MLK Playhouse Build 2027
Five Years of Building Playhouses and Bridging Communities: Bender JCC Announces 5th Annual MLK Day Interfaith Playhouse Build
“High Five for Year Five” celebrates a growing tradition of service, bringing people of different faiths and backgrounds together to make a difference for local families.
ROCKVILLE, MD | November 4, 2026 — Five years of building playhouses. Five years of bringing neighbors together. One shared commitment to making our community stronger.
The Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington (Bender JCC), in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, announces its 5th Annual MLK Day Interfaith Playhouse Build, taking place Monday, January 18, 2027, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Bender JCC in Rockville, Maryland.
Held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and unity, the event brings together people of different faiths, ages, and backgrounds to build playhouses for local families while creating meaningful connections across the Greater Washington community.
This year’s milestone celebration, themed “High Five for Year Five,” recognizes how a hands-on service project has grown into an annual tradition of interfaith collaboration and community engagement.
Over the past four years, the initiative has brought together more than 350 volunteers representing 23 faith communities to construct 43 playhouses for local children. Beyond the playhouses themselves, the project has created opportunities for neighbors who might not otherwise meet to work side by side, build relationships, and discover the values they share.
“For five years, this event has shown us what is possible when people come together with a shared purpose,” said Josh Bender, CEO of the Bender JCC. “We may come from different backgrounds and traditions, but our commitment to helping others brings us together. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to welcome even more neighbors to be part of something that makes our entire community stronger.”
Five Years of Building Community Across Faiths
Since the initiative began in 2022, a diverse network of congregations, faith communities, businesses, youth organizations, and community groups has helped make the Playhouse Build an annual tradition of service. Many have participated in multiple years, demonstrating a lasting commitment to strengthening connections across the community.
Past participating organizations include Emory Grove United Methodist Church, the Islamic Community Center of Potomac, We Do Seva representing the Sikh community, B’nai Israel Congregation, Bethesda Jewish Congregation, Har Shalom, Ohr Kodesh Congregation, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington, the Baha’i communities of Bethesda and Rockville, The Dawoodi Bohras of Washington, D.C., Scotland AME, Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, and the Amata Meditation Center.
The initiative has also welcomed teams from organizations including Scouts BSA Troop 614, Greater Gaithersburg Youth Ministry, Total Wine & More, Ntiva, and the Bender JCC’s own community.
For the fifth anniversary, representatives from Emory Grove United Methodist Church, We Do Seva, and the Islamic Community Center of Potomac are serving on the event’s steering committee, helping guide preparations and strengthen outreach across faith communities. B’nai Israel is among the first organizations to register a team for the 2027 build, joining the Bender JCC’s own planned participation.
Together, these longstanding relationships and new opportunities for involvement reflect the spirit of the Playhouse Build: bringing people together not because they share the same background, but because they share a commitment to serving others.
The Playhouse Build reflects the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repairing the world through meaningful action, alongside Dr. King’s vision of service, dignity, and a community strengthened by people working together across differences.
In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, participating teams will construct playhouses that provide children of Habitat families with spaces for play, creativity, and imagination. The initiative also highlights the importance of safe, stable housing and the role that community partnerships play in supporting families.
“The Playhouse Build is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish when people come together in service to their community. Through this partnership, volunteers create more than playhouses—they create spaces where children can imagine, explore, and simply be kids. Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland is grateful to work alongside Bender JCC and the many volunteers who bring their time, talents, and shared commitment to strengthening families, building affordable homes, and a stronger community,” said Jeff Dee, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland.
“The playhouses are a wonderful gift to the children who receive them, but what makes this event truly special is what happens while we’re building,” said Lauren Dworkin, Director of Jewish Life and Community Engagement at the Bender JCC. “People from different faith communities, generations, and backgrounds come together, share an experience, and leave with a stronger sense of connection. That’s what has made this tradition so meaningful over the past five years.”
Community Teams Invited to Join the Fifth Anniversary Celebration
The Bender JCC invites businesses, nonprofits, schools, congregations, youth groups, families, and community organizations throughout the Greater Washington area to take part in the anniversary celebration.
Teams of up to 10 participants, ages 10 and older, can participate in the hands-on building experience. No construction experience is necessary, just a willingness to work together and make a difference.
Last year’s event was the largest yet, bringing together 26 teams, 13 faith communities, and more than 250 volunteers.
Organizers hope to build on that momentum by welcoming returning participants and introducing new organizations and community members to the experience.
Event Details
- What: 5th Annual MLK Day Interfaith Playhouse Build
- When: Monday, January 18, 2027 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Where: Bender JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852
- Who: Community teams of up to 10 participants, ages 10+
- Information and participation: www.benderjccgw.org/MLK
For additional information, contact Lauren Dworkin at [email protected]
About the Bender JCC of Greater Washington
The Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington is a vibrant community hub in Rockville, Maryland, offering health and fitness, early childhood education, summer camp, arts and cultural programming, lifelong learning, and opportunities for community engagement. Rooted in Jewish values and welcoming people of all backgrounds, the Bender JCC inspires connection, belonging, and well-being throughout the Greater Washington community. Learn more at www.benderjccgw.org.
About Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland
Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland works with families and communities in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties to expand access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. Through volunteer engagement, community partnerships, and housing initiatives, Habitat helps build stability, opportunity, and stronger neighborhoods. Learn more at www.habitatmm.org.
