WASHINGTON DC
By Golda Turner
President, Congress, History, Ambassador. These are some of the words that come to mind when you hear the name “Washington DC”. As the capital city of our nation, Washington DC is best known as the seat of power and law of the United States of America. This is where world-changing decisions are made, laws are debated and passed, and government business is run.
A trip to our nation’s capital is both educational and exciting. This is where you can actually see government in action. You can tour many of the imposing government buildings where history is made. Be impressed by the stunning architecture of the many monuments and other edifices. Enjoy strolling in the beautiful gardens. Explore our world in the chain of museums. See how money is made and how spies and secret agents operate. Learn about our national heritage.
If you are lucky, you may even catch sight of the presidential motorcade or a visiting dignitary from around the world. My sons still remember seeing the presidential helicopter land and rise just a few feet from where they stood at the White House gate!
Traveling Jewish
Many Jews work in and visit our nation’s capitol, though few actually live there. Here are some services for the Jewish traveler. More can be found in nearby Silver Springs MD and other areas.
There is one well known (meat) Kosher restaurant, Char Bar, located at 2142 L Street, NW, (202-785-4314), within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House. Under the hashgocha of the Orthodox Union (OU). For more area restaurants, see the Rabbinical Council of Washington’s website,www.capitolk.org.
Some kosher food can be found in area supermarkets such as:
Trader Joe's (1101 25th St NW), Whole Foods (2201 I St NW, and Safeway (1855 Wisconsin Ave NW).
There are shuls and mincha minyanim scattered throughout the area. Here are a few:
- Kesher Israel, 2801 N Street, NW, offers three daily minyanim, including Shabbos.
- Ohev Shalom, 1600 Jonquil Street NW, offers three daily minyanim, including Shabbos.
- Lubavitch, 2110 Leroy Place, NW, daily shacharis and all Shabbos minyanim.
- Agudath Israel mincha minyan, 1730 Rhode Island Ave Northwest Suite 1004 @1:45 pm Monday-Thursday
- DC Chinatown Hillel mincha minyan, 800 8th Street NW, conference room @12:50 pm EST only
- Housing & Urban Development mincha minyan, 451 7th Street SW Room 9157 @12:45 pm (1:45 in summer) Monday-Thursday
- Nats Ballpark Minyan, Nationals Park. Meets after the 5th inning on weekday home game days behind kosher food stand on street level in center field area.
- Union Square Postal Square Building mincha minyan, 2 Massachusetts Avenue NW room 1858@12:45 (EST only)
The National Capitol Mikvah is located at 1308 28th Street, NW,
The Eruv covers the majority of the portions of the District of Columbia within walking distance of Kesher Israel. All of downtown Washington, including the National Mall, memorials, The White House, Capitol, the Smithsonian museums, and the National Gallery of Art, are inside the eruv. To check on the eruv status, call 202-338-ERUV (3788).
Accessibility
All of Washington DCs attractions and cultural institutions as well as the Metro train system are fully wheelchair accessible. Many attractions also provide sign language interpretation or other services for the disabled.
Cars from other states bearing disability tags may park in designated spaces, park for double the posted time in metered or time-restricted spaces, and park for free at metered spaces.
Scoot Around (888-441-7575) and Scooter Plus (866-474-4356) offer scooter or wheelchair rentals to visitors.
Here are some of the main Washington DC attractions:
The White House---1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the most famous addresses in the world. It has been the home of every president except George Washington. This is where the President sits in the Oval Office, consults with his cabinet of advisors, and meets with dignitaries from around the world. Unless you have been fortunate to be personally invited by the President’s staff, tour requests MUST be made through one's member of Congress and will be accepted up to 6 months in advance. Tours are scheduled approximately one month before the requested date.
The Capital Building---This world-famous domed building is home to the House of Representatives and Senate. It is where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct government business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. Guided tours excluding the Senate and House galleries are free, but reservations must be made in advance. You can reserve a tour date and time at www.visitthecapitol.gov. American citizens can also request a special tour through the office of their Representative or Senator to view both chambers when Congress is in session.
Monuments & Memorials---There are many famous monuments and memorials that line the National Mall area, which runs from the Capital building to the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, WW II Memorial, FDR Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Martin Luther King Memorial are all open 24 hours a day and admission is free.
Riding up the Washington Monument to see a stunning view of the Capital requires purchasing a ticket either online at www.recreation.gov or on a first come first served basis from 8:30 am.
The Smithsonian Institution---Better known as “our nation’s attic”, this world-renowned museum and research complex actually consists of 17 fascinating museums and galleries, as well as a butterfly pavilion and the National Zoo. It is where you can find anything & everything related to our nation’s history-- including the national archives, natural history, space exploration, art, and so much more. Many of the museums have interactive exhibits, and special children’s programs & activities.
These are just a few of the many museums and exhibits that your family may enjoy:
National Air & Space Museum--- Experience the world of aviation and space travel. This museum contains the largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world. Come and see the actual 1903 Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, SpaceShipOne, and the Apollo 11 command module. Touch a real lunar rock, ride a flight simulator, look through a professional telescope with astronomy experts, and take a show at the Planetarium.
National Building Museum---This family-friendly museum teaches about building in our environment by telling the stories of architecture, engineering, and design. Kids can learn how engineers construct architectural wonders by building an actual arch or truss using soft blocks. Little ones will love the Building Zone, where they can drive a bulldozer and build a house using a tool belt and hardhat.
The National Postal Museum---Are you a stamp collector? This museum is devoted to the colorful and interesting history of the nation’s mail service and showcases the largest and most comprehensive collection of stamps and philatelic material in the world. Kids can create a stamp using their own design, write and mail a postcard, sit in the cab of a postal truck, ride in a stagecoach and sort packages the mail room.
International Spy Museum---Do you enjoy espionage novels as much as I do? Then this is the place for you! This interactive museum examines actual events, reveals true stories, and presents hundreds of authentic tools of the spy trade.
U.S. Botanical Gardens---I have always been fascinated by the many colors, shapes, smells, and textures of flowers. This garden has breathtaking exhibits, as well as a special section and activities for kids.
National Zoo---Come see the cuddly panda cubs as well as over 400 other species of animals, many of them which are rare, endangered species. The zoo is fully handicapped accessible, with 18 distinct areas to explore.
US Holocaust Museum---this internationally acclaimed museum tells the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, films, photos, and oral histories. Daniel’s Story is a permanent exhibit explaining the holocaust from a child’s point of view.
Bureau of Engraving & Printing---Did you ever wonder how our money is made? Come see for yourself! Tickets to tours are available on a first come first served basis from 8:00 am.
There are many more attractions and events for all ages and tastes. See www.Washingtondc.org for more information.
Come visit our nation’s Capital. It is a trip you will always remember.