Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC

Spring 2018 Shabbat Clusters

Date:
Friday, March 16, 2018
Time:
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location:
Edlavitch DCJCC
1529 16th St NW
Washington, DC 20036
United States

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Shabbat Clusters are groups of 14-25 people in their 20s and 30s who meet monthly for informal potluck Shabbat dinners in each other’s homes or at local restaurants all over the DC Metro area. Shabbat Clusters have been going strong for over 10 years and in our last season 250 young professionals registered for the program.

Please fill out the form and register for this session on the next page. We'll match you into groups based on where you live, your age, and level of observance and offer groups for singles and couples. Registration for our first round of sign-ups is March 9 so we have enough time to put together groups before our kick-off dinner. Registration is rolling after this deadline until half way through our season in June and space is open based on availability in groups formed.

In 2016 we addeded some new elements to the program:

1. The first 3 months of the program will have set dates for when the groups meet for monthly potlucks and the last 3 months your group will pick their own dates to meet. If you can't make all of the potlucks don't worry, often your group will meet outside of Shabbat for other activities!

Shabbat Cluster Kick-Off Dinner - Friday, March 16 (optional)
An opportunity to meet everyone in your Shabbat Cluster group at the EDCJCC!

Yom Haatzma-Hunt: A Geocaching Adventure - Tuesday, April 10 (optional)
Team up with your group to find geocaches located throughout Rock Creek Park and come learn about the holiday Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence Day.)

Shabbat Cluster Dinner #1 - Friday, April 20 
Suggested Theme: Israel Independence Theme (Yom Haatzmaut)
Cook some Israeli dishes for this celebration and dinner!

Shabbat Cluster Dinner #2 - Friday, May 18   
Suggested Theme: All Night Spring Fun (Shavuot)
Prepare some dairy inspired dishes and do some learning in honor of the holiday taking place the following week - get to know your cluster members,the city, or the Torah. Shabbat

Shabbat Cluster Dinner #3 - Friday, June 15
Suggested Theme: BBQ Bash
Summer is almost here, go outside and fire up the grill!


2. You can choose between a general Shabbat Cluster or an interest Shabbat Cluster. Examples of past interest clusters have been Couples, arts, outdoors, Singles, and 30 somethings.

3. Your group will be 14-30 people. We recognize that in order for Shabbat Clusters to be successful there needs to be a critical mass of people at each gathering and that not everyone in the group can make it to each dinner. Shabbat Clusters will be assigned a Shabbat Clusters Coordinator who will help you plan who will host each dinner, where and when it will take place, and will answer any questions you have about the program. Shabbat Cluster Coordinators may organize dinners with Sister Shabbat Cluster groups, another cluster group similar to your own.

4. We know this adulting thing can be tough and you don't always have the time or money to prepare for Shabbat. OneTable, a community nonprofit and social dining platform can help with nourishment and other resources! Nourishment options are meant to nourish you and your guests to help elevate your Shabbat dinner experience. You will find out more about this option through your Shabbat Cluster Coordinator.

Your Shabbat Cluster will meet through the summer/fall. In September 2018 we'll launch a new session of Shabbat Clusters. Check out the Shabbat Clusters FAQ  to get answers to some common questions.

EntryPointDC will host a Kickoff Shabbat Dinner on March 16 at 7:30pm at the DCJCC for participants who register for Spring Shabbat clusters.  If you want to attend, make sure you register! The dinner is a great way to meet the other people in your cluster, as well as other young professionals participating in this fun program!

Remember, each person must complete their own registration form. If you would like to be placed with a friend or partner, make sure you both request each other on the form. We will do our best to fulfill all requests.

We always need people to help out at the Kickoff Dinner. Please email Becca if you can help set up, clean up, or check your new friends in at the door!

We would love to have you join us for this program, if the cost of the Shabbat Clusters is prohibitive, please email Stacy at stacym@edcjcc.org

SHABBAT CLUSTER KICK-OFF DINNER RSVP IS NOW CLOSED BUT YOU CAN STILL REGISTER FOR CLUSTERS! CHOOSE THE LATE REGISTRATION TICKET. WE WILL EMAIL YOU NEXT WEEK WITH MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SHABBAT CLUSTER GROUP.

We're sorry, the deadline for online sales has passed. Contact program staff listed above to purchase by phone.

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