Meet Becca Gittleson: world traveler, Moishe House Bethesda resident, and… acrobat!? Whether it’s exploring a new place or learning aerial hoop, Becca is always excited to try new things. Read on to discover more about Becca!
GatherDC: What brought you to the DMV and what made you stay?
Becca: I grew up in the area, but I went to college in Ohio. After graduating I decided not to come back to the DMV and I had a very unusual first job. I worked on cruise ships doing art auctions and selling fine art on board. It was a crazy job to have but traveling is something I love, and working on cruise ships allowed me to explore a ton of different places! The only continent I haven’t been to yet other than Antarctica is South America. But after all that traveling I really wanted to be closer to home and family so I came back to the DMV.
GatherDC: Wow, that’s a really incredible first job! What are some of your favorite places you’ve traveled?
Becca: My absolute favorite place I’ve traveled to is Japan. I’ve always loved the food, the fashion, and the culture. Another place I loved visiting was India. My gift to myself after I graduated was taking myself on a trip to India. I went for three weeks and stayed with one of my friends’ family and got to fully immerse myself and get to know the area really well.
GatherDC: Back to the DMV for a bit now: could you describe your dream day in the DMV from start to finish?
Becca: The day would start with running or biking to Georgetown on the Capital Crescent Trail. Then I would have brunch. If the weather is nice, I would get bagels and have a picnic outside. Afterwards, I would head out to one of DC’s amazing modern art museums. Then, I would walk around with a friend in the Adams Morgan area. I love going to thrift stores and exploring. Dinner would be sushi and then after we would head to Dupont Underground for a show. The day would end with me and my friends relaxing on the couch together watching a movie.
GatherDC: What is one thing that you can’t get through the day without?
Becca: Chocolate! I already had chocolate M&Ms today.
Gather DC: What is something about you that might surprise people?
Becca: I think I have a really unique hobby. I am super passionate about Lyra, also known as aerial hoop. If you’ve ever been to the circus there’s usually someone in a giant metal hoop that’s extended from the ceiling. That’s what I do.
GatherDC: That’s incredible! How did you get into doing aerial hoop?
Becca: I’ve always been someone who loves trying new things, especially when it comes to working out. I booked a Lyra class for my birthday party a couple years ago and it was so much fun! I had such a great time that I decided to start taking classes at Pole Pressure.
GatherDC: How does it feel when you are in the hoop?
Becca: When I’m in the hoop I feel invincible. It’s not exactly like flying but there is a feeling of letting loose. It’s such a unique feeling of freedom.
GatherDC: Besides hanging out in a suspended hoop what do you do to relax or for fun?
Becca: I really like to hang out with my friends and entertain. For me, it’s relaxing to make decorations and do all the little pieces that go into creating a themed event. Also I’m always on the phone with friends and family. Talking to the people I care about is always relaxing.
GatherDC: Could you tell me a little more about your life as a Moishe House Bethesda Resident?
Becca: It’s a lot of fun! I love being part of creating a community. Even though I had lived in this area before, I hadn’t gotten to know the young Jewish professional community until I came to Moishe House. Once I became aware of all that Jewish DC has to offer I had this whole new world to explore. It’s also really nice to help people who are new to DC or just trying to find new friends in the area. [Editor’s note: Check out what’s happening at Moishe House Bethesda here!]
GatherDC: Do you have a favorite Jewish tradition or cultural experience?
Becca: I would say Passover is my favorite holiday. I have a big family and I love that we would always get together for Passover. I have memories of going to my aunt’s house and helping her put together songbooks and prep all the different foods. When I was younger, my family and I would do Passover skits. It was really cute and goofy, but a lot of fun. I’ve been super fortunate in my life that there’ve been so many people and traditions, like getting together for the holidays with family, that have really given me a support system.
GatherDC: Last question! Complete the sentence — When the Jews of DC gather…
Becca: There’s no better place!
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