GesherCity - Washington DC
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Join a Cluster!

AGE-BASED

"Basically, it's like this...we're a year old and more than ever we're committed to hooking 25-30 year old Jewish Young Professionals up with one another. In the past year, we went hiking, museum-ing, baseball-ing, happy-hour (you guessed it)-ing. This coming year we have a ton of new and exciting activities planned so you can get out with a social group without the pressure of unfamiliarity. You run the group, you come up with the ideas, we just put them into action. Come join us!!!"

NEIGHBORHOOD

"Looking to meet people in Anne Arundel or Prince George's Counties? If you live and/or work in this area, this is THE place to meet some faces and see some new places. You'll get connected to the Jewish community by meeting newcomers and established residents of this area as you attend fun, useful and interesting events together."
"Arlington, the best of both worlds. The comforts of the burbs, (who doesn't love Costco and Target), with enough high rises, chic restaurants, and hip bars for that big city feel . If you're interested in meeting fellow Arlingtonian's for happy hours at RiRa's, dancing at the Ballroom, and movies at the Draft House then this is the cluster for you."
This cluster is for all us "country bumpkins" (ok, more like suburban folk), in Fairfax County (aka Falls Church, Springfield, Reston, Fairfax, Lorton etc) who want to meet other young Jewish professionals in the community. We'll plan trips out west to Shenandoah, other outdoor activities in the area, bowling, happy hours etc.
Chili fries at Ben's. Delirium at Wonderland. Praying you survive walking home from the metro. This is what the green line is all about. This cluster is for you: the hip, the tough, and the street smart that enjoy all the wonders that is life on DC's Green Line. We will have events including trivia nights at Wonderland, sporting fun at local playgrounds, brunches, shabbot dinners, a kick-ass purim carnival/houseparty and maybe even some local volunteering.
"Formerly the Bethesda Cluster, The Montgomery County Cluster is a network of Jewish professionals living or working in the Montgomery County area who want to interact and meet other Jewish professionals. You do not have to work or live in Montgomery County to be in the cluster - all are welcome. Once a month we will have social activities to learn more about Montgomery County and to meet new people. We will also have one happy hour/dinner a month. Ideas for activities are always welcomed, as are any questions about Montgomery County or the area in general. If you are new to the area welcome! If you are a long time resident and just wanting to meet others welcome too! "

SPECIAL INTEREST

Do you have a grandparent who is a Holocaust survivor? Or are you interested in serving as a living link between the history of the Holocaust and today? The 3Gs are a group where grandchildren of Holocaust survivors and friends can meet, connect, share experiences and ideas, have social events, perform service activities, and help fight intolerance today. You do not have to be a grandchild of a Holocaust Survivor to join this cluster, just an have interest in preserving the memories of the Holocaust, educating others, making new friends, and taking action against genocide in today's world.
Do you wish you could eat dim sum for every meal? Do you enjoy eating unidentifiable mush with your hands? Have you ever judged a first date based on what your companion ordered? Are your friends totally uninterested in sharing dishes with you? If you're still reading, this cluster may be for you.

We plan on finding the most authentic ethnic restaurants in the greater DC area and eating things that the average person wouldn't touch with a 2-foot chopstick. We'll aim for one outing per month, with an emphasis on family-style dining.
If you enjoy flying and aviation, like to listen to air traffic control chatter while watching airplanes take-off and land, and often look up to the sky wishing you were up there -- this cluster is for you!
Professionals, aviation geeks, and airplane and airline buffs, join fellow Jewish DC aviation enthusiasts for fun aviation related events.
Discover your passion for flying, gain new friends and even log some flight hours. Industry professionals and those simply with affinity for aviation will enjoy sharing their passion with other Jewish peers by going to air shows, area fly-ins, experiencing general aviation flying, going to museums, exploring local airports and aviation hot-spots, hearing interesting speakers, and simply enjoying good conversation while networking with other Jewish peers sharing this unique interest.
What are you waiting for? Join the Aviation Enthusiasts cluster and start spending more time in the air!
"Do any of the following apply to you: You know the difference between a lager and an ale. You don’t associate Belgium with chocolates. You use ‘malty’ and ‘hoppy’ as adjectives. If so, then this is your cluster. This is for anyone who would rather pay $5 for an Anchor Steam than $1.50 for a happy hour Miller Lite any day.Washington D.C. is a great city for beer lovers, and we will take full advantage of its opportunities. Monthly happy hours and other palette tingling events are in store. "
"Explore the DC area by bike with other Jewish young professionals, and get some exercise, too! The bicycling cluster will do several rides a month, including leisurely-paced rides on paved bike paths, road rides, mountain bike rides. We always ride as a group - no one will ever be left behind.
Did you grow up or go to college in the Boston area or any of the New England states? Does the thought of visits to the farm stand in the fall, summers on Cape Cod or in the White Mountains, or fighting crowds moving into dorms in Boston on Labor Day weekend bring back fond memories? If you grew up or lived in the Boston area or New England at some point, this cluster is for you. We will be organizing various Boston/New England themed events such as dinners at Legal Sea Foods, coffee at Dunkin Donuts, watching Red Sox and Patriots games. It will be an opportunity to network and share stories with those that have roots in the real "birthplace of America."
The Bowling Cluster is for those of us who enjoy bowling in a fun, casual environment and is open to bowlers of all skill levels. We will meet at least once a month at bowling alleys that are primarily located in the NOVA and DC area, but the location will also be determined by the group's input.
"Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Do you consider hanging out at a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and sleeping under the stars to be a good time? This cluster will be all about outdoor adventures; including camping, hiking, rock climbing, and more. We will plan to have one event each month and are open to feedback."
"Are you new to the DC area and have left all of your good girl friends back home? Do you miss having girl friends to go out with on the weekends and want some friends to explore all that the DC metro area has to offer? Or have you lived here for a while and just want to meet more girlfriends who share similar interests? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this cluster is for you! City Sisterhood is the cluster where women go out to explore new restaurants, catch a good movie, visit a local museum, check out festivals, engage in community service or just hang out! "
"If you are interested in trying something new, or if you already contra or swing dance and want to meet others who share your enthusiasm, the Contra/Swing Dance Cluster is for you. Most contra and swing dances take place at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park and include a beginner's lesson. We also can meet for dinner beforehand or go for drinks afterward. For those who get hooked, there are dance weekends and folk festivals we can check out."
Whatever happened to that scrapbook you started to put together from your last vacation? Or that unfinished baby blanket collecting dust in your closet? Or are you just looking to start a new project? Members will meet to work on a selected craft project OR you can bring your UFOs (Unfinished Objects) and finish them! All skill levels are welcome!
"This is a cluster for young professional Sefardic Jews ages 21-35. We will have events relative to our distinct culture, we will explore music, food and spend time making our own network. Events will include DC lounges, museums, cultural events, reading relevant texts. All Mizrahim and Sefardim are welcome (as well as anyone who is interested in Sefardic culture and history)."
"love to see a good movie and then talk about it, and everything else while you eat. if you do this is the cluster for you.
"Do you like to kayak? Would you like to learn? Would you like to meet other people and impress them with your paddling skills? (Or your ability to get back into a kayak after falling out?) Then this is the perfect cluster for you!! The group will have about 1 outing per month during the warmer months. Destinations will include the Potomac River in our backyard, and Annapolis (about 45 minutes down the road). Other destinations would be great too! We'll start out with some emails and perhaps a conference call or two or even a happy hour meeting to meet and get an inventory of equipment and transportation that people have (or have access to). We'll plan our trips accordingly!"
"Are you still a kid at heart? Do you love the fun and challenge of playing cardgames and board games? Are you looking to meet other Jewish people your age inthe area who share your enthusiasm for playing fun games of skill, knowledge,creativity, and luck? If so, then this cluster is for you! Players of all skill levels are welcome. The Game Night cluster has played Spades, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Taboo, andSettlers of Catan. We've also had some good games of Pictionary, Cranium,Charades, Poker, and Apples to Apples. New games are always welcome! "
Joining the GLBT cluster is a great way to get connected to all the programming for gay Jews and their admirers in DC.

We attend events put on by GLOE and all members are encouraged to connect with the other existing social groups for gay Jews in DC. Join to find out more!

Click below to learn more about:
GLOE
Nice Jewish Boys
Nice Jewish Girls
Nice Jewish Men
This cluster will tackle those books you've heard of, know about, and have seen on the big screen, but have never read. You know the phrase "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," but do you know the rest of the story? We've all seen movies or heard stories about vampires, but have you ever read the original "Dracula"? Come join us to choose familiar stories and read the originals!
"This cluster is geared toward advanced learners of Hebrew who want a chance to practice their language skills with speakers of a similar level. It's not a class, just a conversation group. It doesn't matter when the last time you took a Hebrew class was, as long as you are willing to participate in conversation. "
"In this nine-to-five town, it's hard to work an unusual schedule. You can never make it to happy hours, you turn down invitations to dinner parties, and when everyone else is vegging on a Sunday night, you're...not. If you know how calm Safeway is on a Tuesday afternoon, if your best friend is your favorite bartender because they're always awake as late as you are, if you're up for lunch in the middle of the week or dinner at midnight, this is the cluster for you! "
"Do you work for a Jewish Organization? We are looking for Jewish young professionals, ages 21-35, who are working within the Jewish community. If you work in the DC area for a Jewish organization and are interested in connecting socially as well networking professionally then this is the cluster for you! Everything from happy hours to interesting speakers -- we hope this cluster will foster both personal and professional growth. Join the cluster today!"
Do you look at Tevye and Golde from Fiddler on the Roof and see a little of yourself? Do you know who Ruki Vverh are? Have you stuffed your mouth with blinchiki and caviar in a Russian restaurant right before dancing to Hava Nagila? Do you not eat before midnight at a wedding? And you've secretly wondered if the KGB is really dead? Well then we want you to enlist. We'll host at least one event a month and are open to suggestions for future gatherings.
"Spring is in the air and with that, kickball returns to the DC area. Whether you're curious about joining a kickball league or if you just want to relive some elementary school recess glory, go ahead and sign up. We'll be having monthly kickball games and if people are so inclined, we'll grab a drink or two afterwards. All skill levels are welcome. Happy kicking everybody. "
Lilith is a cluster for people interested in women's issues and activism, both newbies and veteran activists, who want to come together with like-minded folks and make a difference while also making new friends. Some of the issues Lilith will focus on (but definitely not all) includes reproductive rights, domestic abuse, local political campaigns, and the ERA. Lilith will act as both a clearinghouse for local events and a forum for original events, and member input is strongly encouraged. Monthly activities will be things like rallies/protests/marches, volunteering & community service projects, and purely fun, social events like movie nights, pot lucks, and happy hours. If this sounds like the group for you, please sign up!
"Military Jews is a cluster for individuals affiliated with the US Armed Forces, either via family or direct service.Contrary to popular belief, there is a substantial number of Jews who serve in the US military and this group will provide an avenue for these individuals to network, make new friends and discuss any new issues that pertain to them. "
The EntryPointDC GesherCity Moms and Moms-To-Be Cluster is for expecting and recent moms. We get together monthly for both family friendly activities and some girl time. The group aims to support moms to be and create a comforting community for exploring and dealing with baby related issues and joys.
"Nights Out in DC is a group that explores the nightlife in the DC metropolitan area. From lounges in Arlington, DC and Bethesda, or a comedy club in DC, to art openings or a Sunday afternoon coffee with nosh and great Shabbat dinners. This cluster does it all!"
"Do you miss pizza or bagels with taste? How about hamentashens with real jam inside, or Challah that is soft and chewy? Well, as members of the New York tri-state cluster, we will enjoy these goodies even if we have to import them by mail order like a food co-op. The tri-state cluster is officially in full effect. 718ers and people who grew close to New York City are in store for some New York tri-state fun and culture without having to go back home. We can celebrate and commiserate why we are here in DC and what we miss about our hometowns. We will attend themed events such as baseball games, food hunts, and other cultural outings that relate to the NY tri-state area. "
It's back. The Pro Sports Cluster has returned to GesherCity and it is looking for people who want to catch a pro sports game with other young Jews in the area. The cluster will have a Washington Nationals focus, but by no means will it be baseball specific. In its previous incarnation, the cluster went to Capitals games as well as basketball games. Also, if any cluster member has an idea for an event I'm all ears. If you're interested in catching a ball game with a few friends, or making some new ones, please sign up.
"The name "salsa" correctly describes the flavor of this dance: HOT!! Danced correctly, there's a lot of shakin', shimmying, and hip action going on. Don't be deterred—you can learn how to achieve all of this action. The basic step of salsa can be accomplished with less than 10 minutes of practice. Beginners are especially encouraged to join since stumbling over each other is much more fun in groups. Dancers of all levels are welcomed. We'll be meeting at local salsa bars and even some dance studios in the Metro area for nights out that always start with a class. We will not only be going to clubs however, this cluster will participate in salsa clinics as well. Locales vary by night depending on the group's decisions. We're flexible, and prices will range from free to a maximum of $10. "
"Are you interested in Science, Engineering, or Science fiction? If you are interested in hanging out with folks in similar fields (even if you like to avoid talking about it after work), check out the new Sci-Tech cluster. Meet other "techies" through hanging out, games nights, movies, competitions, and fun activities in the community."
This cluster is for people who love Starbucks and are interested in meeting new people in a causal setting over their Sunday morning coffee!
"What’s better than sushi? Not much in my opinion. So why don’t we talk about it over some spicy tuna rolls, saki, and edamame? The Sushi Cluster will meet once a month to schmooze, eat some delish sushi, and talk about our next sushi meal. If this sounds good to you then join the Sushi Cluster. "
Care to discover the city that has so much to offer? Then come whet your palate with a Taste of DC. As a native Washingtonian, I am familiar with the diverse multicultural events that make this city so wonderful. By joining Taste of DC, you will experience the city in a whole new way, as we carve our way through the streets on DC, Virginia and Maryland, attending events such as wine tastings, boat cruises, dance classes, sporting events, and trivia nights. So come indulge your senses with the Taste of DC Cluster. I can't wait to get started!
This is a co-ed cluster for young professionals interested in recreational or competitive tennis. The cluster will have happy hours and try to maintain a listing of players with skill level, and contact information to help cluster members meet and find other tennis partners. Players can schedule their own matches and play at mutually convenient courts. The Cluster’s main goal is to help members meet other tennis players in the area. We will have a happy hour at a date and time to be decided to gauge interest and allow players to sign up for a tennis ladder.
"Did you know that there is wine out there that isn’t Manishevitz?Well, there is and I think we should get out there and try some. You don’t have to be an expert, or know anything about wine to be in the cluster, although it can’t hurt. This cluster will be about exploring DC, Maryland and Virginia’s wine scene. Some of the events will include, wine tasting, wine festivals, going to wine bars, and just sitting back with a glass of wine and dessert. If this all sounds good then come out and try a new wine and meet some new people. "
 
Clusters

"I want to meet more young Jews but I don't connect with people at big events like happy hours. Is there a place for me?" Sound familiar?

EntryPointDC GesherCity has the solution: join as many Clusters that interest you.

A cluster is a group of individuals, led by a volunteer Cluster Coordinator, that gives people with similar interests the opportunity to meet in a welcoming environment. Clusters help people who are new to the DC area and those new to the DC Jewish community meet in a small, informal atmosphere.

Clusters are theme based - by age group, geographic location, or special interest of 20-30 people based around a common interest or area of town, led by a volunteer Cluster Coordinator. If you don't see one you like, start your own Cluster!

Be a Cluster Coordinator!

If you are interested in becoming a cluster coordinator, or would like to suggest a theme for a cluster, please send us an email.

Email me with the details
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