User:Daveman93/South east hebrew congregation

South East Hebrew Congregation-Knesset Yehoshua (SECH-KY) is currently located at 10900 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring, MD. The communities in which the congregation lies are Burnt Mills, Dumont Oaks, and White Oak. History Although the Congregation Currently resides in Silver Spring Maryland, it has not always. In the beginning, SECH was established near Capital Hill in 1909. The congregation did not have a building in their possession so they would meet in homes of the congregants for daily services and would rent a loft which was above several stores on Eighth Street for Sabbath and the High Holidays. Eventually, under Rabbi Chaim Williamowsky (first Rabbi of SECH), the community raised enough money to buy a small building of their own. In 1942, Rabbi Simon Burnstein inherited the reins from the late Rabbi Williamowsky. Rabbi Burnstein was now chief Rabbi of this growing congregation and by 1949, the congregation no longer fit in the undersized building they had bought. The entire congregation agreed a new building was needed, so there would be a new $250,000 Shul being built. Mr. Paul Himmelfarb donated a plot of land right across from the old building where the new building would be built. While the new building was under construction, the congregation held services in Rabbi Burnstein’s basement. In the early 1970’s, there was a drastic demographic change in the Capital Hill area, and the remaining members felt it was time to move once more. So in 1971, some members decided to move to White Oak and bought a house in which services would be held. New Building The house which the congregants had bought was the historical “Ruppert House” built in 1865 prior to the Civil war. However, the SECH congregation called it the “White House”. By 1973, the amount of members was increasing and the “White House” began to host many simchas. This community began to attract many young couples looking to start young religious families. This sudden arrival of dozens of young couples called for another extension. In 1976 a new shul was built; however, the “White House” was kept for kitchen use. Suddenly and Unfortunately, Rabbi Burnstein passed away. He was the motivating energy that kept the congregation alive during all the relocation’s and rebuilding’s. New Rabbi, New Building The community was shocked after this unfortunate event; nevertheless they began a widespread hunt for a new Rabbi. They were seeking a Rabbi who could present spiritual leadership to the budding community. Rabbi Kalman Winter from Buffalo, New York was selected and brought along his young family. Rabbi Winter took the stage of this growing community in 1981. Knesset Yehoshua In 1982, South East Hebrew Congregation had an important change. The name of the congregation went from South East Hebrew Congregation to South East Hebrew Congregation Knesset Yehoshua. The addition to the name serves as an everlasting acknowledgment of Rabbi Yehoshua (Simon) Burnstein for his enduring attempt to create thriving Jewish communities in the Washington/Maryland area. Current Community Rabbi Kalman Winter is currently the Rabbi of the community and Kenneth Sragg is the president. There are about 185 families in the community ranging from young newlyweds to older couple in their 80’s. Once a month there is a Shabbos Mevorchim Kiddush for the entire community. When important information needs to be let out to the community, there is a SAP (Shabbat Announcement Page) available for everyone to get at shul. Services Schedule · Shacharis Monday-Friday: 6:25 AM Weekday Rosh Chodesh: 6:15 AM Shabbos: Three minyanim - 7:00 AM - Hashkama 9:00 AM - Main Shul 9:15 AM - Beis Medrash Yom Tov: 9:00 AM Sunday and Federal Holidays: 7:00AM & 8:00 AM ·        Mincha / Maariv Erev Shabbos: at the Shul Sunday and Federal Holidays all year round, and Monday - Thursday during Daylight Savings Time: 20 minutes before sunset. Maariv only, Monday - Thursday during Eastern Standard Time: 9:05 PM.