Cory: I’m from Marblehead, Massachusetts and came to DC for a job with AIPAC after graduating from the University of Wisconsin. I’ve been here ever since—coming up on eight years now. When I first moved here, a lot of people said that DC is a great place to start your career, but that you’ll probably only be here for two or three years and then go back home or go somewhere else. But I obviously haven’t left. I live in Navy Yard now and it’s such a fun area to live in. It seems like there’s a new restaurant or bar opening every month—and it feels like a new city that’s still within view of the Capitol.
Cory: I would start with a small breakfast and go for a bike ride for an hour or two around Hains Point, the National Mall, and into Maryland or Virginia. Then, I would either have a coffee and a bagel sandwich from Call Your Mother, which is a classic, or grab a burger and a beer from Duke’s Grocery. In the afternoon I’d swing by Atlas Brew Works in Navy Yard before watching the Nats play—and then cap it off at a speakeasy on 14th Street.
Cory: I’ve gotten into cycling during the pandemic. I’ve been a runner for most of my life, but found that the DMV is a great place to ride. So I’ve been having fun discovering new trails and roads into Maryland and Virginia. I’m also into the Peloton when the weather isn’t as great, so both indoor and outdoor cycling have become outlets for me.
I’m also a big sports fan, whether that’s going to a game in person or watching any of the four Boston sports teams. Sports have always been a way for me to de-stress, even if New England sports sometimes bring stresses of their own.
Cory: I’m a Red Sox fan at heart. Baseball was my sport growing up. I love watching the Red Sox and watch as often as I can. But I’m a fan of all Boston sports teams—Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox—if a game is on, I try to watch it.
Cory: If you start in DC you can go for a long way up into Maryland and see some really beautiful parts of the area. I do a lot of riding on the roads but there’s also the C & O Canal, and the Capital Crescent Trail which you can pick up in Georgetown and take a long way for some scenic riding. We live in a pretty amazing area for fitness in general, so whether you’re a runner or a biker, or whether you want to go five miles or fifty miles, you can see some great things along the way.
Cory: I have two—my parents. I grew up in a very strong and proudly Jewish household. My dad is the rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead, MA. And from my earliest years, my parents instilled in me a deep love, pride, and commitment to Judaism. I attended Jewish day school, made Shabbat around our family table each week, and learned from parents who are leaders in the community. Living that experience, being in the spotlight as a family unit, and watching how my parents’ humble leadership has helped create meaningful Jewish experiences for countless families over the years continues to inspire me every day.
Cory: I’d love to do the Israel Ride that goes from Jerusalem to Eilat. It’s five days and around three hundred miles, and you ride in a team with people from all over the world and camp along the way. Being able to see Israel in such a unique way and do a significant fitness challenge at the same time would be great.
Cory: You’re guaranteed to have mutual friends.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this blog and on this website are solely those of the original authors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the organization GatherDC, the GatherDC staff, the GatherDC board, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
