCJCC brings our community together throughout the year for Shabbat and holiday celebrations open to individuals and families of all ages and observance levels.
theater j performance.
Theater J, a nationally-renowned, professional theater that celebrates and explores the Jewish experience, comes to life on our stage. Photo by Ryan Maxwell Photography.
two women singing at jxj event.
JxJ welcomes musicians and filmmakers from around the country (and around the world!) for concerts, film screenings, artistic conversations, and more.

The Values We Stand By

1

Jewish

We are committed to enhancing the vitality of Jewish life.

2

Community

We strive to be a vital force in the major communities we serve.

3

Responsibility

We conduct ourselves ethically at all times.

4

Diversity

We welcome all members of the community regardless of race, religion, economic situation, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristics.

5

Personal Development

We encourage our staff, leadership, and volunteers to truly enjoy their work. We believe in continuous learning, personal development, recognition, and rewards.

6

Teamwork

The staff and leadership of the Center are a team. We seek to use the strengths of each of our members to reach our goals. We help each other.

7

Excellence

We set high standards for ourselves. We strive for excellence in all we do. We are proud of our work and our accomplishments.

8

Hospitality

We seek to be known for our friendliness, courtesy, and helpfulness. All who enter the facility are our honored guests.

man blowing horn with rainbow flag draped over it.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

The EDCJCC holds a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and repairing the cracks we see in ourselves and our society as a core value. As an organization that strives to build community, it is crucial that everyone entering through our doors feels safe, respected, and honored.

Learn More
volunteers gardening in a city.

Sustainability

As a large organization, we know it is critical for us to examine our environmental footprint and enlist as many efforts as we can in decreasing it. Through efforts large and small, we are trying to embody the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and bal tashchit (do not waste).

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