We recently caught up with Jacob! Jacob is an intrepid traveler, basketball fan, and loves to build Jewish community wherever he goes. Keep reading to learn more about Jacob’s next adventures!
GatherDC: What brought you to DC and what made you stay?
Jacob: I moved to DC for a job that required me to be near the Navy Yard. I stayed because of all the incredible people I have met thus far and all the great experiences I’ve had in DC and Virginia (yes, Arlington can be fun too!). One thing I love about DC is how easy it is to get to different locations whether it’s by biking or taking the Metro. One thing I would change about DC is the taxes (lol), but actually, I would like to see more clothing stores for guys, I noticed there are not that many!
GatherDC: Describe your dream day in the DMV from start to finish!
Jacob: My dream day in the DMV starts out with going to Unwind in AdMo for a massage and then walking over to the gluten-free bakery called Rise. From there I’d probably spend some time in Logan Circle reading and enjoying the nice weather. Later at night I would probably invite some friends out for a drink at a rooftop bar or go to a concert in the area. At the end of a long week, I enjoy catching up with friends over a meal or playing basketball or golf with some friends. Anything that involves spending time outside is how I unwind.
GatherDC: What’s been your favorite Jewish tradition or cultural reference/experience?
Jacob: My favorite Jewish experience up to this point has been traveling to Poland to learn about the history of the Holocaust and visit several concentration camps. I should clarify that this was not a fun experience but I learned so much on the trip and was able to bond with other Jews from across the states; shortly thereafter we went to Israel and that was a great time.
GatherDC: Wow, that sounds intense! How would you say you connect to your Jewish community while you’re at home?
Jacob: At the moment I connect with the Jewish community by going to Shabbat services at Sixth & I and trying my best to not use my phone/laptop during Shabbat. I’m not perfect, but I do my best to unplug and relax.
GatherDC: Do you have a Jewish role model? If so, who and why?
Jacob: I have had several Jewish role models in my life. One that comes to mind is a formerBBYO [editor’s note: BBYO is a pluralistic Jewish teen movement with chapters across North America and in 60 countries] Director for the Ohio Northern Region back when I was in high school. He was a role model to me because he knew how to empower kids to achieve the vision they had for their youth group chapter. He passed away a few years ago but his memory lives on in many people’s lives.
GatherDC: If you could invite any three people to your Shabbat dinner, who would they be and why?
Jacob: This is a hard one. I’m a die-hard Cleveland Sports fan so I would invite Lebron James, then probably Marcus Aurelias (former Roman Emperor) because of his work on philosophy and meditation, and lastly, Kendrick Lamar, because I really like his music and he is one of the most respected rappers out there.
GatherDC: If you could learn one new personal skill this year, what would it be and why?
Jacob: I’ve been thinking about this one a lot this year. I would like to learn how to ballroom dance. A friend recommended it and it’s outside my comfort zone so I’d like to try it.
GatherDC: Would you rather be the smartest or the funniest person in a room? Why?
Jacob: I would rather be the funniest person in the room because there is no greater joy than making people laugh!
GatherDC: Okay last one! When Jews of DC Gather…
Jacob: They have a great time!
