happier holidays

For the first time since closing our building in 2020, we brought back monthly Shabbat dinners, providing a space for our 20s and 30s community to build new relationships over some of the best Israeli-inspired food in DC. Our social justice Shabbat series—including Pride Shabbat, National Refugee Shabbat, and MLK Shabbat—offered an opportunity to lift up shared values and embody a spirit of radical welcoming.

Sixth & I’ers also embraced unexpected ways to engage with Jewish holidays this year, whether dancing in the streets for Simchat Torah or dancing like no one’s watching at our music festival-inspired Purim party. The second annual Sinai Slam, our alternative Shavuot experience, raised up the voices of people who have chosen Judaism as an adult. And more than 6,600 people of all ages embraced new intentions for the New Year during the High Holidays, joining us in person in our sanctuary and at Calvary Baptist Church and tuning in virtually from home. These expanded services marked a welcome return to our roots as a hub for community building and celebration.

I have never in my life enjoyed services as much as this year. The intimacy, the thought-provoking sermons, and the beauty of the music made all services very memorable and meaningful.

– High Holidays attendee