Shalom NoVA - Singles

Tribefest - When the Young Jews go to Vegas (March 6-8)

2011-01-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

TribeFest 2011: Las Vegas is THE event for young Jewish adults. Over 1,800 young Jews will come together to explore why it matters to be Jewish, how they connect to their Judaism and the larger community, and to have an amazing time.

TribeFest will offer inspiring programming, music, food, arts, and entertainment, all celebrating the richness of our Jewish culture and heritage.

TribeFest will be THE place for networking, mingling, and finding peers and friends with whom to create deep and meaningful connections.

TribeFest attendees will engage in hands-on community service and develop a deep understanding of the value of giving back, not just to the community, but to themselves.

http://tribefest.jewishfederation.org/

Gather the Jews

2010-12-27T16:33:00.000-08:00

Check out DC's hottest new website for all Jewish events in DC. Post your events and learn about what's going on in DC.

http://www.gatherthejews.com/

Set-Ups - the Other White Mitzvah

2010-02-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

Considering my dad set me up with my current boy-mentch-friend, I thought it would be a good time to talk about set-ups. Deciding whether to set up two friends, although a mitzvah, is always a tough decision with minimal reward and possible risk to you. If you set up a friend with a cute guy you used to hook up with, the more likely they will be to set you up with a cute guy they used to hook up with. It's called sharing, and sharing is caring.

Your friends not jumping out of their seats to set you up? Ask! Either they don’t want to set you up, don’t know anyone, or didn’t know you’d be up for it. Don’t be afraid to ask your Jewish male friends either. Men are less likely to say out of the blue “yea, I have this cute smart friend, Jason. He’s a real catch.” See, kinda fruity. But even guys you don’t know that well may make an effort to help you out if you ask.

The Ms. Avi Recipe for Setting up Friends:
Step 1: E-mail the guy asking if he’d be interested in a set-up with a picture of the female attached. He’s more likely to say no (because men can sometimes be anti-setups), so ask him first. Wait for him to say either “hot” or “busted.” Most guys are not very discriminatory by picture, and will give it two Torahs up.
Step 2: E-mail the girl w/o pic. Wait for her approval, though you probably don’t need it because most Jewish girls are beyond ecstatic to be set up.
Step 3: Send her e-mail/phone to the guy. Do not send her him info! Make him call/e-mail her. Tell them to meet up for coffee/drink near HER. You don’t want to be held responsible for “it was the WORST 4-hr dinner of my life.”
Step 4: Pat yourself on the back, you’ve just done a mitzvah.
How to be set up:
So your friend from work, Lue-Ming, says she knows a guy who would be perfect for you. Or at least, you're Jewish, he's Jewish, and you're the only two Jews she knows. So therefore you must be perfect for each other. If mutual friend set you up, meet for coffee/drink (much like a first online date). Try to get Lue-Ming to show you a picture of the potential Yid, and have her show him a picture. That way, if you know you're not interested, you're not wasting anyone's time. Just go in hoping to make a new friend and nothing more. Don’t get your hopes up - you’ll probably have a miserable time anyway.
People often forget after a particularly horrible blind date to send Lue-Ming (or whichever Asian set you up) a thank you e-mail for attempting a mitzvah by setting you up. Your friend went out on a limb to set you up. If, by some strange monstrosity the date did work out, thank the friend...but don't give too many details or sound too giddy about the guy or else he/she will blab to the guy and say you called to say you’ve picked out the wedding dress. Regardless of whether the date was worse than that hour you spent watching "Glitter" before you turned it off or you're bursting at the seams with glee, your friend attempted a mitzvah (and possibly failed). Keep in mind that every time someone sets up friends, they take a risk with minimal potential reward (besides eating too many pastry puffs at their wedding someday) - so thank your friend for taking that risk.

Dear Santa, Please Bring me a Date on Christmas...

2009-12-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Not sure what to do Christmas Eve and Chirstmas Day? ... but want to get out and meet Jews? Check out these events below.

16th Annual Gefilte Fish Gala Charity Fundraiser

http://www.prosinthecity.com/dcevents.php

Date: Thursday, December 24, 2009 from 8:00 PM - 02:00 AM.
Price: $5.00 suggested charity donation. Please pay at the door. We do not require advance payment for this event.
Location:2 Locations! kstreet lounge1301 K Street NW Washington, DC 20005

and --
Union Jack's 4915 St. Elmo Avenue Bethesda, MD

MATZOBALL 2009 - Washington, D.C. (3 LEVELS, 3 STYLES, 1 PRICE, 1 HOT NIGHT)

http://www.jewishpro.com/

Date: Thu, December 24th 2009 9:00 PM - 2am

Location: Ultrabar911 F Street, NWWashington, DC (map)

If being surrounded and pushed around in a tightly packed bar, and you prefer more low-key events, check these out.

YPK CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

http://www.jewishfriends.org/calendar.html

Date: Thursday, December 24th

Location: Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown

TIME: 7:00 PM

COST: Pay as you go for food

RSVP: David at social@jewishfriends.org

Downtown Shabbat Dinner with Larry Paul and Robyn Helzner

http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=73&dispDt=12/25/2009%206:00:00%20PM

Date: Friday Dec 25th. Services 6:45. Dinner 8pm
Location: 6th and Historic Synagogue

Join musician Robyn Helzner, one of the leading interpreters of world Jewish music, and Cantor Larry Paul for this spirited, musical, Carlebach-inspired service. Dinner and Shabbat singing follow the service (see admission information below for cost details)

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE ISRAELI DANCE MARATHON

Date: Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Location: Tikvat Israel Congregation2200 Baltimore Rd., Rockville 20851

8:30 pm -?: Circle and Partner Dances with Moshe Shem-Tov

Glatt Kosher Chinese Food and . . .A Surprise Appearance!!!

Questions? dancetov@comcast.net or call Moshe (240)899-5777

Dating Blues in the DC Jewish World - How to Reinvigorate your Dating Life!

2009-11-23T12:14:00.001-08:00

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1257455208274&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

My friend Karen was sent this article by her boyf who recieved it from his aunt who recieved it from her cousin's husband's sister. Luckily, it ended up in the hands of Ms. Avi who is able to post to the ShalomNoVa site. Enjoy!
PS: Don't everyone go and delete their Jdate profiles at once!

20's and 30's Jewish Rotating Profile Dinner

2009-11-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.jewishpro.com/

When: Sun, November 15th 2009

Time: 6:30 PM - 09:00 PM

Location: Royal Dragon

Jewish Professionals Network invites you to our inaugural “Profile Singles Dinner” at Royal Dragon, a treasured Kosher Delicious Chinese Restaurant. So you ask, “What’s a Profile Singles Dinner?” A week before the dinner, you are emailed a questionnaire about yourself (e.g., your occupation, age, interests, background, etc.) as well as some questions about what you are looking for in a person of the opposite sex. Our experts then assign you to a table of 8 to 10 young professionals (evenly matched between the sexes) whom they believe best meet your interests. Our dinner will consist of a great menu/buffet (vegetarian options available). Includes: Eff Rolls, Sesame Chicken, Beef & Brocoli, Vegetable Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Steamed Rice and more! Wanton soup and dessert are also included. For the final hours of this event we offer social reception for you to meet all of the evening's attendees. There will be a cash bar for this event.

Jew Cruise - Count Ms. Avi in!

2009-10-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't worn a bathing suit in over two years, so am quite excited about this trip.

Join "6th and I" Historic Synagogue for a 6-day cruise for young professionals. Rates start at $550.

http://www.lindypromo.com/carnivalcruise_sixthandi/index.html

If looking for roommates, there's a link on the "Lindy Promotions" site or check the facebook page. This trip is a great way to connect with other young Jews in the DC/NoVa/MD area. Tell your friends about it and sign up.

Meet Jon: Featured NoVa Hottie of the Month

2009-10-09T20:18:00.001-07:00

Age: 30
Hometown: McLean, Va

Education: BA Syracuse, MA Computer Security, GMU
Occupation: Computer Security
A 30 yr old NoVa native, this eye-candy is not only smart, athletic, philanthropic, he's also killer at "the running man" dance. This kosher piece of beef runs the GesherCity Arlington Cluster - a good one to take home to mom indeed! According to a secret source, he "smells like Christmas." But don't bother talking to him while the WashCaps are playing, he'll be sure to ignore you. I want to end this on a positive note by mentioning that Jon may be making a cameo on the "Real World DC."

Ms. Avi's Mentch-O-Meter Score: 8.5

Jon could improve his score by working on his sensitivity. If you know someone perfect for Jon, e-mail Ms. Avi at ms.avirab@gmail.com

Jewish Speed Dating for Everyone in October!

2009-09-16T14:11:00.001-07:00

Jewish 20's and 30's (Thursday October 29th)
http://www.prosinthecity.com/index.cfm?CityId=1&action=events#Event8493

Jewish 30's and 40's (Tuesday October 6th)
http://www.prosinthecity.com/index.cfm?CityId=1&action=events#Event8523

Holla Out to My Friends Between the Ages of 45-65

2009-09-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

Check this out if you're between the ages of 45-65...or younger and looking for your sugar daddy.
The JCC-NV's singles group:
http://www.jccnv.org/images/stories/documents/singles_calendar.pdf

Judaism's Take on Male/Female Relations

2009-09-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to speak explicitly in the blog, but if you're interested, this site outlines the laws between male and female marital relations very well (known as the laws of Niddah). A topic they skipped in Hebrew school...

http://www.jewfaq.org/sex.htm#Niddah

Aug 20th - Four Minute Dating for Jewish Young Professionals (20s - 30s)

2009-08-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the event at:
http://www.jewishpro.com/

More Speed Dating Wisdom from Ms. Avi: If you feel at all awkward standing alone at a bar (highly likely given that you're Jewish), bring a friend along because there will most likely be up to 30 mins of "mixing and mingling" before the event starts. Better yet, go speed dating with a friend; that way you'll have someone to hang around the bar with before the dating begins (and it's a lot of fun to gossip about who you met with afterwards). But separate (sit separately) once the dating begins, as to not distract each other with funny faces.

One Last Tip for Him: Men will often times show up to speed dating events in suits thinking..."oh, well she'll think I have a great job and loads of money if I wear a suit." Women actually think that wearing a suit to speed dating is pretentious and more likely than not, he may be compensating. Sorry, but true.

Georgraphically Undesireable?

2009-08-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

My dad told me to live in DC as opposed to NoVa. He said back in the 70's when he was single living in NYC, he wouldn't date girls from Brooklyn. They were GU's, "geographically undesirable." After having lived in Burke (Fairfax) for a year, and Falls Church for 6 months, I have dated plenty of guys in the DC area and only once did a guy back out of asking me out because I was not metro accessible (and what does that tell you about him, that he's cheap, lazy, wasn't too attracted to me). Sure, it's a bit of self-selection and adds to the challenge of dating, but living in NoVa has only positively effected my dating life.

If you're dating a DC playboy, one issue will definitely arise...where do we meet for the date?
If he suggests a place for the date that’s more convenient for him, say “are there any restaurants closer to [insert your location here] we could try.” If he drives, suggest that he pick you up. If he doesn’t drive, then really push for you guys to meet someplace convenient for you near public transportation. A guy who lived in MD (when I lived in VA) suggested that we meet up the a Smithsonian museum in DC for a date. I was truly not attracted to him, and didn't want to waste more than 30 minutes on him, so I said, "sorry I’m really swamped this week, can we do VA?" He agreed.

You may have noticed that many DC playboys do not have cars. Besides going far distances to meet him, avoid getting him into your car and playing chauffeur. Remember, men pick-up and drive women. Men see driving as manly, so don’t emasculate him or scare him with your neurotic Jewish woman driving skills. (exception: my blind grandfather who enjoyed women driving him around his whole life).

After a few dates, you can trade off visiting each other on your respective turfs, but encourage in the beginning that he schlep to you as opposed to the other way around. It’s also a bit of self-selection if he lives far away from you. If he likes you, he’ll make the effort despite the distance. And under no circumstances should you say for a first date, “well, I happen to be coming to DC Saturday night anyway.” Make yourself challenging, and he will stay interested! If he’s not crazy about you, he’ll find a chick who lives closer.

Enjoy dating the DC playboys!
Love, Ms. Avi.

Great Dates in NoVa

2009-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

With so much going on in NoVa and our proximity to DC, there’s many options for great dates…here’s a few ideas :

Concerts: Summer concerts at Nissan Pavilion, Wolf Trap, Reston Town Center (Friday nights), Arlington Draft House
Outdoors: Favorite hikes include Great Falls and Manassas. Try tubing, kayaking, hiking or camping out near Harper's Ferry. Rent a cabins in Shenandoah or Western MD. Drive along scenic Skyline Drive
Cute Towns Nearby: Alexandria, Leesberg, Occoquan
DC has Some Cool Stuff too: Sunset Cruise from Georgetown, Kennedy Center, Screen on the Green in Rosslyn, Fish Market near L'Enfant Plaza
Food: Eden Center in Falls Church (22 Vietnamese Restaurants), Liberty Tavern, Tapas, Cafe Asia
Burke Lake Park: Rent a canoe, play Frisbee golf, go to the driving range, take a 4.5 mile walk around Burke Lake, mini-golf, then grab some ice cream
Dancing: Salsa lessons in Arlington. Country-western line dancing lessons at Nick’s in Alexandria or Ned Devine’s in Centerville. Get out your polo shirts for dancing at Clarendon Ballroom on a Friday night.
Be Jewish: Go to Sixth and I or Adas Israel for a young professionals Shabbat dinner. Go to Friday night or High Holiday services together. Bring her home for your mom's Matzo ball soup. Go to a Purim Carnival or a GesherCity cluster event.
Historical Stuff Downtown: Visit the monuments at the National Mall at night
Sporting Events: Get a Kosher Hot Dog at the Nationals Game. Check out Ovechkin at a Wash Caps Game, or drive up to Baltimore for an Orioles Game. Legg Mason Tennis Classic. DC has some sort of Soccer team I hear (DC United). Oh yeah, Wizards too.

...and if your date goes well
Breakfast: Original Pancake House in Falls Church, Virginia Kitchen in Herndon, IHOP in Ballston, Bob Evans in Springfield

Do not take her to...
The Holocaust Museum cafe on a first date (true story)

Avoiding the Meat Markets

2009-06-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Singles events can sometime feel awkward, forced, and like meat markets. You walk into a room and feel self-conscious feel like you're being judged by everyone (cause, you are). Ms. Avi's advice: join a young professional group that plans activities, and then attend the activities. You don't meet single men/women simply by being on an an e-mail list...you must actually get off the couch and go to events! Not only will you be able to meet other Jewish singles, but you may also make new same-sex friends as well. Two of the most popular DC/NoVA/MD groups are GesherCity and YPK (Young Professionals Kesher).

GesherCity: Join the different “clusters” based on your interests. Interests include the Outdoors, Books, NYC Natives, and Techies. Not all clusters post events on the website, so your best bet is to officially join clusters that interest you and the coordinators will send evites or e-mail the cluster with upcoming events. If you go alone to events, you may be more likely to meet people and will be more approachable to men/women than if you go with a huge group of your girlfriends. Ages: 21-35. People recieve nasty e-mails at 35 saying that they're no longer elidgeable for GesherCity --> but it does serve to keep the single 40 yr old men from hitting on the 20 yr old girls. There are even two clusters for NoVA --> check out the Fairfax Cluster and the Arlington Cluster. Past Fairfax events include, hiking, bowling, camping in Western MD, game night, wine tasting with the Federation, comedy show at the JCCNV, services at Adat Reyim, and country-western dancing.

YPK: BBQ's, happy hours, hikes, baseball games. This group originally from NoVa, has expanded to include DC and MD. They have a wider age range, 20's-30's (which really tranlates into early 40's) so the 21-25 crowd may not feel as comfortable. If you're looking for a close-knit community, YPK has more repeat attendees, so you're more likely to see the same faces again.

Future Posts: Great DC/NoVa Dates, DC Sports Leagues, Dancing

Sunday 6/28 Thirties and Forties Jewish Speed Dating

2009-06-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.prosinthecity.com/index.cfm?CityId=1&action=events#Event8052

For details, click on the link above. This event is not at some loud DC bar. It's at Stacy's Coffee Parlor in Falls Church, VA. Do you have anything better to do on a Sunday night anyway?

Notes for Him: Takes one/two notes about every girl you potentially want to contact after the event. That way if you e-mail her after the event you have something better to say than "hey, it was great meeting you, let's get together." When you message her, write something specific that you remember about her or your 4-minute conversation.

Notes for Her: Men are attracted to bright colors and feminine clothes. Dress as if you're going on a first date at the venue. Once, a women showed up black cocktail dress to Stacy's - completely out of place. A casual dress or skirt works well.