Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC

Fall 2018 Shabbat Clusters

Date:
Friday, September 21, 2018
Time:
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location:
First Congregational United Church
945 G Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
United States

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Check out the Shabbat Clusters FAQ  to get answers to some common questions and learn more about the program before you register!

 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 September 14 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 December 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, September 21 (optional)
An opportunity to meet everyone in your Shabbat Cluster group at the EDCJCC!

Shabbat Cluster Dinner #1 - Friday, October 19 
Suggested Theme: Fall Fun
Cook some apple or pumpkin dishes for dinner

Shabbat Cluster Dinner #2 - Friday, November 16   
Suggested Theme: Friendsgiving
Have everyone bring a Thanksgiving side dish and share what you are thankful for this season!

Shabbat Cluster Dinner #3 - Friday, December 14 
Hanukkah may be over but we never get tired of latkes, create a toppings bar and wear ugly holiday sweaters!

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

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 fall/winter. In March 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 September 21 at First Congregational United Church for participants who register for Fall Shabbat clusters. We are excited to partner with J Squared Foods a NY based catering company founded by young Jews that specialize in Pop-Up Foodie Shabbat dinners.  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.

Fall Shabbat Cluster groups are almost full. Please emil stacym@edcjcc.org to find out if we any additional spaces.

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

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