We are the Cheder Jewish Community, a unique (and amazing!) parent-taught cooperative Sunday School located in Washington, DC. 

Since 2002, when the size of the Cheder School surpassed the capacity of members’ homes, the Cheder Jewish School has rented space. Today we meet in Washington DC (Takoma DC) near Takoma Park and Silver Spring, Maryland. Many families lives in DC and in Maryland. 

Founded in the 1970s, today's Cheder Jewish Community is a vibrant, progressive (and affordable) Jewish community of about 20 households, many of which are interfaith, multiracial, LGBTQ+, etc. The community - and we are a community in the truest sense - celebrates and makes music together, works on social justice projects, and sponsors a Hebrew and Jewish education school.

The Cheder Jewish School was designed to be an alternative to “drop-off” Sunday school. Over the years, as members’ children got older, the group included more opportunities for adult members to come together to consider, explore, and celebrate their Jewishness.

The Cheder’s membership reflects a variety of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices (and lack thereof), ranging from Reconstructionist, Renewal, Reform, Agnostic, Atheist and/or with a non-Jewish partner who may (and often is) an incredibly vibrant and critical part of our children's Jewish education. 

The Cheder Jewish Community is a non-profit organization, incorporated in the state of Maryland.

The Cheder is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.  At a minimum the Board consists of a Chair, a Head of School, a Treasurer, and a Secretary. There is no limit on the size of the Board. Board members, who are elected at an annual meeting by adult members of the Cheder Community, serve for one year terms, but may serve consecutive terms without term limits. The Cheder Board meets periodically throughout the year and has authority to make all decisions regarding governance.