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Andrew and I meet up at a Clarendon Starbucks one sizzling afternoon. Over black tea and iced coffee, we chat about Andrew’s love for Northern Virginia, his advocacy work across the Commonwealth, giving tours at the Capital Jewish Museum, and the value of knowing exactly what a “good quality of life” looks like for you.
Samuel: What brought you to the DMV?
Andrew: I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. I moved to Charlottesville, Virginia and lived there for six years because of my dad’s previous job. Living in Charlottesville, it was a small community. I worked on political campaigns there, and I went to community college there, but there weren’t really opportunities for me to socialize because it was such a small community. I wanted to live in Northern Virginia because I knew there would be more people to be around, to have friends and a better social life. I’m on the autism spectrum; it’s important for me to have a good social life and good quality of life.
My parents are Jewish. All through my upbringing, it was important for me – and I wanted – to attend services. I enjoy listening to the songs, singing, and praying. I feel like it connects me to God. Plus, there are more job opportunities for me around here in areas that I’m interested in. That’s why I decided to come up to Northern Virginia.
Samuel: What has your Jewish community looked like these past few years?
Andrew: I met some people at a GatherDC event a year and a half ago. They told me about Moishe House Arlington, so I went there, and did a lot of their events throughout the year. I also go to Mesorah DC – I really enjoy their services with Rabbi Teitelbaum. Then, I also go to Chabad in Dupont Circle once a month, for their young Jewish professionals events. It’s always a blast there.
Samuel: What do you like about Mesorah DC?
Andrew: There’s a great atmosphere. The people are very nice, and it’s very welcoming, and there’s always a great dinner. It’s nice too that the services are in Hebrew but with English transliteration.
Samuel: What else is feeling alive in your personal Jewish practice?
Andrew: My family is close by to the area. They moved to Falls Church, and we hang out quite a bit to celebrate the holidays and all that. I also celebrate holidays with my friend group. We go to services. We had Passover dinner at my parents’ house, and I invited a couple of friends over. It was really great!
Also, I’m at the Capital Jewish Museum. I work for Hally as a part-time tour guide. I take people around three exhibits – there’s a script that I’ve memorized. I enjoy seeing the different people who come to the museum. You never know who is going to come in.
Samuel: Do you have a favorite exhibit?
Andrew: I like the historic sanctuary and synagogue. It’s cool that it’s been moved three times over the course of its life as a structure.
Samuel: Your friends seem really important to you. How did you connect with them?
Andrew: Basically, it was through Moishe House. I kept seeing the same people over and over again at these various events, and became friendly with them – and now they’re my closest friends! A lot of them go to Chabad, Mesorah, and Moishe House, and we hang out on the weekends. It’s really great going to a lot of social events in DC and NoVA together.
Samuel: Do you feel like your DC and NoVA communities are separate at all?
Andrew: It’s one community all together. DC and NoVA may be separate states, but it’s all one home in the DMV. That’s really important for my quality of life. I’m having my best social life right now. I used to live in Alexandria, but I moved close to the metro in Ballston. It’s nice – it’s fifteen minutes to get into the city, and I can ride home with my friends as well.
Samuel: You’ve used that phrase “good quality of life” a few times – how do you define that? What’s really important to you?
Andrew: I’m looking to continue with my friend group. I’m also exploring dating. I participated with Luv with Lev, and I’m in their matchmaking database. Honestly, I think there’s a need in the DMV for people to connect with each other and have more opportunities. I like that Miriam’s making this system for people to go to events and meet people.
It’s also important for me to put myself out there. I feel great having good conversations with people one at a time – that’s how I can build friendships and be able to interact with people who have common interests with me.
Samuel: You’ve been involved in disability advocacy spaces recently. What is that work like?
Andrew: Yeah! I connected with The Arc of Northern Virginia. I rode the bus down twice to Richmond to do advocacy for people with disabilities, advocating for the Medicaid waiver. It’s important. I receive a lot of services that improve my quality of life, and I want to be able to make an impact for people with disabilities in the future. Going to Capitol Hill and Richmond to lobby was a lot of fun, and I’m really enthusiastic about meeting politicians and doing this work on campaigns.
Samuel: Okay, a couple quick ones to close. Why should people be spending more time in Northern Virginia?
Andrew: We just have a good vibe in Arlington! I really like Clarendon a lot. I go once a week to Clarendon to meet with my coach, and I really like the neighborhood – there’s a Barnes & Noble, a Starbucks, a Trader Joe’s…I go shopping here once a week, and it’s right on the metro.
Samuel: I feel like everyone who shops at Trader Joe’s has strong opinions about their frozen food. What’s your go-to?
Andrew: Great question. Orange chicken. I eat it every Tuesday night. It’s so good.
Samuel: What are you feeling proud about right now?
Andrew: My social life! I have many friends, and that’s really important for me to be happy. I just took a trip with my buddies to Delaware over the 4th of July. I enjoyed that because it was a great experience for me to become more independent and have a good sense of connection and community.
Samuel: You’re hosting Shabbat dinner and can invite any three people. Who are you bringing?
Andrew: JFK. I think he was a great president. Obama, because he’s such a great orator. And then…who else? Probably Lincoln.
Samuel: Finish the sentence: When Jews of the DMV gather…
Andrew: It’s really amazing. Everyone comes together. I think it’s important for us to have good social and spiritual lives. I’m always saying to my parents: I want to go to services, and have friends, and I really want to have a girlfriend one day. I feel like in DC there’s such a great vibe and market for all of us, and it’s important to be in a place where I can connect my spirituality, my religion, and my social life, and to have that connection to Judaism.
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