Evan is the kind of guy your Bubbe dreams you’ll bring home to Passover seder: he loves Debbie Friedman, Chicken Matzo Ball Soup, and playing Bridge with his family. He’ll also keep you on your toes with his expert Poker playing skills and not-so-secret obsession for White Ford Bronco concerts. Get to know this mensch (Yiddish for “person of integrity”) with our exclusive 1:1 interview!
Allie: What motivated you to work in DC government?
Evan: I’ve always been interested in government affairs and understanding how politics and business can work together. When I graduated from the University of Maryland 8 years ago, I got a job at a trade association that represents the world’s 200 largest global companies in the US. Today, I’m breaking Millennial barriers because I’ve been here for 8 years.
Allie: What do you love about Jewish DC?
Evan: The DC Jewish community has given me so many platforms to find new friends in a city that’s very transient. It’s been such a blessing for me to build new relationships with awesome people across the city. It’s also pretty cool that in DC, if you wanted to, you could go to a Jewish event every single night of the week.
Allie: We hear you volunteer for the group JNFuture…tell me a little bit about that.
Evan: In 2011, myself and two friends – Corey Jacobson and Danielle Traub – created JNFuture in Washington, DC. JNF works to grow and develop Israel from all different angles – planting trees, ensuring water availability, building bomb shelters, etc. For four years, I worked with Mindy Reinstein to connect young professionals to JNF’s work. The highlight for me was planning Anchor DC for two years – a big Saturday night party on a boat along the Potomac River to celebrate JNF’s tremendous work on the water.
Allie: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Evan: Spain, because I’m working on my Spanish and because I’m a foodie.
Allie: What’s your favorite Jewish food?
Evan: I’m in love with Chicken Matzo Ball soup!
Allie: What’s do you like to do for fun in DC?
Evan: When its nice weather here, I love to grab brunch with friends in awesome outdoor spaces, and spend nights rocking out to 90s cover music with my favorite band White Ford Bronco.
Allie: Who is your Jewish role model?
Evan: My parents – they’ve created a wonderful environment bringing Judaism into our homes, and filling our lives with ruach. My parents hosted Shabbats regularly, never missed an opportunity to celebrate the Jewish holidays, and on Sunday mornings my mom frequently played Debbie Friedman songs.
Allie: Any surprising facts about yourself?
Evan: I’ve been a card shark my whole life. My father taught me how to play Bridge when I was in fifth grade. Today, I play a lot of poker and spades.
Allie: Complete the sentence: When Jews of DC Gather…
Evan: It leads to new friends and memories.
