The Micah Way Temple Micah has always been a special place, which has often meant being different from other Reform congregations. What makes us special is hard to put into words, but the elements of our history may shed light on some of our distinctiveness. Born in the 1960s, we are congenitally egalitarian. From the…
Category: Historical
Early Days
Early Days There is general agreement that Temple Micah was started in 1963 by a few families in Southwest Washington, DC. But the memories of the earliest members differ on the precise circumstances and reasons for its founding. To have a nearby place to observe the High Holy days, says one. To provide a religious…
Our Rabbis
Our Rabbis The Southwest Hebrew Congregation hired Bernard H. Mehlman, its first full time rabbi, in 1967, four years after its founding. Prior to that, the fledgling congregation had relied on Rabbi Richard Hirsch, the director of the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center in Washington, and rabbis from other cities who happened to be visiting…
Ritual Objects
Ritual Objects What would eventually be called Temple Micah opened virtual doors in a Southwest DC church in 1963 with borrowed Jewish ritual objects. Over its first eight years, the congregation acquired two of its own Torah scrolls, as well as ornaments, kiddush cups and other objects in silver, but didn’t have a permanent home…
Life Cycle Events
Life Cycle Events Now early into its second half century, Temple Micah is mature enough to have multiple-generation families among the membership. As the Granof family observed life cycle milestones Micah was there to help celebrate or mourn. As a young married couple, Helene and Gene Granof joined the temple in 1967. (Helene had grown…
Archive
Archive Brenda Levenson’s History