Spring Journal 2022

SPRING 2022 at the

EDLAVITCH DCJCC

EDCJCC.ORG

EDLAVITCH DC JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER CALENDAR—SPRING 2022 MARCH

APRIL

Sundays TBD SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • Handmade for the Homeless

3 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • Sara & Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Day

Thursdays TBD SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • Community Cares Night with Housing Up

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1 ENTRYPOINTDC • Applications open for Buddy Up Program

3

4 6

10 16 17

20 23

25 27

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JEWISH LIFE • Introduction to Judaism (through May 31)

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • Spring Blood Drive: Bloodmobile Edition

PARENTING CENTER • Navigating Support Services for School-Aged Children begins 2

GLOE • GLOE Families at Good Deeds Day

THEATER J • Exploring Merchant (through April 6)

6 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • Urban Gardening for Good (through October 2022)

INCLUSION • Bingo Night

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ENTRYPOINTDC • Mahjong March Lesson Night

JxJ • Ruti Abramovitch Presents An Evening in Spain

7

JEWISH LIFE • Israeli Dancing in the Parking Lot

14

INCLUSION • Bingo Night

15

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • National Refugee Shabbat

16

JxJ • Policing Joy

21

INCLUSION • Bingo Night

24

JEWISH LIFE • Israeli Dancing in the Parking Lot

26

JEWISH LIFE • Purim Cocktail Class and Mini-Megillah

GLOE • The 14th Annual National Rainbow Seder ENTRYPOINTDC • Passover Satellite Seders

JEWISH LIFE • Annual Second Night Community Seder INCLUSION • Virtual Game Night

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • Essential Support at A Wider Circle INCLUSION • Challah Baking Workshop

27 JEWISH LIFE • Zack Bodner in Conversation with Dava Schub: Why Do Jewish?

THEATER J • Nathan the Wise (through April 10) INCLUSION • Virtual Game Night

GLOE • Purim Masquerade Drag Brunch

28

INCLUSION • Bingo Night

TBD

ENTRYPOINTDC • Jews That Jam jam session

30

PARENTING CENTER • Bedtime Without Battles

ENTRYPOINTDC • Spring Shabbat Clusters Kickoff Dinner JxJ • Four Seasons of Piazzolla

MAY

INCLUSION • Buddy Up Program Kickoff Event

31 PARENTING CENTER • Parent Coffee: Gentle Sleep Secrets for Newborns INCLUSION • Bingo Night

ENTRYPOINTDC • A Very Mrs. Maisel 50s Spring Fling

5

INCLUSION • Bingo Night

7

INCLUSION • Cooking for Others

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12 19 19

JEWISH LIFE • Israeli Dancing in the Parking Lot ENTRYPOINTDC • Garden Day Service Project INCLUSION • Cooking for Others

JxJ • JxJ Festival (through May 22)

PARENTING CENTER • Beyond the Bump (through June 23) INCLUSION • Bingo Night

22 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • Essential Support at A Wider Circle 26

INCLUSION • Virtual Game Night

TBD

ENTRYPOINTDC • Jews That Jam community concert

30 JEWISH LIFE • Registration deadline for summer language classes

Purim

Passover

Virtual Programming 2

EDCJCC HEALTH & SAFETY

All visitors entering the EDCJCC's building are required to show proof of vaccination. Participants at outdoor events will not be checked for vaccination status, but it is our hope that regardless of where we gather, we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community. For more information, visit edcjcc.org/covidsafety.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING OUR BUILDING

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Need help?

Contact info@edcjcc.org

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: If your plans need to change due to COVID concerns or local ordinance changes, we will work with you to exchange or credit your ticket toward a comparable program or activity on a future date. We know life is unpredictable these days, and the EDCJCC is here for you!

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FITNESS

For more information, contact csargent@edcjcc.org or 202.777.3218

Register at edcjcc.org/fitness

Saturdays and Sundays, March 12-May 1, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

GROUP SWIM LESSONS

The EDCJCC swim lesson program is family-oriented, both taught by family and catering to families. With over 30 years of experience, our instructors have not come across a challenge they couldn’t overcome. Everyone can swim!

We believe that water adjustment is an equal building block with learning to swim. We structure our classes to maximize on this concept while balancing progress with having fun with the child’s age and abilities.

If you’re looking for an alternative to routine swim classes, join us in our parent and child classes or learnto-swim classes for children ages 6 months-12 years old.

GROUP EXERCISE

The EDCJCC’s trained and certified group fitness instructors provide a social, supportive, and motivational atmosphere, no matter your fitness level or experience. Class focuses range from cardiovascular to strength training to mind and body.

Class offerings include Body Pump, Cardio Sculpt, Doonya Dance, Gentle Yoga, Strength and Stretch, and Zumba®. In-person and virtual options available!

Visit edcjcc.org/groupexercise to learn more.

REFER A FRIEND, GET GREAT REWARDS!

Invite friends to the EDCJCC to try out a swim, workout, or group exercise class for free! As your guest they'll also receive 50% off the registration fee when they join the fitness center.

And if they join, you'll receive $5 off your monthly dues for as long as they're a member.

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CHECK OUT THE EDCJCC FITNESS CENTER WITH A

FREE ONE WEEK PASS

A Free One Week Pass includes access to cardio, strength, and weight training equipment; unlimited group exercise classes; indoor lap pool; locker rooms with free day use lockers; towel service; and shower amenities.

Fitness membership is inclusive of Community Membership benefits on arts events, classes, and programs.

To redeem, contact Chris Sargent at csargent@edcjcc.org

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JxJ

For more information, contact boxoffice@jxjdc.org or 202.777.3210

Tickets at JxJDC.org

Cafritz Hall is home to ongoing theatrical runs, special screenings, sneak peek events, filmmaker Q&As, and more. For latest films and showtimes, visit JxJDC.org.

FILM

MUSIC

Thursday, March 3, 7:30 PM

RUTI ABRAMOVITCH PRESENTS AN EVENING IN SPAIN (PIANO RECITAL)

Israeli pianist Ruti Abramovitch presents a solo recital featuring an impressive array of compositions written by composers from Catalonia, Spain, Argentina, and Cuba (Mompou, Granados, Ginastera, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Lecuona and Volodos).

Sunday, March 6, 2:30 PM

POLICING JOY

SPECIAL SALE!

A short documentary that aims to stimulate a global conversation around Black women and girls’ encounters with hair bias in schools and society. Screening followed by conversation with film director Tracey Renee’ and producer/writer Danielle Apugo. This is a pay-whatyou-choose program.

Sunday, March 27, 2:30 PM

FOUR SEASONS OF PIAZZOLLA

The Modern Music Project—Gary Prince, Sarah Ford, Manny Arciniega and Christopher Brown—reimagines Piazzolla’s Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires) in celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Argentine composer’s birth.

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SAVE THE DATE: May 12-22

JxJ FESTIVAL

Join us for the world-class celebration of Jewish cinema and music.

Full program to be announced in April at JxJDC.org.

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MORRIS CAFRITZ CENTER FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Register at edcjcc.org/volunteer

For more information, contact info@edcjcc.org or 202.777.3200

Friday, March 4

NATIONAL REFUGEE SHABBAT

Join the Edlavitch DCJCC in for a weekend celebrating HIAS’s Refugee Shabbat. Through learning and action, this Shabbat will be a critical moment for all of us to reaffirm and redouble our support for refugees and asylum seekers.

Sundays, Dates TBD, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

HANDMADE FOR THE HOMELESS

Join fellow knitters and crocheters to make handmade goodies for a great cause. All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome. Don’t know how to knit or crochet? We’ll teach you!

Sunday, April 3

SARA & SAMUEL J. LESSANS GOOD DEEDS DAY Join the EDCJCC and the entire Washington Jewish community, along with 930,000 volunteers from around the world, for this fun, annual Day of Service. Projects will include creating activity kits, snacks, and instant meals for people experiencing hunger and homelessness. All projects will be family-friendly.

Tuesday, April 5, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

SPRING BLOOD DRIVE: BLOODMOBILE EDITION

Every 17 seconds, someone in the DC metro area needs a blood donation.

One out of every 10 people will need a blood donation before the age of 70.

Help us replenish the quickly-diminishing blood reserve in the DC metro area.

In partnership with Inova Blood Services.

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Sundays, April 24 & May 22, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

ESSENTIAL SUPPORT AT A WIDER CIRCLE

Every day, A Wider Circle furnishes 20 homes free of charge for neighbors in need. Spend your Sunday sorting donations and stocking showrooms at A Wider Circle. This program is open to all ages.

Thursdays, Dates TBD, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

COMMUNITY CARES NIGHTS WITH HOUSING UP

Spend an evening playing games, doing arts & crafts, and leading creative activities for children and parents living in permanent supportive housing.

Come once or join us every month! We hope to resume in-person volunteering in March.

In partnership with Housing Up.

Wednesdays, April-October, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

URBAN GARDENING FOR GOOD AT LAYC FREE

Whether you’ve been gardening for years or have never stepped foot in the dirt, you’re invited to help us at the Latin American Youth Center’s urban garden managed entirely by the EDCJCC. Come once or join us every Wednesday.

Sunday, May 8, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

GARDEN DAY SERVICE PROJECT AT GROW

FREE

Spend your Sunday afternoon volunteering at the GroW Community Garden! Volunteers will help plant, weed, and harvest while learning about GroW’s important mission of providing fresh and sustainable produce for the clients of Miriam’s Kitchen’s housing programs.

Co-presented with EntryPointDC. 9

PARENTING CENTER

For more information, contact info@edcjcc.org or 202.777.3200

Register at edcjcc.org/parenting

CHILD-AND-CAREGIVER CLASSES Spring session registration is now open!

Join us for in-person fun for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (with their grownups) at the EDCJCC this spring! Class options include music, yoga, dance, Getting Ready for Preschool, and more. The spring session begins in March and includes weekday and Sunday options.

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PARENT WORKSHOPS

Tuesdays, March 1, 8, and 15, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

NAVIGATING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN DC

This interactive three-part series is for DC families of school-aged children (ages 4-12) who suspect that their child might benefit from learning and/or behavioral supports. We will discuss the process of obtaining an evaluation, your rights in accessing support, how to access those supports, and more. Led by experts in the fields of neuropsychological assessments and education law and advocacy, each part of the series will include a formal presentation followed by lots of time for questions and discussion.

Facilitated by Maria Blaeuer, Director of Programs and Outreach at Advocates for Justice and Education, and Lauren Siegel, Psy.D, Director of Clinical Services at the Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group.

BEFORE BABY

Thursdays, May 19 - June 23, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

BEYOND THE BUMP

Wednesday, March 23, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

BEDTIME WITHOUT BATTLES

Bedtime and sleep habits are among the most fraught and vexing challenges for parents of toddlers. This workshop will address how to develop good sleep habits from the start, how to address typical challenges that arise, and how to set limits with love in order to ensure everyone in the family gets a good night’s sleep.

Facilitated by Claire Lerner, licensed clinical social worker and child development specialist.

Thursday, March 31, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

PARENT COFFEE: GENTLE SLEEP SECRETS FOR NEWBORNS

Join us for coffee, the company of other new parents, and a relaxed conversation about your baby’s sleep. We will discuss how sleep develops during infancy, why it can be so difficult, and what you can do to make it easier for both you and your baby. Learn gentle steps you can take to help shape your child’s sleep from their earliest months and how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to restless nights. Bring your questions – we’ll spend most of our time talking through participants’ specific situations. Babies warmly welcomed!

Led by Jessica Dodson of Starlight Sleep Coaching.

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Pregnant for the first time?

Looking to create a community with other expecting moms to exchange ideas and find support?

This group will meet weekly for six weeks to provide a safe and facilitated space for moms-to-be to discuss their experiences and learn from one another. Topics will include childbirth and parenting concerns, balancing family with work, navigating new relationships, recognizing pre- and post-partum depression and anxiety, and more.

This group will meet twice in person and the other sessions via Zoom.

THEATER J

For more information, contact theaterj@theaterj.org or 202.777.3210

Tickets at theaterj.org

2021 – 2022 SEASON

NATHAN THE WISE

MARCH 16 - APRIL 10, 2022

Written by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing Adapted by Michael Bloom Directed by Adam Immerwahr Produced in Association with Folger Theatre AN 18TH-CENTURY SHAKESPEAREAN FABLE

In 12th century Jerusalem, Jews, Christians, and Muslims live side by side in peace—or so they hope. As tensions rise, the ruling sultan asks: “Which religion is the one most beloved by G-d?”

Lives, and the future of Jerusalem itself, are on the line as the brilliant Jewish merchant Nathan seeks to answer the question.

This funny and timely 18th-century Shakespearean play is chock full of mistaken identities, foiled romances, and relationships across cultural and religious divides. Michael Bloom’s smart new adaptation celebrates the common humanity that unites us all.

“A moving story that speaks, as you might guess, to conflicts that roil the world today.” – The New York Times

FIRES IN THE MIRROR: CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN, AND OTHER IDENTITIES JUNE 9 - JULY 3, 2022

Conceived, Written, and Originally Performed by Anna Deavere Smith Co-Directed by Adam Immerwahr and January LaVoy Produced in Association with Theatrical Outfit in Atlanta, Georgia Starring January LaVoy

THE GROUNDBREAKING DOCUMENTARY PLAY

August 1991: Simmering tensions in the racially polarized neighborhood of Crown Heights erupt into riots after a Black child was killed by a car in the Chabad-Lubavitcher Rebbe’s motorcade and a White Jewish scholar was slain in retaliation. Anna Deavere Smith’s groundbreaking documentary play uses verbatim testimony from individuals throughout the diverse community, creating a nuanced portrait of a shared but divided geography. This theatrical event – performed over 30 years after these lifechanging riots – promises a tour-de-force solo performance and a story which touches upon every American regardless of race, color, or beliefs.

“The most compelling and sophisticated view of racial and class conflict that one could hope to encounter.” – The New York Times 12

NEW!

CLASS FOR THEATER LOVERS Wednesdays, March 2 - April 6, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

EXPLORING MERCHANT Taught by Aaron Posner

What exactly is The Merchant of Venice really about, and what was Shakespeare up to when he wrote it? Why does it continue to provoke such fierce and complicated conversations, and spark such strong disagreements? Master teacher, playwright, and director Aaron Posner leads a class that will discuss not only the original play, but various adaptations and re-imaginings of it.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: EXPANDING THE CANON

Theater J’s brand new multi-year initiative Expanding The Canon is now seeking submissions from racially and ethnically diverse Jewish writers to create new fulllength plays that thematically and visually center diverse Jewish narratives.

LEARN MORE

Mona Golabek in Theater J’s The Pianist of Willesden Lane.

Photo courtesy of Hershey Felder Presents.

ANNOUNCING THEATER J’S

2022-2023 Season

By Hannah Moscovitch, Ben Caplan, Christian Barry

By Emily Mann

SEPTEMBER 7 – 25, 2022

MARCH 8 – APRIL 2, 2023

Directed by Christian Barry

A HIT NEW KLEZMER MUSICAL

By Lynn Nottage

Directed by Paige Hernandez

OCTOBER 19 – NOVEMBER 13, 2022 AN EXQUISITE MODERN MASTERPIECE

Directed by Holly Twyford

HISTORY. HER STORY. OUR STORY.

By Stephen Laughton

Directed by Johanna Gruenhut JUNE 7 – JULY 2, 2023

THE US PREMIERE OF THE JEWISH PLAY THAT STUNNED THE UK

PLUS A SPECIAL ADD-ON: Based on the book The Children of Willesden Lane

By Seth Rozin

Directed by Adam Immerwahr

JANUARY 11 – FEBRUARY 5, 2023 A SIDE-SPLITTING, MODERN DAY VAUDEVILLE

By Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen

Adapted and directed by Hershey Felder DECEMBER 7 – 18, 2022

A BRAVURA PERFORMANCE OF AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY

PACKAGES ON SALE NOW!

SUBSCRIBE TODAY FOR THE BEST SEATS AT THE LOWEST PRICES Contact our Ticket Office at 202.777.3210 or subscribe online at THEATERJ.ORG today!

ENTRYPOINTDC

For more information, contact info@edcjcc.org or 202.777.3200

Register at edcjcc.org/epdc

Connecting Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s.

Lesson Night: Thursday, March 3

MAHJONG MARCH

We are partnering with NOVA Tribe to play this tile-based game that was developed in 19th century China and became popular in the Jewish community in the 1950s! Don’t know how to play? Join our lesson night to learn and play together. Already a pro or can’t make lesson night?

Fill out our survey and we’ll help you form a team and get set up to play at Sparrow Room in Pentagon City.

Application Open: March 1-15 Kickoff Event: March 29, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

BUDDY UP PROGRAM FREE

The buddy up program strives to create friendships between young adults with and without disabilities at the EDCJCC. Training will be provided.

Learn more on page 15.

Co-presented by the Inclusion & Disabilities Department of the EDCJCC.

Registration Deadline: Sunday, March 13

Spring Shabbat Cluster Kick-Off Happy Hour: Tuesday, March 22 (EDCJCC Parking Lot)

SPRING SHABBAT CLUSTERS

Looking to meet new people? Want to celebrate Shabbat in a casual, meaningful way? Shabbat Clusters are small groups that meet once a month for Shabbat dinner in each other’s homes and at local parks and venues. This season we will have pre-planned Shabbat cluster meeting dates, new interest clusters, and more!

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Sunday, May 8

GARDEN DAY SERVICE PROJECT AT GROW

Application Open: February 23-March 9 Jam Session: Early April

FREE

Performance: Thursday, May 19 (EDCJCC)

JEWS THAT JAM: SONGS WITH FIRE SHOWCASE FOR LAG B’OMER

Spend your Sunday afternoon volunteering at the GroW Community Garden! Volunteers will help plant, weed, and harvest while learning about GroW’s important mission of providing fresh and sustainable produce for the clients of Miriam’s Kitchen’s housing programs.

Calling all young adult Jew-ish musicians and singers that love to make music to help create a rockin’ new community! Meet and connect with other like-minded musicians, form a band at our jam session, and practice with your new crew over the next few weeks. This year’s theme is “songs with fire” in honor of Lag B’Omer.

Co-presented with the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility.

In May, don’t miss out on celebrating Lag B’Omer together at our community concert packed with heat!

In collaboration with JxJ.

Registration Deadline: Friday, April 6 Seders: Friday, April 15

PASSOVER SATELLITE SEDERS

Staying in town for Passover? Let us set you up with other young professionals for first night seders! We’ll help you host or find a seder for you to attend.

Already hosting at your home? Let us know if you have any open spaces at your table we can help fill.

May 12-29

ENTRYPOINTDC AT JxJ Various locations

Saturday, April 30

A VERY MRS. MAISEL 50S SPRING FLING

Soak up that Jewish 50s vibe as we revel in all things Marvelous Mrs. Maisel! Learn to swing dance, sign up to perform open-mic comedy, meet your match during speed dating, or play all your favorite Catskills games including Simon Sez. Make sure to wear your finest 50s attire so you can enter our costume contest!

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Join other young professionals for curated events during JxJ, the hybrid arts festival encompassing the Washington Jewish Film Festival and Washington Jewish Music Festival.

More details will be available closer to the Festival. Learn more on page 7.

GLOE

Register at edcjcc.org/gloe

The Kurlander Program for GLBTQ Outreach & Engagement

For more information, contact info@edcjcc.org or 202.777.3200

Registration Deadline: Sunday, March 13

Kickoff Dinner: Friday, March 25 OR Thursday, March 24

SPRING SHABBAT CLUSTERS

Looking to meet other young adults? Want to celebrate Shabbat in a casual, meaningful way? Shabbat Clusters are small groups that meet once a month for Shabbat dinner in each other’s homes and at local parks and venues.

This season we will have pre-planned Shabbat Cluster meeting dates and will continue to have interest clusters such as LGBTQ, couples, outdoors, and more. All Shabbat Cluster participants are invited to come to a Kickoff Dinner on Friday, March 25.

Co-presented with EntryPointDC.

Sunday, March 20, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

PURIM MASQUERADE DRAG BRUNCH

Join GLOE for a unique and fun interpretation of Purim with a drag show, games, bagels, and more at Metrobar, an outdoor venue. Come dressed in costume for the queerest annual Purim party that always brings a fun crowd!

Sunday, April 10, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

NATIONAL RAINBOW SEDER EDCJCC Parking Lot

Now in its fourteenth year, the National Rainbow Seder is one of the nation’s largest and longest-running Passover seder events for the queer Jewish community and its allies.

Co-presented by the Human Rights Campaign, Embassy of Israel, and Bet Mishpachah.

Sunday, April 3

GLOE FAMILIES AT GOOD DEEDS DAY

Meet GLOE families to do good for the community! See page 6 more details.

May 12-29

GLOE AT JxJ JEWISH FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Connect with other LGBTQ+ friends and families for curated events during JxJ, the hybrid arts festival encompassing the Washington Jewish Film Festival and Washington Jewish Music Festival. More details will be available closer to the Festival.

MONTHLY SHABBAT HIKE FREE

Meet other members of our LGBTQ community and enjoy a leisurely hike around DC!

MONTHLY GLOE BOOK CLUB FREE

Meet other members of our LGBTQ community to discuss books by queer Jewish authors and/or books with queer themes.

CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH GLOE: JUNE 6-12, 2022

Stay tuned for more information on Pride-related programs for families and individuals of all ages including Pride Shabbat, parade and festival, and volunteer opportunities.

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INCLUSION & DISABILITIES Register at edcjcc.org/inclusion

For more information, contact info@edcjcc.org or 202.777.3200

Thursdays, April 7 and May 12, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

COOKING FOR OTHERS

Cook, schmooze, and give. Learn how to cook or bake various dishes while meeting new friends from Main Street! Everything created during class will be contributed to an organization or nonprofit that works in support of food security in the DC area.

In partnership with Main Street: Inclusivity Redefined.

Application Open: March 1-15 Kickoff Event: March 29, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

BUDDY UP PROGRAM

The Buddy Up program is back! This program strives to create friendships between young adults with and without disabilities at the EDCJCC. Practice conversation and social skills, attend fun social programs together such as a cooking class or game night, or find a time that fits your schedule to hang out and get to know each other. There will be an optional kickoff event where you can meet your buddy in person.

Co-presented with EntryPointDC.

Thursdays, March 17; April 21; May 26, 7:15 - 8:45 PM

VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT

Come and join us for a night of friends and fun. We’ll play various games together online using apps or different sites. More details for each date will be on the event page.

Mondays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

VOCATIONAL VOLUNTEERING

Interested in volunteering at the EDCJCC? We are providing opportunities to learn and practice skills while contributing to our DC community and supporting the EDCJCC. There may also be opportunities to volunteer virtually or to usher with JxJ and Theater J.

Saturday, April 16

Thursdays, March 3, 10, 31; April 14, 28; May 5, 19, 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM

BINGO NIGHT

Make sure to keep Bingo Night on your calendar to join your friends for our fun gatherings! We’ll send each participant a bingo card via email, so all you’ll need are some coins or other small objects to cover each space.

ANNUAL SECOND-NIGHT COMMUNITY SEDER

Monday, April 26, 6:00 PM

Inclusion participants will gather together at a designated table to meet new and familiar faces. Learn more about the community seder on page 16.

Always wanted to learn how to bake challah? Now is your chance! Learn some tips and tricks and bring home your very own loaf of challah. (We recommend freezing it so you can enjoy it for Shabbat - or make some French toast the next morning!).

Steve Raab, former owner of Breads Unlimited, will lead the way! Virtual and in-person options available.

This year, please come back in person for our wonderful community-wide seder, the open, welcoming, pluralistic celebration of freedom you’ve come to expect from the EDCJCC. This year’s seder will be held in a big open tent in the EDCJCC Parking Lot!

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CHALLAH BAKING WORKSHOP

JEWISH LIFE AND LEARNING Register at edcjcc.org/jewishlife

For more information, contact info@edcjcc.org or 202.777.3200

Open to all who wish to experience and learn about Jewish culture, regardless of a participant’s faith or background.

Wednesday March 16, 2022 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

TA’ANIT ESTHER WITH HADAR FASTING: WHO? WHAT? WHY?

The Fast of Esther offers an opportunity to reflect, pray, and mark moments of need, both historical and contemporary.

This Ta’anit Esther, join Hadar for a day of learning where we’ll explore the particular history behind the Fast of Esther, the unintended consequences of fasting, and the ways in which fasting, prayer, and justice all wind together.

Wednesday, March 16, 7:30 PM

PURIM COCKTAIL CLASS AND MINI-MEGILLAH

Pick up your cocktail-making kit (minus the alcohol) from the EDCJCC and learn how to make two amazing Purim cocktails from a professional bartender! While you’re sipping, enjoy an abridged and hilarious megillah performance! Shake off the winter blues, and warm up with this silly holiday all about laughter, mistaken identities, and a Jewish woman who saved us all.

Tuesdays, April 5 - May 31, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM Thursdays, March 10, April 7, and May 5, 5:30 PM (weather-permitting)

ISRAELI DANCING IN THE PARKING LOT

Get your feet moving to the energetic beats of rikudei-am (Israeli dance). Monthly instruction will only include line dances for the time being (no circle or couples dances). All are welcome, beginners and experienced dancers alike.

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Come explore the rich fabric of Judaism! Using traditional texts and modern examples, we will cover the fundamentals of Jewish life, including Shabbat and holidays, prayer, lifecycle rituals, ethics, and beliefs. This class is ideal for learners with questions—whether you’ve never studied Judaism before in your life, you’re looking for a Hebrew School refresher, or you’re somewhere in between!

Saturday, April 16, 6:00 PM

ANNUAL SECOND NIGHT COMMUNITY SEDER

This year, please come back IN-PERSON for our wonderful community-wide Seder, the open, welcoming, pluralistic celebration of freedom you’ve come to expect from the EDCJCC, this year in a big open tent in the EDCJCC parking lot!

At the Seder, we find joy in intergenerational community, storytelling and song. Join us to meet new friends, partake in joyous singing accompanied by a guitar, and fascinating discussions.

For the Shmita year, this Seder will feature a delicious (and kosher) Passover meal focused on sustainable sourcing. We’re featuring pastured, regeneratively farmed chicken from KOL foods, DC rooftop-grown parsley, 100% compostable plateware with composting services generously provided by our sponsor CompostCab. Amanda Herring, Director of Jewish Life and Living will guide you through the Seder accompanied by Ari Jacobson on live music and guitar. Connect this harvest festival to food sustainability, and our relationship to the planet.

Whether this is your first Seder or your 100th, there’s a place at our Passover table for you!

Wednesday, April 27, 7:00 PM

ZACK BODNER IN CONVERSATION WITH DAVA SCHUB: WHY DO JEWISH?

Zack Bodner’s new book Why Do Jewish? argues that we are in the throes of an evolution to the next era: Jewish Peoplehood 4.0. Join Zack and EDCJCC CEO Dava Schub for an enlightening and lively discussion of Zack’s book and a conversation on what it means to be Jewish in the twenty-first century.

Register by Monday, May 30

Classes begin Monday, June 6

SUMMER LANGUAGE CLASSES

The Edlavitch DCJCC offers eleven levels of conversational Hebrew, three levels of Yiddish, and beginner conversational Arabic! Class sizes are small, and learning is all from the comfort of your own home. No prior knowledge needed – just an excitement to learn. Registration includes an in-person siyyum (closing event) and a ticket to a film featuring the language you are learning.

JEWISH DOGS OF DC

Join the DC Jewish Dogs Facebook group to stay up to date on our monthly group walks!

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edcjcc.org/SpringGala

Plus, join us as we shine a light on the work of the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility.

CHAIRED BY JILL GRANADER

In recognition of their longtime dedication and service to the Edlavitch DCJCC.

PRESENTING THE LEE G. RUBENSTEIN OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD TO MARTY GROSS & BOB TRACY

THE EVENING OF TUESDAY, APRIL 26 AT THE EDLAVITCH DCJCC

26TH ANNUAL SPRING GALA

EDLAVITCH DC JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities.

1529 Sixteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20036