Mission l Leadership l Contact Us l Benefactors l FAQS
After fielding hundreds of calls and emails, we realized many people are seeking the same information. So we put together this list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you out:
And if you still have questions, the just Ask GesherCity!
1. What is EntryPointDC GesherCity?
EntryPointDC GesherCity is a free service to welcome young adults to the Washington Jewish Community. We provide the latest information on exciting events and programs, resources for housing and jobs, and information on Jewish life throughout the Greater Washington area. EntryPointDC has partnered with GesherCity, a national initiative which began in Boston. Together, we provide personal networking, leadership development, information and resources to bridge the gap between young adults and the Jewish community. We are a nonprofit community organization, located in the DC Jewish Community Center at Dupont Circle, in the heart of the DC metro area.
2. Is a car a plus or a minus in the District?
A car is an annoyance in DC and is much more affordable/easier to own if you reside in MD or VA. IMPORTANT: If you are going to own a car, you must register and get parking permits within 30 days! Parking can be expensive and is not always the most reliable mode. Especially now with the crazy gas prices! The Metro and bus system are extremely reliable and easy to use. Please check out the metro website at www.WMATA.com or stop at any Metro station for a map and schedule.
3. How do I find a Synagogue? Where do young adults go?
Check out Community Resources on this site, the resource guide or www.jirs.org or contact Vicki at vicki@geshercity.org.
4. How do a find a place to live? How do I find a roommate?
Your best bet for a decent sized apartment at a reasonable price is to find a roommate. We have a popular housing guide with contact information that can be accessed by emailing Vicki at vicki@geshercity.org. Write in the subject line Housing Guide and specify what area you are the most interested in. Check out our new and improved bulletin board which displays postings from those who have a house/need a house. Also, be sure to look at the Washington City Paper every week for listings. Check it out online at www.washingtoncitypaper.org. You can look at The Washington Post too, although sometimes the prices are a little scary for the average bear in that one. And finally craigslist is a wonderful invention and a great way to find housing amongst other things. Go to http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/.
5. Are you in competition with other Jewish organizations?
Just the opposite! We work closely with the Young Adult Programmers Network (YAP), an alliance of young adult organizations throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia. There are dozens of organizations programming social, cultural, educational and religious events. We gather their information to distribute to the young adult community through e-news, our web-calendar and resource guide, and to connect each newcomer to the most appropriate group for their interests. These organizations often collaborate as a community to co-sponsor events that bring you the best in young Jewish professional programming.
6. How can EntryPointDC GesherCity help me get started?
We'll help you Get Settled! We have up-to-date information on housing, jobs, internships and roommate referrals. We'll Get you Out and about! Make new friends, join interest groups and participate in countless activities throughout DC, MD and VA. Whether you are looking for happy hours, recreation, social action, community service, the arts or politics, we will hook you up and get you out. We'll help you Get Jewish! There is a rich mix of Jewish life flourishing all over the Greater Washington area. We will help you find your home in the Jewish community through synagogues, classes, JCCs and holiday celebrations.
7. How do I meet people? Will I meet men/women?
We have a volunteer-led social cluster system. Each cluster is based on where its members live, age or interests. We will introduce you to a cluster leader who organizes activities and will help get you acclimated. This is not a “singles” organization. We work with organizations for singles, couples, young families, etc. We strive to make each experience comfortable for all participants. Please see our resource guide, website or call the office for information on organizations for singles, couples, young family, gay and lesbian services and/or dating services.
8. Where can I find Kosher food?
All kosher restaurants are listed under "Community Resources -- Food" on this site, or in our Resource Guide. We have also listed popular vegetarian and fish restaurants. Try Trader Joe's or Giant Foods for kosher groceries in MD, VA, and DC. DC: JCC Cafe at the DCJCC. MD: Rockville has many kosher restaurants, including Chinese food, delis and the JCC in Rockville has both a kosher Dunkin’ Donuts and a Baskin Robbins in the lobby. Nut House Pizza and Max’s Kosher are in Silver Spring. For a wide variety of Kosher groceries, there is Kosher Mart in Rockville, Shalom’s Kosher Market and Shaul’s Market in Silver Spring.
9. How do I stop looking like a tourist?
Why? Just about everyone in DC is a tourist! Very few people actually have grown up in the district, so use this information to your advantage! Just be a tourist! Wear that visor, hang on to your camera and follow that lady with the umbrella proudly! Spend a few days sightseeing. Start with the Tourmobile at the Washington Monument which will take you to all the major monuments and Smithsonian museums. Check out museums at www.smithsonian.org. Take a long walk around the Tidal Basin, tour the White House and go see the pandas at the National Zoo. Ride the Metro and buses, spend time at the galleries on 7th Street, the restaurants in Adams Morgan and go dancing downtown. Congratulations, you have discovered DC!
