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Iron Sharpening Iron: The Art of Jewish Disagreement

Iron Sharpening Iron: The Art of Jewish Disagreement
Jewish tradition holds a long and rich history of sacred disagreement: of questioning, debating, challenging, and refining ideas in the pursuit of deeper understanding. In this gathering, we’ll explore what Judaism teaches about productive disagreement: the balance between conviction and humility, the importance of openness and restraint, and the moments when debate can lose its moral center. Together, we’ll engage with Jewish wisdom and meaningful conversation around how we navigate differences in our relationships, communities, and daily lives. How do we disagree without losing one another? What does it mean to sharpen each other thoughtfully and compassionately, rather than tear each other down? Whether you love spirited discussion or are simply curious about Jewish approaches to dialogue, disagreement, and growth, this gathering offers space for reflection, learning, and authentic conversation in community. No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Silver Spring, Maryland. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline. Sign Up by June 24 the Den Collective serves 20s, 30s, and 40s throughout the Greater Washington Area.

Little Hero Mission Day – Young Family Day

Little Hero Mission Day – Young Family Day
Young Leadership D.C. invites you to a Little Hero Mission day – A fun day for families in the D.C. Area. Join us for a joyful and meaningful event, with a lively atmosphere, exciting activities for children, including face painting, games, and much more. Parents can relax and connect while enjoying Israeli snacks, coffee, and vibrant Israeli music. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together, meet other young families, and celebrate community in a warm and welcoming setting. This event will be hosted in the Bethesda, Maryland area. Tickets and contributions are non-refundable. Friends of the IDF is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Questions? YLDC@fidf.org

Lunch + Learn Shabbat Potluck: Queer Torah

Lunch + Learn Shabbat Potluck: Queer Torah
Join us for a Shabbat Lunch + Learn gathering where we will explore stories of beauty, intimacy, and connection within Jewish tradition. Together, we’ll dive into teachings and legends surrounding Rabbi Yochanan, whose extraordinary beauty became the subject of fascination throughout the Talmud, and explore the deep bond he shared with his spiritual partner and closest companion. Were they simply dear friends and study partners, or could there have been something romantic to their connection? Through conversation, reflection, and shared learning, we’ll consider how queer readings can open new possibilities within Jewish tradition and help us encounter familiar stories in new and meaningful ways. We’ll gather over a relaxed, potluck-style Shabbat lunch, creating space for thoughtful discussion, curiosity, and connection in community. This gathering is open to those who identify as LGBTQIA+. No prior learning experience necessary. This gathering will take place in Northwest DC. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline. Sign Up by June 3 the Den Collective serves 20s, 30s, and 40s throughout the Greater Washington Area.

Brews with Jews (20s and 30s)

Brews with Jews (20s and 30s)
Join us for a casual night out at the Brookeville Beer Farm with other Jewish adults. Welcome to singles, interfaith families, LGBTQ+ families, and households of every shape and story! Your first beer or soda is on us; pizza and other food is available for purchase. RSVP to rabbikobey@gmail.com to claim your drink ticket. The Beer Farm is located at 20315A Georgia Avenue, just north of Olney.

NextUp Beth El Jewish Young Professionals Happy Hour

NextUp Beth El Jewish Young Professionals Happy Hour
Come toast the start of summer with NextUp Beth El! Join other Jewish 20s and 30s at BabyCat Brewery. We’ll have some drinks and light bites to get things going. Connect with new and familiar faces - bring a friend - all are welcome! RSVP at https://www.bethelmc.org/nextup-happyhour

Interfaith Couples Workshop

Interfaith Couples Workshop
Growing as a Jewish/Christian Couple Our interfaith couples workshop is a four-part series for partners seeking to learn about life as an interfaith couple, celebrating both Jewish and Christian traditions. Participants might be dating, engaged, or married, with or without children. The workshop is led by IFFP’s clergy, Rev. Samantha Gonzalez-Block, Reverend and Christian Spiritual Leader, Rabbi Debbie Reichmann, Rabbi and Jewish Spiritual Advisor, and Father Michael Kelly of St. Martin of Tours, in Washington, D.C. We are also honored to be joined by author and long-time IFFP member Susan Katz Miller, the author of Being Both: Embracing Two Religions in One Interfaith Family and The Interfaith Family Journal. Make sure to check out Susan Katz Miller’s blog, On Being Both, where you can find valuable stories about her journey in the world of interfaith families. This series is progressive, with each session building upon the previous ones. It’s essential to attend all sessions for the full benefit. The cost for a couple to participate is $350.00. Moreover, as part of the curriculum, we will be using Sue Katz Miller’s “The Interfaith Family Journal,” and you’ll need to buy a copy (approximately $16) to follow along with the course. Questions? Call (301) 770-6337 or email info@iffp.org.

Israel’s Eurovision Secrets: Songs, Stories & Surprises

Israel’s Eurovision Secrets: Songs, Stories & Surprises
🎤✨ Israel’s Eurovision Secrets: Songs, Stories & Surprises ✨🎤 🗓 Thursday, May 14 | 🕡 6:30–7:30 PM Eurovision is so much more than a song contest. It’s iconic moments, unforgettable music, and stories that reflect an entire society 💫 Join us for a special musical evening as we dive into the behind-the-scenes of the Eurovision Song Contest — uncovering the secrets, surprises, and stories you probably didn’t know 🇮🇱 🎶 Together we’ll explore: • What Eurovision songs reveal about Israeli society • The songs that didn’t win — but became legendary • Israel’s very first Eurovision victory • And the big question… could Israel win this year? 👀 If you love music, culture, and meaningful conversations — this is for you. 💥 Free admission | RSVP required 👉 Register here: https://thej.org/event/israels-eurovision-secrets/

From the USSR to American Campuses: The Roots of Today’s Antizionist Discourse

From the USSR to American Campuses: The Roots of Today’s Antizionist Discourse
Join us for an eye-opening program exploring how Soviet antizionist ideas continue to shape the language and dynamics of anti-Israel discourse today. The evening will begin with a short documentary, A Special Russian Truth, which traces the origins of today’s anti-Israel rhetoric to a decades-long Soviet campaign of antisemitic propaganda developed by the KGB and disseminated worldwide.