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 220 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!

Whitney Simmons
Daniel Gabel and Jill Rosenstock
Julie and Laurence Meyers
Jay Wolvovsky and Joyce Lehrer
Jane Shapiro
Christopher Hefty
Caitlin Pomerantz
Collin Potter and Jacob Wirginis
Heide Hess Webber and Randy Webber
Celeste Segal

 

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