WASHINGTON, DC – (@The Comedy News) – We have all been invited to our fair share of holiday parties- with our coworkers, with our friends, with our neighbor who hoards cats and trash in the front yard.
And for the 165,000 Jews in the DC metro area, there is no shortage of Jewish-themed winter gatherings.
Various Jewish organizations have facilitated dozens of successful parties for the DC Jewish community, some even running annually for over twenty years. Just like good Jewish humor, the names of the parties have been alliterated and cheesy.
However, there are some Jewish winter holiday events that were discontinued over the years:
Challah Back Y’all Karaoke Kabbalah (2005-2006) A short-lived karaoke tournament inspired by the Gwen Stefani song, Hollaback Girl. A schmorgesborg of challah bread kept the bashful non-singers enthused. Discontinued after too many renditions of Sweet Caroline, Don’t Stop Believing, and Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu.
Bagel Bash (2000-2008) A $5 fee got revelers admission to a wild and crazy dance party at McFaddens in Foggy Bottom, as well as all-you-can-eat bagels and schmear. Discontinued after Michelle Obama smote excess carbohydrate ingestion.
Pork Protest (1993-1994) A dance party primarily attended by reform Jews who advocated for a change in kashrut laws forbidding pork products. Popular with American Jews from Midwestern states. Discontinued after no one would admit to each other that they loved the taste of pork.
Shrimp Strike (1993-1994) Same as pork protest. Just more popular amongst New England seafood snobs.
Brisket Bris-off (1946-1964) During the post World War II baby boom, DC Jews used to gather at RFK stadium on Christmas Eve for an outdoor mass-celebration of brit milah, or “bris”. Local chefs provided complimentary brisket samplings to the new parents. Discontinued for too many reasons to list.
Mistletoe Mitzvah (1989-1999) Billed as “The Easiest Jewish Singles Event to Get To First Base!” Basically, it was an awkward happy hour with mistletoe hanging from the tavern’s ceiling. Interest faltered after everyone in the Jewish community had made out with each other.
Jew-Jitzu Jam (1984) Popularized by the film, Karate Kid, the Jew-Jitzu jam was a martial arts-themed dance party that encouraged Jewish revelers to dress up in either Cobra Kai attire, or Miyagi-do Karate attire. Discontinued after too many fights broke out on the dance floor.
None of the aforementioned parties are real. Instead you should subscribe to GTJ’s events calendar for your holiday cheer.
