Ellen’s story in the vibrant Jewish community of the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) is a testament to connection, enthusiasm, and the joyful expression of Jewish life. From her work in political advocacy to her passion for tap dance and building bridges through interfaith dialogue, Ellen embodies a dynamic and engaging spirit that resonates deeply within her community. We sat down with Ellen outside Tatte Bakery on Connecticut Avenue to explore her experiences and discover what makes her Jewish journey in the DMV so unique.
Ellen at Tatte Bakery, enjoying a conversation outdoors
Originally from North Carolina, Ellen’s move to DC a year ago was driven by her interest in political engagement and a position at the Religious Action Center, the policy arm of the Reform movement. Drawn to the city’s political energy, she quickly found that DC offered more than just professional opportunities. The city’s inherent dynamism and constant activity perfectly suited her energetic personality.
What truly solidified her place in the DMV was the immediate sense of community she cultivated. “I love DC,” Ellen shares, “I love living in a city and not needing a car… I’m someone who likes having all my time filled, and that’s really easy to do in a city where there’s so many things going on.” Connecting with others who were also new to the area, Ellen built a strong network of friends, exploring the city together and creating a supportive environment. This sense of belonging was crucial, transforming DC from just a location into a true home.
For Ellen, the Jewish community in the DMV blossomed through GatherDC events and the warmth of Shabbat dinners. Growing up in North Carolina, Jewish social circles were less prevalent, making her DMV experience particularly enriching. “This is the first time in my life where I have a solid Jewish community that is social,” she explains. Her open and outgoing nature further expanded her network. “You have a friend of a friend? Connect them to me. I’ll come hang out,” she laughs, illustrating her eagerness to connect and build relationships within the Jewish community and beyond.
Ellen participating in a rally for abortion rights, holding a sign
This extroverted energy is a defining characteristic of Ellen’s approach to life. “I consider myself an extreme extrovert, so I recharge by being around other people,” she says. This desire for connection led her to Abrahamic House, an interfaith collaborative living space. The house brings together individuals from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds, fostering understanding and friendship across religious lines. As the Jewish fellow in the house, Ellen is actively involved in hosting community events aimed at bridging divides through shared experiences and conversations.
“Abrahamic House is an interfaith, collaborative house,” Ellen elaborates. “Having strong relationships and friendships can help surpass and overcome the political or religious divides that you see in other areas of life… the house is built around that model.” Living with Muslim and Christian fellows, Ellen finds herself in a unique environment where religion, friendship, and social engagement intersect. The residents collaboratively host three community events each month, allowing for creative exploration of interfaith dialogue and community building. For Ellen, Abrahamic House is a natural extension of her desire to connect people and create meaningful experiences.
Ellen and her fellow residents at Abrahamic House, fostering interfaith community
Ellen’s vision for community extends to her passions for music and performance. She envisions events like a cafe open mic night or an interfaith music showcase, celebrating the beauty of religious music from different traditions, including the rich musical heritage of Judaism. Her enthusiasm bubbles over as she describes her dream of hosting a large Passover Seder, especially for those who have never experienced one before, aiming to share Jewish traditions and celebrations with a wider circle.
Growing up in the South, Ellen often found herself introducing Jewish culture and traditions to those unfamiliar with them. This experience has shaped her desire to create inclusive and welcoming spaces. “Throughout my life, growing up in the South, not around a lot of Jewish people, there’s been a theme of bringing people who have not had Jewish experiences or proximity to Jewishness together, and having those people experience those things for the first time. I love doing that,” she reflects.
Beyond her interfaith and community work, Ellen’s artistic side shines through her volunteer work at the Sitar Arts Center in Adams Morgan. Her lifelong love for the arts, from musical theater to tap dance, led her to teach tap classes and co-teach musical theater. This involvement connects her passion for performance with community engagement, sharing her skills and enthusiasm with others.
Ellen enjoying the outdoors, surrounded by lily pads on a lake
Despite her many talents, Ellen jokingly admits to being “bad at sports,” playfully declaring Volo Sports “against her morals.” However, her strengths lie in her adaptability and zest for life. Reflecting on recent changes – a new job, a new home, and travel – Ellen expresses pride in her ability to embrace change and thrive in new environments. “I’ve jumped in head-first with meeting new people and doing events and keeping a packed schedule – in the best way – and it’s been going really well. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to adjust to this new period with ease. It’s all working out and the puzzle pieces are coming together.”
Ellen appreciates the often-overlooked passion and commitment of people in DC. While the city is known for its hustle, she sees a deeper dedication that extends beyond work into hobbies and personal interests. This vibrant energy, combined with a strong sense of community, is what makes the DMV so special for Ellen.
Ellen with her colleagues at the Religious Action Center, working collaboratively
If Ellen could invite anyone to Shabbat dinner, her guests would include Eleanor Roosevelt, Stevie Nicks, and her great-grandmother – a diverse and fascinating group reflecting her interests in politics, music, and family history. When asked to complete the sentence, “When Jews of the DMV gather…”, Ellen’s immediate and joyful response is, “They gather at Abrahamic House!”
Ellen’s journey in the DMV Jewish community is a vibrant dance of connection, community building, and joyful engagement. Her story exemplifies the dynamic spirit of Jewish life in the DMV, driven by passion, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to building bridges and celebrating community.
