In the winter of 1910, six Georgetown merchants came together to form a Jewish worship and community center, unknowingly laying the foundation for Kesher Israel, one of the Washington area’s most prominent places of worship. The modern Orthodox synagogue now celebrating its centennial serves some of the region’s most influential Jews, including Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn. Rabbi Barry Freundel, 58, has led Kesher Israel for nearly 23 years. Amid Passover preparations, he spoke with The Washington Examiner about his faith, and its long-trodden path from oppression to liberation. Do you consider yourself to be of a specific faith?

I am Jewish. I appreciate that Judaism has an answer to any question that comes down the road. It may not always be the easiest answer, but it’s a solid answer. It gives guidance, and structure, and a place to stand in difficult times. I appreciate that Judaism has a this-worldly focus. It teaches that to spend one hour doing good deeds and repentance in this world is better than all the life in the world to come. And I appreciate the Jewish belief that you don’t have to be Jewish to go to heaven. Good decent non-Jews have a share in the world to come, too.