About The Institute

The Foundation for Jewish Studies was established by Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman, z”l, in 1983 with a generous anonymous gift, part of which was used to start an endowment. Our signature lectures bring internationally renowned scholars to speak on topics of Jewish sacred texts, culture, history and literature, and world religions. Other programs include Days of Learning, Jewish Enrichment through cultural programs (including films, music, and more), and ongoing classes.

In its first 25 years of its existence, the Foundation became the area’s foremost provider of high-level adult Jewish learning opportunities.

In 2018, one year after Rabbi Haberman's passing, the Foundation's Board of Directors voted to change the name of the organization to the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies. This change was not only to honor the memory of our founder but to more accurately reflect and continue his vision for a strong future of adult Jewish learning. Today's programming reaches far beyond the Greater Washington, D.C. area to students in 49 states and 35 countries, furthering Rabbi Haberman's vision of a worldwide community of learners!

the creation of the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies

Three Cities in the Making of a Rabbi: Vienna, Washington, and Jerusalem
A Memoir by Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman

“… Jewish adult education was the most neglected area of American Jewish community life. The vast majority of our youth receive only a smattering of Jewish education and none at all after their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Typical was the answer of one of the leading Jewish scientists when I was asked about the level of his Jewish knowledge: “I’m so sorry to tell you, but my Jewish knowledge is on the level of a fourth grader.”

The Jewish community, I thought, needed an organization that would provide a sophisticated program of Jewish studies for adults, virtually all of whom have college degrees, with a high percentage boasting of post-graduate degrees. The organization I had in mind should bridge religious divisions, welcome Jews of all backgrounds, and reach out to secular and alienated Jews. It should offer stimulating lectures, courses, and study retreats of academic quality, but free of academic red tape. Its program should demonstrate the relevance of the Jewish heritage to contemporary life…

When I met with the interested donor again, I proposed the creation of a Foundation for Jewish Studies to develop a comprehensive Jewish study program for adults in the greater Washington community. It should cooperate and co-sponsor study programs with synagogues and Jewish organizations across all denominational lines.

The idea instantly appealed to the donor. “As soon as the Foundation for Jewish Studies is incorporated, you will get my check for one million dollars. But there is one condition: this gift must remain anonymous.” The donor refused involvement in the direction of the Foundation. He asked me to organize it, assemble a Board of Directors, hire staff, and mount its program.

In the more than 25 years of its existence, the Foundation has become our area’s foremost provider of high-level adult Jewish learning opportunities…”

Our Vision

A Jewish community enriched through quality lifelong Jewish learning.