History or comments

The oldest Orthodox congregation in Washington, D.C.

Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah is the oldest Orthodox congregation in Washington, DC. Originally known as Chai Adon Congregation it was founded in 1886. Three years the Talmud Torah Congregation was founded and in 1958 the two congregations merged. The current synagogue building, in the Shepherd Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C. was dedicated in 1960.

According to Wikipedia “The copyrighted name ‘The National Synagogue’ has been controversial. While it echoes the name of the Washington National Cathedral, it does not signify the same relationship to the federal government. The cathedral’s charter was passed by an act of the United States Congress. The National Synagogue has no such governmental designation.”.

Ohev Sholom – The National Synagogue© may be described as a vibrant and open Orthodox Jewish community committed to upholding and practicing the tenets of halacha while remaining open and welcoming to those who are in different places on their Jewish spiritual journey.