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Culture

Of Goldie Hawn, Theater J and 8 Other Things About (Jewish) Washington D.C.

1 28,000 Jews live in Washington, D.C.

2 In 1847, there were roughly 25 Jews in all of Washington.

3 Washington’s first Jewish congregation, which came to be known as the Washington Hebrew Congregation, first convened in 1852. But when a melodeon, an organ-like instrument, was introduced at the shul shortly thereafter, a number of dismayed temple-goers broke off and started their own congregation.

4 In the early 20th century, the Seventh Street neighborhood was home to the majority of thriving Jewish businesses in Washington.

5 The United States Institute of Peace Headquarters was designed in 2011, by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie.

6 Washington D.C. represents the country’s seventh largest Jewish metropolitan area.

7 After the Air & Space Museum, the most popular tourist attraction in D.C. is the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

8 Goldie Hawn is among the most well-known Jewish actresses born in D.C.

9 D.C. is home to Theater J, one of the most prestigious Jewish theaters in the U.S. The theater was recently the subject of controversy when it fired its long-time director, Ari Roth, some of whose productions were purportedly hostile towards Israel.

10 D.C. residents drink more wine per capita than residents of any other state in the country.

ALEXANDRA LEVINE

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