Businesswoman Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner have purchased a home in Washington DC in preparation for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. As a practicing Jewish couple, their impending move also necessitated joining a local synagogue. They Chose TheSHUL, a small synagogue run by international the Chabad Jewish community and outreach organization.
Rabbi Levi Shemtov heads TheSHUL, which has a congregation of 40 – 60 members, among them former senator Joe Lieberman, current Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew as well as several former ambassadors and Israeli dignitaries.
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The Trump-Kushner clan: Jared, Ivanka, Arabella Rose and Joseph (not shown: baby Theodore) (Photo: Facebook)
(צילום: פייסבוק)
- It was reported that the Trump-Kushners chose to join TheSHUL for its more intimate atmosphere. Another factor to possibly influence their decision was that the capitol's Orthodox synagogue is home to many Democratic Party members, which might have created a less welcoming tone for the young couple.
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TheSHUL synagogue in Washington, DC (Photo: from the congregation's website)
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Ivanka Trump is considered one of the most powerful members of Trump's team, as well as having her father's ear on many policy matters throughout his presidential campaign. Her position in his administration has been widely speculated on, and it is assumed that she will continue to play a key role in the president-elect's affairs.
Following her relationship with her now-husband, Jewish businessman Jared Kushner, Ivanka converted to Judaism and eventually married. She has since then identified as Jewish Orthodox and has stated that she keeps kosher and observes the Sabbath.