The Foundation for Jewish Studies

Don’t “Stand on One Foot” – Come in and Learn!

Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman,
President, Foundation for Jewish Studies

When challenged by a skeptic to explain Judaism "while standing on one foot," the great Jewish sage Hillel gave his celebrated reply:

"Do not do unto others what you do not want to have done unto you. This is the essence. Now, go, study the rest."

It was a brilliant summation of Jewish ethics but insufficient as a way of life. The principle of not harming one's fellow human beings hinges on an entire system of beliefs about the origin and sanctity of life. One needs to know not only the wrongs to avoid but the good we must do, and for what reasons. Therefore, Hillel added the all-important sequel, "Now, go, study the rest."

The Foundation for Jewish Studies was created for those who want to "study the rest." You are invited to explore all aspects of Judaism under the guidance of our master teachers and in the stimulating company of like-minded men and women who want to know the highlights of 40 centuries of the Jewish experience and what it means to be a Jew today.

About the Foundation

The Foundation for Jewish Studies, an independent foundation established in 1983 and supported by private contributions, is dedicated to fostering Jewish learning and building communities of educated and committed Jews who are conscious of and faithful to the high ideals of Judaism. The Foundation offers in-depth study programs for the adult Washington Jewish community that cross denominational lines.

Officers
Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman, Founder and Chairman of the Board
Dr. Sander H. Mendelson, President
David Epstein, Vice President
Stephen Bodzin, Vice President
Gerri T. Rottenberg, Vice President
Arnold A. Hammer, Treasurer
Joshua Pila, Secretary
Michael Goldman, Immediate Past President

Board
Andrew R. Ammerman
Maury Atkin
Douglas Feith
Israel Feldman
Ellen F. Gale
Jaclyn Williamowsky

Staff
Martin Goldman, Director
Rachel Berman
Laura Wallace

Advisory Board
Prof. Marshall Breger
Rabbi Lyle A. Fishman
Rabbi Shmuel A. Herzfeld
Michael R. Levy
Prof. Charles H. Manekin
Prof. Marc. E. Saperstein
Suzanne F. Singer

Honorary Board
Paul S. Berger
Hon. Stuart E. Eizenstat
Robert P. Kogod