Sixth & I Historic Synagogue

Sixth and I Historic Synagogue
The synagogue, in 2020
Sixth & I Historic Synagogue is located in Central Washington, D.C.
Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
Location within Washington, D.C.
Religion
AffiliationJudaism
Multi-Denominational Judaism Progressive Judaism
Governing bodyJewish Emergent Network (member)
LeadershipRabbi Aaron Potek
StatusActive
Location
Location600 I Street NW, Washington, D.C.
CountryUnited States
Coordinates38°54′02″N 77°01′13″W / 38.90059°N 77.020238°W / 38.90059; -77.020238
Architecture
ArchitectLouis Levi
TypeSynagogue architecture
Style
Completed1908
Specifications
DomeThree
Dome height (inner)
69 feet (21 m)
Dome dia. (inner)
25 feet (7.6 m)
MaterialsVitrified brick and terra cotta
Website
sixthandi.org

The Sixth & I Historic Synagogue is a non-denominational, non-membership, and non-traditional Jewish congregation and synagogue located at the corner of Sixth Street and I Street, NW in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C.. It is one of the oldest synagogues in the city.

History

The building was constructed by the Adas Israel congregation and dedicated on January 8, 1908, near what was then the main commercial district in town and the center of the Jewish community in Washington. In 1951 the congregation moved to a new building on Connecticut Avenue and sold its building on the corner of 6th and I Streets, northwest of the Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church. The church in turn moved to Hyattsville, Maryland, fifty years later.

President George W. Bush visiting Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in 2005

Three local Jewish developers saved the historic building from being turned into a nightclub and restored it to its original purpose as a synagogue. The main impetus for the restoration came from real estate developer Shelton Zuckerman, who contacted then Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin, who in turn contacted Douglas Jemal. Working from 1949 wedding photos, the building was restored to its original design and decor. It was rededicated and opened to the public on April 22, 2004.

Beliefs

Marriage

The synagogue has an inclusive vision and celebrates both opposite-sex marriages and same-sex marriages.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Myers, Phyllis (August 14, 2005). "The Temple That Traveled". The Washington Post. p. B08.
  2. ↑ Josefin Dolsten (6 November 2020). "Small but growing number of US Orthodox rabbis officiating same-sex weddings". timesofisrael.com. Retrieved August 16, 2025.