Gather the Jews

2012 Purim Events

Stephen Richer — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:36:13 +0000

Hamentashen > Latkes

I think we’ve got all of em, but if you know of something that’s not on here, let me know (stephen@gatherthejews.com)

Have an amazing Purim!

2/29 – 7:00 pm – DC’s 21^st annual Latke-Hamentash Symposium/Debate
2/29 – 7:00 pm – Heroes and Villains, the story of Purim @ Sixth and I
3/3 – 8:00 pm – 2239 Purim Ball
3/3 – 8:30 pm – GLOE Masquerade & Mischief Purim Party @ DC JCC
3/4 – 10:00 am – Purim Circus for families @ DCJCC
3/7 – 5:30 pm – Family Purim party and costume parade with DC Minyan @ DC JCC
3/7 – 6:00 pm – Purimania @ Moishe House Montgomery County
3/7 — 6:00 pm — Purim Wine and Cheesentaschen with Adas YP
3/7 – 6:30 pm – Purim party with The Shul (Chabad)
3/7 – 6:45 pm – Megillah reading + Purim shpiel @ Kesher
3/7 – 6:45 pm – Megillah reading and Purim Party w/ Tikkun Leil
3/7 – 7:00 pm – Megillah reading @ Sixth & I
3/7 – 7:30 pm – Megillah Madness: A Cole Porter Purim @ Congregation Beth El
3/7 – 9:00 pm – Late Megillah Reading @ Kesher Israel
3/8 – 7:00 pm – Celebrate Purim with the Israel Forever Foundation

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Aaron Wolff — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:59:49 +0000

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Jewish Guy of the Week – Aaron

Gather the Jews Administrator — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:37:38 +0000

Where can we find you on a Friday night?
At the fledging GW student minyan in the basement of Hillel or when I want to get my sing on at Kesher’s Carlebach Minyan.

What brought you to DC?
The 2016 Presidential Elections. I figured I’d start an early bid to become the 45th or 46th Commander in Chief depending on your political forecasting. Joking aside, I came for grad school which I should be finishing in a couple of months. I’ve been working towards my M.A. in U.S. Foreign Policy. I’ve always been interested in understanding the motivations and interests for American global hegemony!

What is your favorite region/area of policy interest?
Most issues pertaining to Iran and Turkey usually rock my Casbah. The way I see the region’s current geopolitics, Turkey has become an increasingly pivotal player in facilitating dialogue between the United States and some of its fiercest adversaries. It’s kind of like the new Switzerland with a twist. And as far as Iran goes… Let’s just say my sense of the country’s future well-being and leadership is as clear as the eventual intent of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

What is the highlight of your week?
I love taking runs around the National Mall. I also play chess once a week with an elderly man in a local nursing home. I challenge and strongly encourage every GTJ community member to make the time to donate at least 1 hour/week for the betterment of others. There are many opportunities around this town for you to reach out and make a difference in someone else’s world. Nursing homes, food kitchens, tutoring, hospital visits, and cleanup projects are all good starting points. It is a great way to give back to the community, and it’s amazing how much you can actually gain as a person when you give of yourself on a consistent basis.

We heard your family is from Morocco, tell us your favorite part about your culture?
Well it gives me great pleasure to have family history from a country that can serve cigars as an entree and where there is more sugar in a glass of tea than actual tea. The intricate and colorful traditional dress and music are enough to keep the eyes and ears pleased for a lifetime. However, I must spill the beans on something. To the surprise of many, I’m actually Ashkafardic (half Moroccan and half Eastern European). I enjoy being a mutt. We live longer and look better!

Do you ever see yourself living in Israel?
Yes, I know I will eventually end up there. I would like to give myself some more time in DC, to gain more political experience and exposure before I decide to make the move. However, every time I go back to Israel for a visit, the more and more I pity my choice of delaying what I see to be an inevitable return to our homeland. Sometimes I find it quite amusing how roots have a power and force of their own design.

Rumor has it, you’ve been up to some interesting work in Texas?
I was just offered a position to serve as a State Advisor on the Gingrich campaign. I’ll be working with his Texas team as their go-to guy for Jewish outreach in communities throughout the state leading up to its May primary.

Upcoming career aspirations?
For the forceable future, I see myself getting into some form of political/campaign consulting. When I first came to Washington, I worked on the Hill for Senator Pat Roberts. It would be great to end up back there should a good opportunity present itself.

Final words or advice?
“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” -Benjamin Franklin

Want to get in touch with Aaron? Email info@gatherthejews.com

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Jewish Girl of the Week – Olivia

Gather the Jews Administrator — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:28:13 +0000

We heard that you live with a bunch of Jews…why?
I’m doing a program called AVODAH- the Jewish Service Corps, which brings together recent Jewish college grads with a passion for social justice between the ages of 22-26 to live together and do a year of service in the community. In DC, there are 24 corps members in two houses. I have 13 roommates and the other house has 10 roommates. It’s kind of like MTV’s Real World, except we’re not being filmed.

What brought you to DC?
I moved back to Seattle after college in the Midwest and spent a year working for the King County Public Health Department. I plan to get a Masters in Public Health and am fluent in Spanish. When I saw La Clinica del Pueblo as a placement through AVODAH, I knew that’s where I wanted to be. So, here I am- a Case Worker at La Clinica del Pueblo, a free health clinic in Columbia Heights that provides culturally appropriate health services, aimed at the Latino community. And, I love it!

What was your favorite Shabbat dinner?
I love Northwest cuisine, so I would say what I grew up on – Salmon, lots of salads (green salad, fruit salad, quinoa salad, etc.), challah, and something chocolate-y for desert. All organic, local, and sustainably grown, of course.

When are you going back to Israel?
I hope to go back to Israel next year because I’ve always wanted to live in Tel Aviv. I’m looking at potential internships or volunteer opportunities now.

If you could Gather all the Jews, what is the first thing that you would do?
A giant dance party, Bar/Bat Mitzvah style.

Where can we find you on a Friday night?
I like to mix it up- Sometimes I go to Sixth & I, sometimes Moishe House, sometimes Adas Israel, sometimes TLS, and sometimes out to dinner with friends or just relaxing at home.

We hear you plan to bike half-way across the country this summer, is this true?
Yes! It’s always been a dream of mine to bike part-way or all the way across the country and I figured now would be the perfect time to do it. I hope to leave from Washington DC the second week of August and my goal is to make it Wisconsin by Labor Day. I’m looking for a biking partner (or partners), so if you’re interested, please let me know!

Any other athletics you are involved with?
I am currently training for the IronMed Sprint Triathlon at Georgetown next month. It’s my first one, so I’m a little nervous. And, I am looking for a kickball team to join in the spring. If your team is lacking a player, hit me up!

Want to get in touch with Olivia? Email info@gatherthejews.com

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Farewell to our First Jewish Guy of the Week

Gather the Jews Administrator — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:26:34 +0000

Eddy was GTJ’s first Jewish Guy of the week (see his interview here). He has become a pillar of the Jewish community, and we wish him the best on his future endeavors.

What have you seen happen to the DC Jewish community since you arrived?
Since I moved to DC the Jewish community has grown, but thanks to the efforts of several key people and organizations, it is more united today than when I arrived.

How do you plan to be involved in other communities in the future?
I don’t know if I will be back in DC, but wherever I am, the Jewish Community will be a big part of my life. I want to keep on bringing Jews together, especially couples. I want to set up Jewish sports leagues wherever I go and be part of the Maccabee delegations of whatever city I am in.

What were your thoughts on GTJ two years ago? I thought it was a great idea. To be honest, though, I thought it was a little too ambitious at first. Maybe not too ambitious in what it was looking to accomplish, but in the responses and reach that the original organizers were trying to get. I have been very pleasantly surprised to see that I was very wrong and I hope that it just keeps growing both in DC and in other cities across the country and even abroad. Congrats!

What are your thoughts on GTJ now?
GTJ has become something unique and special. I have lived in many other Jewish communities across the country and world, and nowhere have I seen such an organization/movement that is so well-known and received. I think the best part of it and what makes it what it is, is the fact that it is not tied to any single organization or cause except bringing Jews together in any way possible. That idea is new, especially in the Jewish community where there always seems to be a reason behind every event. One can be the most orthodox or most unaffiliated Jew and still find something that appeals to them on this site.

What does it mean to be the first Guy of the Week?
Aside from having the honor of a special mention every time I am near Aaron, I am very grateful that the GTJ selection committee chose me to kick off what is arguably one of the most well-known parts of the GTJ website. At the same time it also has put extra pressure on me to continue doing what this committee selected me for doing, which is easy because that is how I was raised and it is second- nature to me. It makes me happy to see and bring Jews together so I guess I am just being selfish and making myself happy.

If GTJ could continue in other cities, what features do you think would be most valuable?
The calendar of events to me is the most useful and important aspect. All the other parts of it are great, but by knowing what is going on where through a weekly email I don’t have to receive 20 emails or Facebook invites from different organizations. All I need is one, and I can pick and choose.

What is the one Jewish event/organization that you will miss most?
Hosting Shabbat dinners. While the YP Shabbats at Chabad and Mesorah are great and they have introduced me to so many amazing people, there is nothing like hosting your own Shabbat for 20 of your closest friends (or random people you meet at the gym because they had a Magen David) and having them get to know each other. Nothing makes me happier than to see two friends who met at my dinner out on their own without me.

When are you coming back to visit?
I will be back at the beginning of June for my very good friend Miriam Lasar’s wedding in Baltimore and then maybe again at the end of June when one of my best friends Fabrizio gets married in New York.

Want to get in touch with Eddy? Email info@gatherthejews.com

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Kosher Onion Soup

Courtney Weiner — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:25 +0000

Classic onion soup is made with beef broth and topped with melted cheese. That combo is obviously a no-go for kosher eaters. Since the cheese is the best part, I decided to sacrifice the beef broth. Between the options of vegetable stock and vegetarian beef-flavored stock (several brands make boullion), the latter has more oomph, so I went with that option. The recipe below is based on one by Giada diLaurentis, with a few changes.

Total time: 40 min.

Yield: 4 servings

Level: Easy

Recipe

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large Vidalia onions, halved and sliced
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons cooking sherry or dry white wine
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
4 cups vegetarian beef-flavored broth
4 slices baguette, toasted
4 ounces (or more) grated gruyere cheese

Directions

In a medium, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the sherry or wine, and cook briefly, loosening any bits that have stuck to the pot. Add the thyme and broth. Simmer, uncovered, until the onions are soft, about 15 minutes.

Divide the soup between the 4 ovenproof ramekins. Place one slice of bread on top of each ramekin. Top each with cheese. Place under the broiler, until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 4 minutes. Serve immediately.

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Israeli Sensation Idan Raichel coming to Sixth & I!

Daniela Enriquez — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:07:19 +0000

Middle Eastern music, African sounds and Hebrew words! These are just some of the ingredients that make Idan Raichel’s music unique and fascinating and which, on March 7th, will transform the Historic Synagogue at Sixth & I into a temple of music. The 34-year-old Israeli artist is famous across the globe thanks to his international group, The Idan Raichel Project, which first became known on the Israeli musical scene in 2002 and, within the space of very few years, turned into an international sensation.

About 60 musicians total, from different parts of the world, contribute to producing music that, although it can be defined as international, always has a Middle Eastern “flavor” in every song. Different songs and rhythms are woven together on stage and, while most of the songs are in Hebrew, your ears should be prepared for Arabic, Spanish, English, Yemenite, Hindi and even Amharic (Ethiopian.)

Raichel’s songs touch on the main problems of modern society. To quote The Jewish Journal, the singer “has both a gift for creating beautiful music and the courage to spread a message. He preaches universalism, the power of shunning labels and celebrating humanity.” He sings about world peace and friendship, human relationships and their problems and — of course – love, love, love! The topics is his songs range from the difficulties of expressing feelings (“Chalomot shel ‘acherim” or “Milim yafot me ‘elle”) to common couples’ misunderstandings (“Medaberrim be sheket” or “Im telech”). However, for each problem there is a solution because, as Idan himself sings in one of his most famous songs, “Hakol over” – everything shall pass.

His musical education, humanitarian activism, work as a producer, and love for Israel all contribute to creating his beautiful pieces. The first four albums starting with his eponymous album “The Idan Raichel Project,” offered in both a Hebrew and an English version and have all received international acclaim. Recently, the group produced a new album called “Traveling Home.” This three-CD album is the group’s first live recording and contains both old hits and new tracks.

For tickets, click here. And stay tuned for further GTJ coverage of this amazing event!

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The Science of Love – GTJ Dating Series with Erika E. (week 28)

Erika Ettin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:19:48 +0000

Do science and love mix? Many online dating sites provide users with daily or weekly suggested “matches,” or simply pick your matches for you, claiming to have the magic scientific formula for success. eHarmony, for example, requires you to fill out a long (I’m talking at least an hour) “personality profile.” Chemistry.com has you take a personality test, similar to Myers-Briggs, that “reveal[s] your personality type [to] see what makes you tick.” For both of these sites, the premise is that similar people attract each other. Taking a slightly different approach, OkCupid provides you with a “match percentage,” based on how your answers to certain questions compare to someone else’s. The questions range from the more serious, “Do you like to discuss politics?” to the absurd, “In a certain light, wouldn’t nuclear war be exciting?” OkCupid designed the site so that you can use the match percentage if you want, but they leave it up to you. OkCupid’s founder Sam Yagan agrees that similar people make the best matches, recently saying, “We [at OkCupid] say that opposites attract… and then attack.”

Earlier this month, a group of psychology professors (one of whom happened to be in my a cappella group at Cornell – small world, right?) released a report questioning these algorithms’ accuracy. The authors found that, while they might be a good way to reduce the sheer number of potential partners on an online dating site, they are no better at creating success stories than two people put together at random. The authors don’t say that online dating is bad. In fact, they conclude that the best part of online dating is that the sites bring people together who wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s the “science” behind the websites’ claims, or their matching processes, that the authors refute. Eli Finkel, the lead researcher, said, “Eighty years of relationship science has reliably shown you can’t predict whether a relationship succeeds based on information about people who are unaware of each other… The assumption is that the algorithms work. We reviewed the literature and feel safe to conclude they do not.”

Sites like JDate and Match.com have come to a good balance. In addition to providing you with “matches,” the sites simply let you browse the database to find people on your own. This allows, say, a man in Chicago to communicate with a woman in DC because he’s planning to move here in three months. On a site like eHarmony, however, this guy will never even be shown profiles outside of his own location.

In the end, take the sites’ suggested matches with a grain of salt. Maybe someone in there will strike your fancy. Maybe not. No one is better able to predict whether you like someone than you, and it will still always take an in-person meeting to know if you have the right connection.

Now, I’ll put the question to you out there… Do you think that online services add value to the dating game with their supposed algorithms, or should just they leave it to us to decide who might be the best fit? (Feel free to use the comments section for your responses.)

Erika Ettin is the Founder of A Little Nudge, where she helps people stand out from the online dating crowd and have a rewarding experience. An archive of all of Erika’s columns is also available. Want to connect with Erika? Join her newsletter for updates and tips.

Got burning questions you want answered in a future post? Email date411@alittlenudge.com

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Erika — Writer (dating)

Stephen Richer — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:45:51 +0000

Before becoming the founder and CEO of A Little Nudge, Erika studied economics at Cornell and got her MBA at Georgetown. In her current job, she helps people with all aspects of online dating, from writing that perfect profile to planning a great first date… and everything in between. But she’s not all work and no play. Erika can often be found at some of DC’s newest and trendiest restauraunts (she’s a self-proclaimed foodie), at 6th and I trivia night, or in the middle of a baseball stadium or basketall court singing the National Anthem. Got questions for Erika? date411@alittlenudge.com

See GTJ staff list.

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Sara — GTJ Leadership Team. Director of Marketing and Co-Director of Events

Stephen Richer — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:24:33 +0000

Sara is a creative, talented, and quirky web and graphics designer. A native Washingtonian, she spends her free time enjoying DC’s cultural attractions, new restaurants, art exhibits, and museums. Sara is a savvy socialite and you will frequently spot her networking, coordinating, and promoting all of the great GTJ events.

See GTJ staff list.

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