Young Professionals

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are behind us.  Our Sukkot have been disassembled and put away for next year.  Gone is that time of the year when the pews of the 90-plus congregations, independent minyanim and havurot, are overflowing with families, young adults and established professionals who come together for the High Holidays.[1]  But where do these people go to stay involved now?The Greater Washington, DC area has a thriving Jewish community.  The most recent U.S. Census estimates that over 366,000 “People of the Book” call DC, MD, or VA home.[2]  But it isn’t just quantity that makes the region unique – it is also quality.  And one of the strengths of the DC market is its thriving young adult community.

As the center of American politics the city benefits from having countless international Jewish / Israel advocacy and humanitarian organizations – like AIPAC, B’nai B’rith International, Hillel, and The Israel Project – in its backyard.  Each hosts regular programming.  Additionally, shuls and countless Jewish community non-profits – such as JCCs and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington – provide the traditional portfolio of services and programming seen in other communities around the U.S.  All seek these dynamic Gen-X and Gen-Y-ers to infuse energy into their organizations; and to provide them with cultural, educational, religious, and social experiences.  Each group rightfully recognizes that these individuals are not just the future leaders of their groups but they are the future leaders of the community.

As the DC-ist blog reported last year, this region is the third most transient in the country.[3]  So in addition to learning how to get around the metro system, how do these young professionals guide themselves through the maze of Jewish organizations in-and-around town once they move here or graduate from college?

Pluralism is strong in DC.  Communities adapt for the various ways individuals want to self-identity: whether religious or secular; Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform.  Networks meet regularly to provide engagement at all levels and many of the groups have carved out a nice niche. Popular hubs and spokes in the DC network include Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, Adas Israel’s Young Professional Network, DCJCC, Gather the Jews, Mesorah DC, Moishe House, and Washington Hebrew’s 2239.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is a primary hub of the Greater DC area Jewish network.  It partners with countless other organizations and many volunteers describe it as an “umbrella organization” or “the United Way of giving back to Jews around the world.”  Its Young Leadership Division provides Taglit-Birthright free trips to Israel, leadership development programs, entrepreneurship training and mentorship, networking programs, volunteer opportunities and social programming.

In 2004, Sixth & I re-opened “as a place where people, especially those in their twenties and thirties, could connect to Judaism, arts, and culture both religiously and socially.” [4]  The DCJCC provides similar activities as well as sports leagues and a health center.  Recent Taglit-Birthright alumni, from 2009-2012, can join the DCJCC for free.  Adas Israel provides events and Shabbatot where “singles can meet singles, young couples can meet young couples, and newcomers can meet newcomers.” [5]  Gather the Jews hosts monthly events, provides a community calendar for all of these groups, hosts a blog for young pros to share their thoughts, and features a weekly Jewish Guy and Girl of the Week who are making an impact in the community.  Mesorah DC delivers educational and social programming.  Moishe House, which stands in the heart of Adams Morgan, hosts a monthly Shabbatot and other social and content-based programs.

For those young professionals looking to become advocates against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute provides the tools to stand up and speak out through a 10 month fellowship. Additionally, the League’s annual ADL Concert Against Hate at the Kennedy Center honors everyday heroes who have courageously stood up against hate, extremism, and terrorism. Their powerful stories, told by renowned actors and performers, are interwoven with music performed by the National Symphony Orchestra during an inspiring evening.

And for those looking for volunteer opportunities there is always Jconnect, the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, Jewish Social Services Agency, Yachad, and many other great groups that operate in-and-around DC.

Living in DC can be expensive for many young professionals.  Additionally city life isn’t for everyone or they may prefer to live closer to their places of work.  Maryland and Northern Virginia provide countless young professionals with safe and affordable living as-well-as more green space.

The JCC of Greater Washington, located in Montgomery County, is “your place to shmooze, work out, learn a new skill, discuss a book, listen to a concert, see a film and much more.” [6]  It is complemented, across the Potomac, by the JCC of Northern Virginia, which “offers programs and classes for all ages and denominations in Fairfax and Alexandria, VA.” [7]

Stacy Miller wants to engage additional Northern Virginia young adults.  After returning from a Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Taglit-Birthright Alumni Mission, she founded the NOVA Tribe that seeks to connect young adults living in Northern Virginia through innovative programs that engages the community to come together to create a cohesive vision and grow the next generation of leaders.  “I live there, many of you live there, and I want to grow the Jewish community that I grew up in” explained Stacy at Federation’s annual meeting in the Summer 2012.[8]

Where to go from here?  Jason’s Two Cents.

If you are one of the 366,000 who may be new to the community, if you’re looking at getting more involved, or if you know a young adult (your child, a friend, a colleague, etc) start off browsing through the JConnect website and “liking” them on Facebook.  JConnect will provide you with a good 10,000 foot overview of the region and what it offers.  You may then want to setup a meeting or call to discuss your motivations for involvement with the great Young Leadership staff or volunteers at Federation to see how you may best fit into the community.  They may have been in your shoes just a year ago can answer your questions and be your guide as you maneuver your way through your own Jewish journey after these High Holidays.