Join CJC

Wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome here.

A synagogue provides a place to belong and act on our beliefs. It also is a place to become. Just as Judaism is not a static set of beliefs and behavior, but rather is constantly evolving, each of us is somewhere on our “Jewish journey.”

No matter where you are on that journey — even if you’re at the beginning — the synagogue provides a place to experiment, to learn, to reflect, explore and discover, to be empowered and to experience life enriched with a sense of meaning and a sense of purpose.

Belonging. Believing. Becoming — three intrinsic human needs, each of which can be met through involvement in the synagogue.

Above all, Columbia Jewish Congregation emphasizes diversity, inclusiveness and the warmth of community — and we enthusiastically welcome new members to our growing family.

CJC is the center of Jewish life for 200 households of all different types and sizes, including interfaith families, LGBTQ+ families, and singles. We are dedicated to learning, celebrating, and deepening our practice of Jewish tradition in contemporary life. We are affiliated with the Reconstructionist Movement and invite you to find out more about us.

Click here to Learn More About CJC

If you’re interested in joining us, or learning more about our religious school, please call us, 410-730-6044 or email us.

Welcome New Members!

Collin Potter and Jacob Wirginis
Heide Hess Webber and Randy
Celeste Segal
Gail Sternstein
Mitchell Cowan
Todd and Laura Gillette
Ann Hoffman and Brian Heltsley
Allan Hirsh
Brian Crossman
Jen and Hal Rappaport, Bella and Lilly
Merry and Matthew Knight, Ellis
Karen and Ed Klein
Matthew and Jennifer Gordon, Jake, Wes and Drew
Melissa Pool
Hannah Josephson
Lisa Starr Shorter, Colin Shorter and Hudsyn
Liz Schoen
Marshal Klaven, Christine Ebert, Ruby and Jasper

 

CJC Membership Criteria

All people, whether Jewish or exploring Judaism, are welcome to become members of Columbia Jewish Congregation (CJC). Membership depends upon (1) a commitment to the values of the organization; (2) an earnest intent to nourish, advocate for, and invest in the continued vibrancy of the CJC community and Judaism broadly; and (3) a membership dues pledge (1).

In recognition of how essential it is for all CJC members to feel fully part of the community, we acknowledge the importance of non-Jewish members participating in the life of the synagogue through committees, social groups and ritual. We encourage all members of our community to engage deeply in the kehillah (our holy community). If participating in the leadership of Jewish prayer, we require that non-Jews be accompanied by at least one Jewish person.

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(1) We strive to realize these core values in every initiative and interaction: Talmud Torah: Sacred Study, Kedushah: Holiness, Kehillah: Diverse and Inclusive Community, Ahavat Yisrael: Hope and Healing, Tzedek: Justice and Sustainability, Hiddush: Evolving Judaism. https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/mission-vision-and-values