The GatherDC blog strives to present a holistic portrait of the DMV’s Jewish community, sharing a wide variety of Jewish voices and perspectives. If you have a 20- or 30-something to nominate as our Jewish Person of the Week or for a Spotted in Jewish DMV feature, please email us!
Alejandro and I meet one rainy summer afternoon at Compass Coffee. Over tea and cold brew, we chat about Alejandro’s work organizing this year’s NJB+ Pageant, DC as a city that “runs on extracurriculars,” hosting and cooking as a meaningful Jewish practice, interior design as personal expression, and what song Alejandro knows will play at his funeral.
Samuel: What brought you to the DMV?
Alejandro: I have a lot of family in the area. I grew up in Puerto Rico with a lot of family, so that [continued] proximity to family was really important. I also wanted to be in a place known for having a really active Queer community, and a place where I wouldn’t freeze in winter.
Samuel: You’ve been here since 2019. What’s kept you in the area?
Alejandro: There’s always this influx of people coming in. There’s energy and reinvention – I’ve been able to try out new things, whether that’s a gay dinner club, a kickball team…it’s a city that runs on extracurriculars. There’s always a way to connect with people and tap into community here. I didn’t really have a learning curve when I moved here.
Samuel: Why do you think that was?
Alejandro: DC feels very curated. Some people really thrive off the energy of a city like New York, but I found it to be overwhelming. DC is manageable. I like that I can just run into people; for me, that’s a sign that you’re in a community. It’s a positive feedback loop, where if you’re outgoing and make the effort, you can connect with people and all these different opportunities, like NJB+.
Samuel: I know the NJB+ Pageant is coming up. Tell me about them and how you got involved.
Alejandro: I’m very fortunate to be the Membership Chair of NJB+, which is a Queer Jewish group for individuals in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. We’re really just a home for folks to go and connect with each other. We do a lot of social programming. During the pandemic, we did Kabbalat Shabbat, so we’re always adapting to make sure we meet the needs of our members. It helped me out a lot because when I first got [to the DMV], I was able to meet people I love.
Then, we do a yearly fundraiser, raising money for different charities. It’s a talent show. I competed in 2022, and it was so much fun. What I love about DC and NJB+ is that I’ve been able to become a version of myself that I never thought was possible – the confidence, the kindness, learning about myself. I can’t compete every year, but I wanted to provide that platform for other people to have that experience being authentically Jewish and authentically Queer.
I think a lot about the event planning that I do, and how it’s been a way for me to connect with a lot of people. I have a friend, Daniel Bishop, who sadly passed away, and a lot of our friendship was built around wanting to build community, learn about ourselves, and be able to translate that work that we do into a space where anybody can go in and feel comfortable. This year at the pageant, I’m going to be wearing an orange headband to honor his memory; I’ve never met someone who had so much energy and love to give. He was just so funny, and easily the most interesting and fascinating person I’ve ever met.
Samuel: Outside of your work with NJB+, what else is resonating for you Jewishly right now?
Alejandro: I love being able to host people for Shabbat. Cooking is how I connect with my Mom, my Grandma, and my other Grandma, who have all passed away. It’s a way for me to nurture and feed people. There’s nothing more special than for me to say: What’s something that I can make for you? I made chicken marsala for Daniel when he came to visit me a couple of months ago. To be able to make a meal for someone to heal is nice – and Judaism provides that space.
What I love about Judaism is there’s no wrong way to be Jewish.
Samuel: I talked recently with someone who referred to Judaism as a mosaic.
Alejandro: Precisely. It’s not this way or the highway. I think about the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac, the G-d of Jacob. Every one of our patriarchs and matriarchs had their own relationship with G-d. Our understanding of the world is finite. For us to say that we understand G-d completely…that’s not how I see it.
My understanding of G-d will continue to evolve. Based on their life experiences, everyone has a different understanding. That’s part of the beauty of the mosaic.
Samuel: A few quick ones to close. What’s something you’re feeling accomplished about right now?
Alejandro: I’ve been learning about interior design and helping my friends out. I actually just got dinner with some friends who were moving into a new place and looking to spice it up. I loved being able to have a conversation with them and help them discover what their style is. The space you’re in helps you set a mood. Like, for example, I want people to feel comfortable, to feel like they’re flying first class, when they visit me – I always have hot towels.
Samuel: If someone is interested in interior design, what do you suggest as an entry point?
Alejandro: I just found a really good YouTuber called Noah Daniel. He’s Jewish, and gay, and explains things very well – he has an ASMR voice. With interior design, the basic thing is: Make a Pinterest board of things, spaces, colors, textures that you enjoy. Your space should be a reflection of who you are. It should feel curated. When someone goes into my apartment, they should know that I live there.
I have conversation starters and keepsakes. There was a Leaning Tower of Pisa that belonged to my grandmother. My Mom had a little Arc de Triomphe souvenir. I don’t know where they got them, but it’s a good way to know that my Mom and Grandma might not be here, but they are part of my journey. Every time I’m making a meal for someone, I feel like they’re there with me.
Samuel: What’s something you’re bad at?
Alejandro: Sarcasm.
Samuel: What’s something in the DMV that you think deserves more shine?
Alejandro: The Ethiopian food. My go-to is this hole-in-the-wall deli and family-run restaurant, Habesha Market.
Samuel: You’re hosting Shabbat dinner and can invite any three people. Who are you bringing?
Alejandro: Robin Williams. I’ve always loved Mrs. Doubtfire; it’s a movie that’s stuck with me since childhood. I love him and every movie he’s been in. I was going through photo albums at my Dad’s house and I randomly found a photo of me with Robin Williams, as a child. I had no recollection of meeting him. I have a slightly better haircut now.
Lady Gaga would be interesting as well. Let’s be real: I want “Alejandro” to play at my funeral. Her songs have marked the passage of time for me, and I love her creativity.
And then, I love watching Emeril Legasse, but I feel like Emeril and Robin Williams is too much chaos in the room. I need some balance. I’d invite Melissa Clark from the New York Times.
Samuel: Last one. Finish the sentence: When Jews of the DMV gather…
Alejandro: We have fun!
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.
