Graduation party for Eliana G

Eliana G., the youngest daughter of Zufan G., just graduated from high school. Their family came from Eritrea as refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have worked hard to build a life in their new home. Eliana was a leader in her school, and has received a scholarship to attend college in the fall. The refugee relief committee of my havurah, Fabrangen, has been sponsoring and working with them after being linked up by ECDC, the Ethiopian Community Development Council. We are very proud of Eliana and her entire family for their strength, hard work, and courage, and wish them a bright future. 

Plus, great injera and homemade Eritrean food. Thanks also to the dedicated and kind members of Fabrangen who have been there for the family.

OUDC at Mt. Zion Female Union Band Cemetery

The participants of Operation Understanding DC (OUDC) recently attended a program at Mt. Zion Female Union Band Cemetery in Georgetown, Washington DC. They learned from Lisa Fager of Black Georgetown about the history, abandonment, and process of restoration of this resting place. Once a sheltering stop on the Underground Railroad, it also marks a significant era of Black life in the nation's capitol. 

Thanks to the staff of OUDC and to Ms. Fager.

DC Klezmer Workshop with Frank London

The DC Klezmer Workshop  recently held a well-attended and vibrant teaching session with Grammy-winner Frank London (of the Klezmatics, Hasidic New Wave, and Frank London's Klezmer Brass All-Stars). The workshop was held at DC's Adas Israel congregation. 

Thanks to Howard Ungar, Judy Barlas, the many good folks of the workshop group, and to Frank London.

Frank London

The Klezmatics at JXJ

The Grammy-winning Klezmatics performed at the JXJ Festival at the EDCJCC.

Thanks to everyone in the band: Lorin Sklamberg, Matt Darriau, Paul Morissette, Frank London, Lisa Gutkin, and guest drummer Grant Smith, and to JXJ director Mardy Shauly and staff, especially Yaa Amoakohene.