Join the Edlavitch DCJCC to celebrate HIAS’s Refugee Shabbat at Sixth & I.

The fastest-growing European refugee crisis since World War II is still ongoing. People seeking asylum are being turned away at borders around the world. And this year, for the first time ever, the total number of displaced persons globally is over 100 million. This is a critical moment for all of us to reaffirm and redouble our support for refugees and asylum seekers.

We are so excited to be together in person for the February Handmade for the Homeless!

Join fellow knitters and crocheters 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 bring?

Please bring 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 bring:

• #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 in person, 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

Want to know more or join our virtual community? Like us on Facebook!

REGISTER: Please click the red “Register” button to sign up for this free event! For this month, we will have the option to virtually “zoom'” into the meeting. Please indicate in your registration whether you are joining in-person or via zoom. 

If you have any questions about this event contact Chana at chanaengel@gmail.com.

MASK & VACCINATION POLICY:  Effective March 21, 2022, masking will be optional within the EDCJCC, except for in Goldman Theater and Cafritz Hall, as well as in any other program deemed necessary by the seating layout. The organizers of Handmade for the Homeless request that you wear a mask.

For more information, visit edcjcc.org/covidsafety.

Do you need any additional accommodations for this event? If so, please contact msmith@edcjcc.org

The global pandemic, attacks on democracy, and the overturning of Supreme Court decisions making way for states to pull back people’s rights can lead to activism fatigue and a general sense of hopelessness and defeat. Join us for part one of our two-part activism series that will re-energize you and lift your spirits so you can continue to be an advocate for change in our community and beyond.

WHAT: Part 1: Guided Tour: The Utopia Project Exhibit

What makes some social movements more successful than others? Experience a guided tour of The Utopia Project: Inspiration for Creative Activism exhibit at the Anacostia Community Museum, and learn about the research-informed tactics that have most often led to measurable social change. This experiential gallery is designed to help visitors tap into the issues they care about and envision their own version of a utopia as they prototype their ideas for making a better world.

WHEN: Sunday, February 12, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

REGISTRATION: Tickets are $12 for part 1 of this series or $18 for both parts 1 and 2.

Want to learn more about how to successfully make change? Attend Part 2: Be the Change: An Activism Workshop on Tuesday, February 21 with JUFJ.

This workshop series is brought to you in partnership with Sixth & I and JUFJ.

Throw a festive Valentine’s Day party for Housing Up, a close partner of the EDCJCC! Housing Up builds thriving communities in Washington, DC by developing affordable housing and offering comprehensive support services to homeless and low-income families.

What: Spread the LOVE and help throw a party for the children and families at Housing Up! Volunteers will lead games, do crafts, and make sweet treats with the residents. All of the supplies will be provided.

When: Tuesday, February 14, from 6:00-7:30pm.

Who: This program is open to volunteers ages 18+. This program is great for volunteers that love working with kids.

Where: This opportunity is in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, DC. The exact address will be provided upon registration. The apartment is accessible by bus and is located .6 miles from the Georgia Avenue/Petworth Metro station. Street parking is available.

Covid-19 Safety: In accordance with Housing Up guidelines, all volunteers must submit proof of covid-19 vaccination to Mira Smith (msmith@edcjcc.org) prior to the program. All participants are required to wear masks that cover nose and mouth, and are encouraged to maintain social distancing guidelines. We cannot disclose the vaccination status of program participants.

Sign up: Registration is required for this free program. Click the red “Register” button to proceed.

Do you need any additional accommodations for this event? If so, please contact msmith@edcjcc.org

The global pandemic, attacks on democracy, and the overturning of Supreme Court decisions making way for states to pull back people’s rights can lead to activism fatigue and a general sense of hopelessness and defeat. Join us for part 2 of our activism series that will re-energize you and lift your spirits so you can continue to be an advocate for change in our community and beyond.

WHAT: Be the Change: An Activism Workshop

Led by Jews United for Justice (JUFJ), this training will break down the basics of activism, including strategies for effective storytelling, lobbying, and digital media, plus tips for planning or participating in a rally. Gain concrete skills, learn from experienced activists, and connect with others who want to make positive change in our community. A vegetarian dinner will be served.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 21, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

REGISTRATION: Tickets are $12 for part 2 of this series or $18 for both parts 1 and 2.

This workshop series is brought to you in partnership with Sixth & I and JUFJ.

Join us for our wonderful Second Night Seder – the open, welcoming, pluralistic celebration of freedom you’ve come to expect from the EDCJCC.

Registration deadline, March 30th 8:00 AM

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 have meaningful discussions with your friends, family, and neighbors.

Our Seder will feature a delicious kosher-for-Passover vegetarian meal. We’re serving DC rooftop-grown parsley, and 100% compostable plate ware 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’s beautiful singing and guitar.

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

Seder Menu for 2023 (subject to change)

• Gefilte Fish
• Butternut Squash soup
• Potato Kugel
• Stuffed Peppers
• Veggie Cutlets
• Spring Salad
• Seder Plate classics
• Desert assortment

Ticket Prices:

Adult Ticket: $72.00
EntryPointDC/Young Adult: $54.00
Child (under 12): $36.00

Need assistance? We’re looking for volunteers to help set up and check folks in. We have limited volunteer pricing available. Please reach out to aherring@edcjcc.org.

Seder Leaders:

Amanda Herring is the Director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Edlavitch DCJCC. In 2018, Amanda received her Master’s in Experiential Education and Jewish Cultural Arts at GW, and completed the JOFEE Fellowship in Jewish, Outdoor, Food, Farming and Environmental Education. It was there that she combined her passions for Shabbat and sustainable food which together can nourish and heal communities and ecosystems. Amanda is also the CEO of Gold Herring, co-creater of the Jewish Planner and the Omer Self-Care Workbook, a dance instructor and pickler. Amanda lives in Northeast DC with her partner, Greg and their kids: Abraham, Simkha, and Mensch (the dog).

Song leader Ari Jacobson has been involved in music, Judaism, education, and various overlaps of the three for as long as he can remember. While studying music and theatre at UMass Amherst, he honed his song leading skills at URJ’s Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, MA. Since moving to the DMV two years ago, Ari has been happily providing music for the EDCJCC’s programs for all ages, from baby classes with the parenting center to pre-school music to various community events like this one. Also an actor and a singer/songwriter, Ari can be seen as Mikey Thomas in The Kennedy Center’s Shear Madness, and his original music can be found on his website www.arijacobson.com.

Seder FAQ:

Do I have to be Jewish to attend? (Observant? Old? Young? Ashkenazi? Sephardic? etc.)
Nope. We welcome everyone who would like to join our community-wide seder and celebrate Passover’s lessons of freedom! In fact, every year, we have a beautiful mix of people. Some are Jewish, and some are not. All are welcome, and (if they choose) can easily participate in a variety of ways – singing, reading, discussing ideas, or just generally being among the community.

What if I don’t read Hebrew?
Not a problem. Most of the seder is in English, and most readings in Hebrew also appear with English transliteration.

What about dinner? Is it kosher?
There is a delicious catered Kosher-for-Passover dinner at the community-wide seder. This is a vegetarian meal – and of course we’ll have dessert! Please let us know about any allergies in your registration.

Accessibility?
We’re happy to provide ASL or other interpretation upon advance notice. The Edlavitch DCJCC building is wheelchair/mobility device accessible. If you need other accommodations to allow you to fully participate in the Seder (or simply have questions), please let us know in advance and we’ll be happy to help.

Is there a dress code? What should I wear?
There is no official dress code. Most people dress as they would for a family Seder or holiday – dressed nicely, a little dressed up, but not overly formally. (For many people that could mean a button-down or sweater, a skirt/dress, a jacket, slacks, etc. Most people do not wear jeans.) Please wear what feels appropriate to you to celebrate the holiday.

Is it appropriate to bring kids?
Yes! This is not specifically a “kids” Seder, but our atmosphere is fun and festive! We welcome all who would like to participate.

Was your question not answered? Email Amanda so we can help!

About our sponsor:

Compost Cab is providing their composting services for this event along with discounts for new home composting customers who attend!