Inclusion Programs
Programming for individuals with disabilities and individuals of all abilities.
The EDCJCC is committed to providing young adults of all abilities opportunities to create meaningful and well-rounded lives through social engagement, vocational opportunities, fitness, community service, and educational workshops. We empower young adults, develop leaders, and support independence. We strive for inclusivity in all our programs. In addition, the EDCJCC provides a more inclusive environment for our existing programs.
Upcoming Events
Come and join us for a night of friends and fun. We’ll play rounds of cards, Uno, Jenga, and Sorry. Or, if you have a different game you’d like to play, bring it along! All are welcome, just bring a smile and your friendly, competitive spirit. Suitable for ages 15+.
We will have kosher, gluten-free, vegan, nut-free snacks available!
Cost: $5 per person
If you have any questions, please contact Maura Schmidt, Director of Inclusion and Disability Programs, at mschmidt@edcjcc.org.

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 24th 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 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 with horseradish
- Butternut Squash soup
- Potato Kugel
- Stuffed Peppers with farfel and veggies
- Walnut crusted rainbow trout
- Israeli 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!
Join us in celebrating the arrival of Spring weather! We will enjoy a walk through Rock Creek Park, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of Spring! After a stroll, we’ll sit down in the Peirce Mill picnic area to enjoy each other’s company for a picnic lunch. It’s BYOL – bring your own lunch!
We will meet at the Peirce Mill picnic area to gather the group before the walk. There is a parking lot in the Picnic Area and handicap accessible bathrooms.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maura Schmidt, Director of Inclusion and Disability Programming at (202) 777-3276 or mschmidt@edcjcc.org.

Join your friends for Bingo night! We will send each participant a bingo card via email. Bingo is virtual so enjoy playing from the comfort of your home! Make sure to have coins or other objects to cover each space.
Be sure to register by 5:00 PM on the Wednesday before the event to make sure you get a bingo card and the Zoom link.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maura Schmidt at 202-777-3276 or mschmidt@edcjcc.org.
Work on your bowling skills while socializing with friends! All abilities welcome, and participants may bring a friend for support if needed. Optional dinner and snacks will be available for individual purchase from the snack bar.
Cost: $27 per person for two hours of bowling and shoe rental
Please register by: Monday, April 24. Hope to see you there!
Ongoing Programs
Vocational Volunteering
Build your resume and references! The Edlavitch DCJCC is always looking for volunteers to come and help in our various departments. Opportunities include collecting tickets, ushering, filing, data entry, concessions, mailings, and more. We create personal consistent schedules in your area of interest or you can sign-up for opportunities that work within your schedule.
Social Programs
The EDCJCC strives to create an inclusive environment through our many social programs. Programs include monthly bowling, game nights, cooking classes, and more. In addition to our regular monthly programs, we provide a variety of diverse and engaging social programs throughout the month. We pride ourselves on developing social programs that serve our community. Our social programs are ever-evolving based on our community needs.