Rabbi Eliana Fischel

Rabbi Eliana Fischel

Rabbi Eliana Fischel is an Associate Rabbi at Washington Hebrew Congregation. In addition to officiating services and life-cycle events, Rabbi Fischel leads WHC's 2239, a Reform community for DC's 20/30s. She also works closely with our LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, JOC Affinity Group, New and Pregnant Moms, and Upper School.

Rabbi Fischel was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2018. She also graduated from Connecticut College in 2011, where she earned degrees in Psychology and Dance as well as a Certificate in Public Policy and Community Action.

A native of Scarsdale, New York, Rabbi Fischel spent her summers at the Union for Reform Judaism's Eisner Camp. When not at WHC, you can find Rabbi Fischel practicing yoga, cooking, and spending time with her husband, Rabbi Eric Abbott, and their two adorable children, Ezra and Rebecca.

Torrah and Kippah
T'rumah

Gifts to God and the Meaning of Sacred Symbols Today

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Reuven Greenvald
T’rumah opens with a call for the Israelites to bring to God what the standard English translation calls “gifts”: " The Eternal spoke to Moses, saying: Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved" ( Ex. 25:1-2 ). After enumerating the precious metals, stones, and materials that would constitute such gifts, we learn the purpose: " And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them" ( Ex. 25:8 ).