FAQ's

1. What is DC Minyan?
2. I am coming to DC Minyan for the first time. What can I expect? Is there anything I should know?
3. What are DC Minyan services like? Who are the people leading DC Minyan’s services?
4. What are the demographics of DC Minyan?
5. Does DC Minyan offer programming geared toward parents and kids?
6. Is DC Minyan inclusive and welcoming of the LGBTQ community? Is DC Minyan a safe space for transgender, gender variant, and genderqueer people?
7. What is DC Minyan’s leadership structure? How is DC Minyan run?
8. Why was DC Minyan formed? What is DC Minyan’s organizational history?
9. Is DC Minyan affiliated with a particular movement in Judaism?
10. How can DC Minyan be both halachic and egalitarian?
11. Does DC Minyan have a rabbi? How are clergy involved with DC Minyan?
12. How are halachic (Jewish legal) decisions made at DC Minyan?
13. What is DC Minyan’s kashrut policy?
14. How can I get involved in a particular aspect of DC Minyan’s programming?
15. How can I lead services, read Torah, or give a Dvar Torah or Dvar Tefillah? How can I get an aliyah?
16. Can someone teach me how to lead services or read Torah if I don’t already have these skills, or if I need to brush up on my skills?
17. How does membership work at DC Minyan?
18. Why does DC Minyan need my membership dues and other financial contributions? When I make a donation to DC Minyan, how is it used?
19. How do I make a payment or donation to DC Minyan?
20. How can I join the DC Minyan email list? How can I join the DC Minyan bulletin list?
21. How does everyone at DC Minyan seem to know each other? Are there social events where I can meet people in an informal setting?
22. I am looking for a spot at a Shabbat meal – can DC Minyan help find me a place? I have extra spots at my Shabbat table, and I would like to invite some DC Minyan community members or guests to join my meal – how do I do this?
23. I am moving to DC and want to live near the DC Minyan community. How can I find housing and/or a roommate? What neighborhoods should I consider?
24. I have a question that wasn’t answered here. Who can I ask?

1. What is DC Minyan?

DC Minyan is a traditional, egalitarian, lay-led Jewish community located in Dupont Circle, in the heart of Washington, DC. At DC Minyan, we seek to provide a warm and intellectually engaging community for prayer and study.

DC Minyan meets for Shabbat morning services on the first and third Shabbat of every month, for Friday evening services on the second and fourth Shabbat of each month, on most holidays, and on selected special events. Seating at services is mixed with no separations between genders. Among the other programs we offer are social action programs, community meals, and events geared toward families with children. We are proud to be hosted by the Edlavitch DCJCC, although we will be meeting elsewhere during the pandemic. Get updates on where and when we will be meeting in our weekly email newsletter.

2. I am coming to DC Minyan for the first time. What can I expect? Is there anything I should know?

Welcome! We look forward to meeting you!

People of all genders sit together at DC Minyan. At DC Minyan we count a minyan (prayer quorum) as 10 Jewish adults for a community service. Siddurim (prayer books) and chumashim (books containing the weekly Torah and Haftarah portion) are located by the entry of the prayer space.

After services every week, the Steering Committee member (please see FAQ #7 for information on DC Minyan’s leadership structure) making announcements hangs out in the room with the hope of meeting new people. Please take this opportunity to come over and introduce yourself! Since DC Minyan has over 100 attendees on any given week, it is difficult for DC Minyan leaders to identify every new person who walks through the doors. However, the leaders are eager to meet new folks and guests in the community, so please come over and say hello after the announcements and during kiddush!

3. What are DC Minyan services like? Who are the people leading DC Minyan’s services?

DC Minyan services are spirited and lively! We conduct services in accordance with traditional Jewish liturgy. We provide two different siddurim (prayer books) — Artscroll and Sim Shalom — along with the Hertz chumash (book containing the weekly Torah and Haftarah portions) for the Torah service. Throughout the service, the gabbaim (ritual coordinators) announce the corresponding pages in those siddurim. We also encourage people to bring their own siddur if they would like to do so. In addition, we have a number of transliterated Artscroll siddurim available for those who would like transliteration.

Our services are led by members of the DC Minyan community. The DC Minyan Gabbai Committee is responsible for orchestrating DC Minyan services, including assigning those who lead services and read Torah. The gabbaim typically reach out to community members to participate weeks in advance in order to provide participants with adequate time to prepare. If you would like to participate in DC Minyan services, please email gabbai@dcminyan.org.

4. What are the demographics of DC Minyan?

The DC Minyan community includes recent college graduates, single people, married couples, parents and children, baby boomers, and more. DC Minyan welcomes people of all ages, from all backgrounds, and with all levels of familiarity with Jewish texts and ritual.

5. Does DC Minyan offer programming geared toward parents and kids?

Yes! DC Minyan is thrilled to provide programming for the many parents and kids in our community. We have regular Tot Shabbat services for children that take place during the Torah reading at Shabbat morning services. Our special events such as kids’ Purim and Chanukah parties are family-friendly and engaging programs for children of many ages. We also offer babysitting during high holiday services and at Lunch and Learns so that parents can take part in services and learning programs while knowing that their children are being well cared for.

For more information about programming for parents and kids, please email parents@dcminyan.org.

6. Is DC Minyan inclusive and welcoming of the LGBTQ community? Is DC Minyan a safe space for transgender, gender variant, and genderqueer people?

DC Minyan is an inclusive and welcoming community. Members of the LGBTQ community are actively engaged and encouraged to be involved in all aspects of DC Minyan, including participating in and leading tefillah (prayer), leadership, and social programming. We do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We gladly encourage LGBTQ couples to celebrate their smachot (joyful occasions), including engagements and aufrufs, at DC Minyan. Although DC Minyan does not conduct any type of marriage or commitment ceremonies ourselves, we would be happy to connect people who are interested in a Jewish marriage/commitment ceremony with local resources.

If you have any questions regarding LGBTQ issues, please email LGBTQ@dcminyan.org.

7. What is DC Minyan’s leadership structure? How is DC Minyan run?

Read about the Steering Committee, Leadership Council, and other leadership positions in Leadership.

8. Why was DC Minyan formed? What is DC Minyan’s organizational history?

See Our History.

9. Is DC Minyan affiliated with a particular movement in Judaism?

DC Minyan is not affiliated with any particular movement (Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Reform, or Renewal), and members of the DC Minyan community come from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds. We are an egalitarian community, meaning that women and men lead and participate in all aspects of services. Our services follow a traditional format and all of our services and programming are planned in accordance with halachah (Jewish law).

While DC Minyan is not affiliated with any particular movement, DC Minyan does regularly interact with other independent minyanim across the country to share experiences, ideas, and best practices. Additionally, we are always open to collaborating with Jewish communities of all denominations to develop joint programming.

10. How can DC Minyan be both halachic and egalitarian?

All DC Minyan tefillot (prayer services) and events are rooted in an understanding of, and conducted in accordance with, halachah (Jewish law). A close examination of classic Jewish sources reveals ample support for equal participation by women and men in davening (prayer leading) and leining (Torah reading). Click here to review some of the sources on which DC Minyan relies, as well as links to a variety of teshuvot (rabbinic responsa) and other resources on this issue.

11. Does DC Minyan have a rabbi? How are clergy involved with DC Minyan?

DC Minyan is lay-led and does not have a rabbi. However, DC Minyan leadership consults with community members and rabbis when specific halachic questions arise. One rabbi with whom DC Minyan regularly consults is Rabbi Ethan Tucker of Mechon Hadar in New York. Additionally, DC Minyan has relationships with a number of rabbis in the Washington, DC area, many of whom are willing to help with life cycle needs for members of the DC Minyan community. If you would like to be referred to a local rabbi for assistance with a life cycle event or for pastoral counseling, please contact the Steering Committee.

12. How are halachic decisions made at DC Minyan?

The Steering Committee (please see FAQ #7 for more information on the Steering Committee) and Gabbai Committee (please see FAQ #3 for more information on the Gabbai Committee) are responsible for making halachic (Jewish legal) decisions. In arriving at a conclusion on a halachic issue, the Steering Committee and Gabbai Committee consider source texts on the issue. For routine questions, or questions about how DC Minyan has handled a particular halachic issue in the past, the committees may also consult DC Minyan members who have deep Jewish textual knowledge or knowledge of DC Minyan’s institutional history. When a particular question is novel or requires significant background knowledge or research, or when the committees feel that a rabbinic opinion would be of assistance, the committees consult with Rabbi Ethan Tucker (please see FAQ #11 for more information about Rabbi Tucker).

13. What is DC Minyan’s kashrut policy?

DC Minyan adheres to strict kashrut (Jewish dietary law) standards at all of our communal events, which include all formal events coordinated by DC Minyan and advertised through our weekly emails such as kiddush, onegs, lunch-and-learns, or community dinners. Food served at any communal DC Minyan event must be prepared using certified kosher products on utensils and appliances that are kosher. For informal hospitality meal matches, our hospitality coordinators may match people either with a meal that adheres to the communal standard or with a vegetarian meal. Hospitality coordinators will make matches based on the preferences and practices of those being matched. For a complete description of the kashrut policy, please see our Kashrut Policy page.

14. How can I get involved in a particular aspect of DC Minyan’s programming?

DC Minyan services and programming depend on the willingness of volunteers! Please visit the Contact page to find a list of all of the DC Minyan leadership contacts. Feel free to reach out to any of these leaders about getting involved in their particular area. If you have any questions about whom to contact regarding a particular aspect of DC Minyan’s programming, please email the Steering Committee at sc@dcminyan.org.

15. How can I lead services, read Torah, or give a Dvar Torah or Dvar Tefillah? How can I get an aliyah?

The Gabbai Committee is always happy to hear from those who would like to participate in services, and the gabbaim (ritual coordinators) make every effort to respond to everyone who volunteers. If you would like to volunteer your skills, please email the Gabbai Committee at gabbai@dcminyan.org. If you are leading services or reading Torah, haftarah, or megillah at DC Minyan for the first time, even if you have led or read in other communities, a gabbai will review your portion with you at least one week in advance. DC Minyan participants possess a wide range of skills and experience, and this policy exists to ensure quality in DC Minyan services.

If you would like to give a Dvar Torah (a brief talk about the weekly Torah portion) or Dvar Tefillah (a brief talk about a particular prayer), please email dt@dcminyan.org. Our Dvar Torah coordinators are available to help you prepare. In addition, you can review our resource guide for suggestions.

We would love to honor you with an aliyah (being called up to the Torah)! If you would like an aliyah, please let one of the gabbaim know on Shabbat morning before the Torah service begins or by email in advance of Shabbat. In addition, if you would like an aliyah in honor of a special occasion, please be sure to email the Gabbai Committee in advance of your requested date. We usually have over 100 people at Shabbat morning services, and there are a limited number of honors to give out each time. However, it is certainly not our intention to overlook anyone in particular! Since we cannot always remember who has been given aliyot in the past, we need your help in letting us know if you haven’t received an honor. One easy way to get an aliyah is to come to services on the early side (hint hint…).

16. Can someone teach me how to lead services or read Torah if I don’t already have these skills, or if I need to brush up on my skills?

Yes, we would be happy to help you! There are DC Minyan members who volunteer to help others learn or improve these skills. Please email gabbai@dcminyan.org, and we will match you up with a teacher.

17. How does membership work at DC Minyan?

Membership affords DC Minyan attendees the opportunity to opt in formally and secure the financial security of the DC Minyan community. Becoming a member is an important way to affiliate with the DC Minyan community. Members receive tangible benefits such as early access for High Holiday services, reduced rates for events, as well as intangible benefits such as support during life cycle events. Annual membership at DC Minyan begins with the High Holidays in the fall and continues for 12 months. Members can join at any time throughout the year for a prorated fee (simply by dividing the dues by the number of months left before the High Holidays).

To join DC Minyan, please fill out the membership form. Our membership rates are listed on the membership page. Membership in DC Minyan is a tax-deductible, charitable expense. DC Minyan is an inclusive community, and absolutely no one will be denied membership because of inability to pay. If you are unable to pay the listed fees, we ask you to contact the Steering Committee at sc@dcminyan.org and contribute whatever monetary amount you can. The DC Minyan Steering Committee maintains strict confidentiality regarding discounted fees.

If you have questions about becoming a member or membership dues, please email membership@dcminyan.org.

18. Why does DC Minyan need my membership dues and other financial contributions? When I make a donation to DC Minyan, how is it used?

The majority of DC Minyan’s funds go towards covering the cost of space rental for weekly programming and special events. Funds also pay for holiday programming, as well as for educational and social programming throughout the course of the year. Other costs include paying teachers and speakers, purchasing and maintaining ritual items, and providing materials for other DC Minyan events. Every contribution helps us continue to provide enjoyable and meaningful services, as well as various types of programming. Contributions to DC Minyan are tax-deductible.

DC Minyan’s leadership works very hard to ensure that every donation we receive is put to good use. Our budget is reviewed annually, and the leadership makes sure that the budget continues to reflect our community’s evolving needs. The budget is approved by the Leadership Council each July.

If you have any questions or want more specific information about DC Minyan’s budget, please email treasurer@dcminyan.org.

19. How do I make a payment or donation to DC Minyan?

The quickest and easiest way to make a payment to DC Minyan is to use PayPal. The payment is immediate and secure, and you will automatically receive an emailed receipt of your payment. Be sure to note in the “Description” box what your payment is for (e.g. Membership, Shabbat lunch, donation).

If paying by PayPal is not convenient, you can also send a check to D.C. Minyan, P.O. Box 53291, Washington, DC 20009.

20. How can I join the DC Minyan email list? How can I join the DC Minyan bulletin list?

To join the DC Minyan email list or bulletin, look on the sidebar for the "Subscribe to our Email List" field. Enter your email and submit!

After joining the DC Minyan email list, you will receive DC Minyan’s weekly email detailing current and upcoming services, events, community smachot (joyful celebrations), and volunteer opportunities. You will also receive occasional stand-alone email announcements regarding specific events or information relevant to the DC Minyan community.

The weekly bulletin is separate and distinct from the weekly DC Minyan announcements. In contrast to the announcements, which focus specifically on DC Minyan events, the bulletin is a guide to community events and includes housing listings. For instance, if you are looking for an apartment, you could place a notice in the bulletin. Event listings should be submitted to dcminyan.org/bulletinform. [UPDATE: The Bulletin is on hiatus due to the pandemic until further notice.]

21. How does everyone at DC Minyan seem to know each other? Are there social events where I can meet people in an informal setting?

It may seem like everyone is talking to someone they know during kiddush and other events, but in fact many people at DC Minyan do not know each other. Others have gotten to know one another by regularly attending DC Minyan services or by volunteering to help with a DC Minyan program. Most people who come to DC Minyan would love to get to know more people in the room. We encourage you to introduce yourself to people you don’t know, and we encourage DC Minyan leaders to look out for and welcome newcomers.

There are many opportunities to get to know people through happy hours, the annual Chanukah party, Purim celebration, Shavuot retreat, and more! These programs offer a setting more intimate and substantive than kiddush to get to know others in the DC Minyan community.

22. I am looking for a spot at a Shabbat meal – can DC Minyan help find me a place? I have extra spots at my Shabbat table, and I would like to invite some DC Minyan community members or guests to join my meal – how do I do this?

As part of our efforts to be a welcoming community, DC Minyan helps match people looking for Shabbat meals with community members who are hosting meals. If you are looking for a Shabbat meal, please contact the DC Minyan hospitality coordinators by emailing hospitality@dcminyan.org. They will do their best to set you up with a host for a Shabbat meal.

If you are planning a Shabbat meal, we encourage you to help make DC Minyan a more welcoming community by leaving available a spot or two for guests looking for a Shabbat meal. You can email hospitality@dcminyan.org to let our hospitality coordinators know when you have additional space available at your meal on a given Shabbat. If someone requests hospitality that week, one of the coordinators will get in touch with you. Hosting a hospitality guest is a great way to get to know more people in the DC Minyan community!

Additionally, if you are generally willing to host guests, please email hospitality@dcminyan.org to be added to the DC Minyan hospitality list. The hospitality coordinators email people on this list occasionally when they are looking for additional hosts.

Please note that all home hospitality meals must adhere to DC Minyan’s kashrut policy. Please see FAQ #12 for more information on DC Minyan’s kashrut policy.

23. I am moving to DC and want to live near the DC Minyan community. How can I find housing and/or a roommate? What neighborhoods should I consider?

We encourage those looking for housing or those who have housing available to post a notice in our weekly bulletin. You may do so by emailing a short paragraph with your specifications to bulletin@dcminyan.org. [UPDATE: The Bulletin is on hiatus due to the pandemic until further notice.]

A large percentage of DC Minyan members live in the Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan/Woodley Park neighborhoods. DC Minyan members also live in the U Street Corridor, Foggy Bottom, Logan Circle, Columbia Heights, and other neighborhoods in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area.

We also recommend searching the listings at GatherDC, a website for young Jews in DC. More generally, apartment listings can also be found at washingtonpost.com, washingtoncitypaper.com, and washingtondc.craigslist.org.

24. I have a question that wasn’t answered here. Who can I ask?

Please do not hesitate to email info@dcminyan.org with any questions, concerns, feedback, constructive criticism, or musings! We look forward to hearing from you.