Meet Rachel: Jewish Extrovert of the Week!

by Allison Friedman / October 17, 2018

Rachel Shabad loves being around people, and dreams of hosting a Shabbat dinner with 2 of her favs – John Krasinski and Hillary Clinton. Also, it’s her birthday this week, so be sure to wish her HBD in the comments below.

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Allie: How did you wind up living here?

Rachel: I went to American University where I studied Political Science, and then stayed in DC to pursue a career in politics. I graduated four years ago, so I’ve been here about 8 ½ years. I love it.

Allie: Why have you stayed in DC all these years?

Rachel: I’ve stayed because of the community. The Jewish community, my AU community, and all the different people I’ve met have kept me here. In DC, you meet so many people from around the world.

Allie: What is your perfect DC day?

Rachel: I’d love the weather to be a nice fall day. I enjoy taking day trips out of DC. I’d go apple picking and to a winery, which is what I’m going to be doing for my birthday celebration this weekend. (Editor’s note: Rachel’s birthday is October 23! Wish her a happy birthday in the comments below.)

rachel

Allie: What’s your favorite way to relax at the end of a long day?

Rachel: Meeting up with my best friend and drinking a bottle of wine. I’m super extroverted, so I like being with people and immersing myself into things that will totally distract me from a stressful day. Yesterday, after a long day of work I went to Moishe House Columbia Heights’ Italian Cooking Night, which was really fun! We made our own pasta.

Allie: Who would you invite to join your Shabbat dinner?

Rachel: John Krasinski and Hillary Clinton.

Allie: What’s your favorite Jewish holiday?

Rachel: I love the High Holidays. Every day should include some self-reflection, but when you are doing it as a community, it’s really special. Thinking about the past year together, how we can better ourselves. I’m not big into services; I never went to Hebrew School and never have a Bat Mitzvah, so going to a service is just me memorizing the tunes, and I’m not really sure what it means. I feel more comfortable having a nice dinner to celebrate the Jewish holidays.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

Rachel: I’d love to take a solo trip. I don’t like being alone and love traveling, so I’ve always wanted to face my fears and take a trip and explore a new place by myself.

Allie: When Jews of DC Gather…

Rachel: They gather over wine.

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