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David and I stop in at La Colombe one frigid afternoon. We chat about David’s improv ensemble, moving to DC from Milwaukee, the “primal needs” you should meet as a host, distance from and closeness to Jewish community, and the musicians he’d like to see at his Shabbat table.
Samuel: What brought you to the DMV?
David: Short story: my job. But, long story, I have family in the area, so I grew up visiting from Milwaukee, and I always liked it out here. Between my sophomore and junior years of college, I did an internship [in DC] that I could best describe as a domestic study-abroad program. We lived on GW’s campus, took classes, and all had different internships throughout the city. It was so much fun, and everyone I met was so interesting, intelligent, and driven. I was like: If everybody in DC is like this, this is a spot I want to end up in.
Samuel: What’s kept you over the past three years?
David: DC has met my expectations and then some. My temperament is better suited for a smaller city. It has the arts and culture, the history…and the people! I’ve met tons with fascinating stories.
Samuel: How has DC exceeded expectations?
David: The people I’ve met here have been very generous with their time, their energy, and what they’re willing to give. I’ve learned so much about my career and relationships.
It’s funny, I talk about my expectations, but a lot of my DC experience has been about resetting and reconfiguring them. We’re all busy people. But there’s other ways of maintaining contact with people and recognizing that their friendship might not give you everything, but it gives you something. I’ve realized that I’m happier by widening my circle and keeping up with small touches – a text message here and there.
Samuel: What is your personal Jewish community like?
David: It’s fascinating to me because, growing up, I went to Sunday school, I had my Bar Mitzvah…but I hated it at the time. I feel like a lot of it went over my head, and I didn’t feel that I understood what some of my teachers were trying to instill. It was only when I moved out and was trying to make my own space that I started to lean more on my Jewish community. You’re in a new place and you take a step back, like: What have I enjoyed before? What will bring me fulfillment now?
And so I started reaching out. I did the Basically Jewish class at Sixth & I, met some great friends, and just kept going. The Jewish community is always active, no matter where I go. You can choose to be as plugged-in or as distant, for lack of a better word, as you need, and they’re always willing to welcome you back.
Samuel: What else is feeling alive for you Jewishly?
David: I was feeling a lot of ennui. Things were alright, but they could be better, you know? I spoke to a rabbi, and they recommended The Amen Effect by Rabbi Sharon Brous. There were a lot of stories in there that resonated for me about just showing up. I was really struck by the idea that a form of empathy can be presence. Brous really articulated everything that I’d been thinking and feeling in the back of my mind.
Samuel: Changing gears. You are active in the DC improv scene. How did that come to be?
David: I grew up performing. I started playing piano at age five, then saxophone, and singing, and guitar – that was my pandemic project. I did high school theater. And then, when I came to DC, I did choir for a bit, but eventually started looking for something else to do. I had a friend who was doing improv in Milwaukee, and he said to me: You should do this, you would absolutely love it. I started taking classes, immediately became engrossed, and now I’m on a team. It’s made me think about where I find the people that I enjoy being around. These people are all so silly, which is my kind of people.
Samuel: How has your improv practice seeped into other areas of your life?
David: For me, it’s affected my ability to be confident in starting a conversation with somebody, continuing that conversation, picking up on body language clues, and being like: Oh, they’re interested in this. Let’s dig into that further.
Samuel: What does someone reading this who isn’t familiar with improv need to know?
David: Oh, God, I’m going to sound like I’m really pitching improv. I think improv is one of the few spaces where people are allowed to be goofy and let their imagination go wild. I mean, there’s a reason people go out to it. When I watch skilled improvisers – or when I devour a book, or when I see an amazing musician perform – there’s almost a separation in my mind. How am I the same species as this person? What they’ve done is nothing short of incredible to me!
Samuel: I’ve heard you’re a good cook. Do you have a go-to dish that guests expect?
David: I wouldn’t say a dish; it’s more about event-planning than anything else. Half the joy of being in a social situation is being able to provide the simple, primal things. Putting the effort in says that I care very deeply about these people and that I love them. I [want to be] picking up on what excites people and lights them up inside, and I take great pleasure in showing it.
Samuel: A couple quick ones to close. You can bring any three people to Shabbat dinner. Who are you bringing?
David: I’d definitely be inviting musicians, so I’ll start with Amy Winehouse. She wrote some of the saddest and most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. Maggie Rogers too, as I’m obsessed with her right now. And lastly, Prince. I went to school in Minneapolis, and I’ve been to Paisley Park. Even if you took away all his talent, he still had an insane work ethic, and unabashedly lived his life. He wanted to show everyone his life’s work. That’s what I want my legacy to be – to have an impact on the people around me and be able to share it with them.
Samuel: Last one. Finish the sentence: When Jews of the DMV gather…
David: Home is found.
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