© 2008 Congregation Har Tzeon Agudath Achim. All Rights Reserved.
1840 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20902 | 301-649-3800 | execdir@htaa.org
Mission
With guidance from Rabbi Reuben Landman, synagogue professional staff, and lay leaders, HTAA ascribes to the Rabbinic teaching from Pirkei Avot, "The world is sustained through Torah, worship, and acts of loving kindness." For Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim, this teaching provides a firm foundation for fulfilling its mission of serving members and the larger community through religious, educational, social, and communal activities.
History
Established in September 1939, Agudath Achim Congregation was situated at 909 Quackenbos Street in Washington, DC until, in response to the increasing needs of its growing congregation, the synagogue moved to a new building at Piney Branch Road and 13th and Tuckerman Streets, NW in February 1954. Rabbi H. Jonah Waldman, z"l, who had begun his service with Agudath Achim in 1941, remained as the spiritual leader until he became Rabbi Emeritus when the merger with Har Tzeon took place.
A full program of religious services, adult study groups, chavurot, and a Talmud Torah for the children drew active participation by the Agudath Achim membership. Approximately 2,000 children were educated through the Talmud Torah.
The establishment of Congregation Har Tzeon in October 1951 brought a focus on Conservative Judaism to the Wheaton area of Silver Spring and its environs for the first time. With strong lay leadership, during its first two years, Har Tzeon laid a solid foundation for the eventual development of full-blown religious, educational, social, and communal programs that have continued to function under the combined aegis of Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim.
Rabbi Arthur Talmadge became Har Tzeon's first spiritual leader in the summer of 1953. Rabbi Joseph M. Brandriss, z"l, assumed the pulpit in August 1955 and remained in that position until his tragic death in October 1975. In March 1958, Cantor Elijah Olkon, z"l, became Har Tzeon's full-time cantor, serving the congregation until his untimely death in January 1979. Chazzan Moshe Meirovich came to Har Tzeon in July 1981. Rabbi Reuben Landman has continued to serve as the Congregation's spiritual leader since beginning his tenure with the synagogue in May 1976.
The original Har Tzeon building, planned as a combined synagogue, school, social hall, and administrative office building was completed in June 1956. The sanctuary building including a small chapel, social hall, and kitchen facilities was added in early 1968.
By the mid 1970's, Har Tzeon and Agudath Achim had individually achieved substantial success in reaching significant numbers of Jewish families. At the same time, new residential areas springing up in the suburbs and major population shifts in both the District of Columbia and closer-in Maryland suburbs led to major changes in the demographics of the membership of both synagogues.
Independently, both institutions recognized the necessity of reevaluating their program needs, resources, and future prospects and undertaking future planning consistent with their individual situations. They both came to the conclusion that by combining membership and resources with another synagogue with shared values and traditions, both institutions would be enriched. With the approval of both Har Tzeon and Agudath Achim boards, the merger was accomplished in November 1977.
Membership
Facilities
Photo Gallery
Congregation Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim is a very special place to belong. We are a Traditional Conservative Synagogue that will provide your family:
A house of worship, learning & assembly
Shabbat, holiday and daily services
Monthly learning, family and signed service
Shabbat youth programming for children 3 years through Bar Mitzvah
Youth groups for grades 3 through 12
An award winning USY chapter
Religious school
Preschool for ages 2, 3 & 4 year olds
Adult education opportunities
Sisterhood and Men's clubs
Active ways and means programming
We are indeed fortunate to have a caring Rabbi, who visits the sick, provides solace and comfort in times of need, shares our lives and times of naches. As a member you are entitled to the services of our Rabbi, whether it is for weddings, b'nai mitzvot, baby namings, counseling, or funerals.
You are also entitled to the use of our facilities at special rates that are reserved for members. This also applies to High Holiday seats. Members are entitled to first choice of seats and at lower rates than offered to the general public.
Membership also entitles you to be part of a family of caring people, who reach out to one another in times of need and times of great joy. We have a place to belong! A place where each and every member is special!
Members of the Congregation are notified of family Yahrzeits that are kept on file, informed of ongoing events through our monthly Reporter, and keep in touch with one another through our Membership Directory.
To apply for membership, please click on the icon to download and complete the attached form, and send it to us at HTAA.
Click on an image to enlarge.
Membership Application Form
HTAA has a number of attractive options for facilities hire for your weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and other occasions, including the Main Sanctuary, the Sarah Lechter Building and the Ruth and Nathan Habib Social Hall. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible. Contact the HTAA office for further details.
1840 University Blvd. West
Silver Spring, MD 20902
301-649-3800
Congregation Har Tzeon - Agudath Achim
ק״ק הר ציון אגודת אחים
