About the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility
The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility (MCCSR) organizes high-impact volunteer and social justice programs that address unmet needs and the systemic issues that create inequality in our region. In seeking to make our city a more just, inclusive, and livable place, we provide a way for the Jewish community to connect to our most sacred mandate of repairing the world.
While our programs are meant to be low-barrier and engaging to all, we are fiercely committed to upholding the dignity of those we serve by only providing services that are truly needed.
Our volunteer opportunities are designed to be family-friendly, flexible, and accessible whether you can commit one hour a month or a few hours a week. We offer our volunteers the opportunity to build lasting relationships with agencies and clients over the span of years, or volunteer once and try a different project the next time.
We have succeeded if our participants leave with a holistic understanding of the inequality that exists in our city and the motivation to join us in continuing to repair the world.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Events
In keeping with the recommendations by the DC Department of Health, and in an effort to do our part to protect the health and safety of our community, we will be closing the Edlavitch DCJCC building for all programs effective 11:00 PM this coming Sunday, March 16 which plans to reopen Wednesday, April 1. Details for all programs are listed below.
Preschool and Aftercare
Preschool will be closed until April 1. Starting March 23, students will participate in distance learning prepared by their teachers. There will no longer be a Spring Break period in April; however, we will still be closed on April 9, 10, 15, and 16 for Passover.
Early Childhood, Youth, and Family
All Early Childhood, Youth, and Family programs, including the Parenting Center, J Family Ambassadors, and After School program, are closed until April 1.
Theater J
The Theater J productions of The Wanderers scheduled for this weekend, March 14-15, will go on as planned, and audiences are encouraged to practice social-distancing. This is in accordance with Mayor Bowser’s request not to hold gatherings of over 250 people.
The production of Becoming Dr. Ruth will begin previews on April 1, instead of March 27.
JxJ
Starting today, March 13, all JxJ year-round screenings will be cancelled until April 1. As of today, there is no change to the schedule for the JxJ Festival.
Engagement and Social Responsibility Programs
All programs for EntryPointDC, Jewish Living & Learning, Inclusion & Disabilities, the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility, and GLOE – The Kurlander Program for GLBTQ Outreach and Engagement, are cancelled until April 1.
Fitness Center
The Fitness Center and Pool are closed to all members until April 1. This includes personal training and group exercise classes.
Rentals & Worship Groups
All rentals will need to be postponed until a later date. Until April 1, we are unable to accommodate the worship groups that meet at the EDCJCC.
We will continue to pay our hourly and salaried employees during this closure.
We are not yet issuing refunds for programs. If you would like to convert your registration fee into a donation, please consider completing this form; otherwise, we will be in touch at a later date.
As we all know, this is a rapidly evolving situation. This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution. There have been no reported cases of any individuals who have visited the EDCJCC testing positive. We will continue to update you as the situation progresses, and urge you to visit www.edcjcc.org/covid19 for other actions we’ve taken and resources on how to prevent getting sick.
We thank you for your patience and understanding, and for helping us keep our community safe and healthy.
Join fellow knitters and crocheters over Zoom (virtually) to make handmade goodies for a great cause! Our goal is to contribute as many warm winter items as possible to distribute to individuals experiencing homelessness in the DC area.
All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome. Don’t know how to knit or crochet? We’ll teach you!
What should I have with me at home?
Please have your own needles/crochet hooks. If you are not already working on a warm winter item and are looking for a great project or just starting out, please have:
- #8 or #10 knitting needles (circular or straight) or a size H crochet hook
- Patterns you’re working on or want to start
What do you supply?
We provide lots of beautiful yarn, several patterns including hat patterns using #17 needles or a size N crochet hook, and experienced knitters and crocheters to teach anyone who would like to learn how to knit or crochet.
If you can’t join us over Zoom, join us in spirit by knitting or crocheting:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Gloves and Mittens
- Socks or slippers
- Other items to keep people warm during the cold winter months
Knitted items and yarn donations can be dropped off at the EDCJCC. Contact Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org to make arrangements. Thank you!
Want to know more or join our virtual community? Like us on Facebook!
If you have any questions about this event contact Chana at chanaengel@gmail.com.
The blood drive is still on and we need your participation! There is currently a blood shortage and more donations are essential to our community’s health and saving lives.
The blood drive will take place in a bloodmobile parked outside of the DCJCC. Precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of the donor and the recipients. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Help replenish the blood supply in the DC metro area!
It’s safe, easy, confidential, and extremely rewarding. The EDCJCC partners with Inova Blood Services to bring skilled technicians and top-of-the-line equipment for our quarterly blood drives.
A few facts about donating blood:
- One blood donation can save four lives
- All donations stay in the Washington, DC area
- Every 17 seconds, someone in the DC area needs a blood donation
- One out of 10 people will need a donation before the age of 70
- The body quickly replaces the amount of blood given during the donation
For more information and to see eligibility requirements for donating, please click here. Please plan on your blood donation to take about an hour from start to finish.
Making an appointment in advance is highly encouraged.
***Please note that appointments can be made up to 24 hours in advance, but if you miss the deadline to make an appointment you should still come in! Walk-ins will be taken throughout the evening.***
Started in Israel, Good Deeds Day is a global day that unites people from 108 countries to do good deeds for the benefit of others and the planet. Join the entire DC Jewish community, along with almost 2.5 million volunteers around the world, for this annual Day of Service at the EDCJCC. Come for a morning of volunteer projects and learning about how we can help make our community a better place for all.
All projects are family friendly.
This year’s projects include:
– Add Your Voice Through Advocacy with Capital Jewish Museum
– Camp Welcome & Joy Signs with Horizon Day Camp
– Cards for a Cause with Jews United for Justice
– Good Deeds Start on Our Plates with Jewish Veg
– End Hunger with MAZON
– Bikur Cholim Kits for Chai Lifeline with PJ Library
– Instant Soup Kits with DC Minyan, Kesher, and Rosh Pina
– Laundry Kits
– Welcome Cards for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
– Knit and crochet items for people experiencing homelessness in DC with Handmade for the Homeless
DC Central Kitchen develops and operates social ventures targeting the cycle of hunger and poverty. Each of our ventures create opportunities for meaningful careers, expand access to healthy food, and test innovative solutions to systemic failures.
Join us to volunteer on site at the DC Central Kitchen. Tasks include chopping vegetables, sorting fresh produce, mixing salads, portioning meals, preparing and cooking food.
To work in the kitchen volunteers must wear long pants, closed-toed shoes – non-slip soles recommended, shirts with sleeves (short sleeves are okay, tank tops are not), and a hat or other head covering. Hairnets are provided if you don’t bring a hat. Midriff shirts are not allowed. Aprons and gloves will be provided.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old to participate, no exceptions please. Registration required.
If you aren’t feeling well and have any flu or cold-like symptoms we request that you volunteer a different time for the safety of those we serve.
If you have any questions please email Josh at jsherman@edcjcc.org.
Join us at the Edlavitch DCJCC to mix, chop, and prepare food for homeless shelters and other agencies serving those in need in the DC area.
No cooking skills are necessary! Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate.
The food prepared during Hunger Action is donated to Charlie’s Place, who serves breakfast to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
We request a $7.00 donation to help us cover the costs of ingredients to ensure we are able to provide the highest quality food possible. If you would like to volunteer but are unable to make the donation, please contact Josh at jsherman@edcjcc.org.
If you aren’t feeling well and have any flu or cold-like symptoms we request that you volunteer a different time for the safety of those we serve.
If you have any questions please email Josh at jsherman@edcjcc.org.
The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.