Though originally from the midwest, Meleia Egger is now a veteran Washingtonian. She also just happens to be a veteran of GatherDC’s Beyond The Tent Retreat. This year, she will be coming back to serve as a facilitator. We caught up with Meleia to chat about her experience at the retreat, as well as what she likes best (and least) about living in the District.
Where are you from originally, and how long have you been in D.C.?
I’m originally from Madison, Wisconsin. I will, as of this September, have been a Washingtonian for seven years!
What do you love best about living in D.C.?
So much! Rock Creek Park. Roof-decks. The food scene. The amazing neighborhoods. The Malcolm X Park drum circle. Jazz in the sculpture garden. The diversity. The happy hour and brunch culture. The healthy/running/yoga culture (to work off the brunch and happy hours). The summer HEAT!
Sounds like you have a lot that keeps you busy! Do you have time for any other hobbies?
Bird-watching, yoga, and spoken word – particularly storytelling and poetry.
What’s one thing you would change about D.C. if you could?
The extremely loud sirens going off so frequently.
How do you connect with your Judaism?
Community, conversation and creativity!
I know you’ve been on the Beyond The Tent Retreat, and you are coming back this year as a facilitator. What do you think the benefits of going on the Beyond The Tent Retreat are?
Connecting to nature, stepping back from your routine, and thinking about what it means to be a Jew in new ways!
What will you be doing in your role as a facilitator for Beyond The Tent this year?
I’ll be leading discussions, modeling vulnerability, and holding space for the participants while bringing my own perspective to it all.
What is one thing you couldn’t get through the day without?
My morning yoga.
EDITOR’S NOTE: TO SIGN UP FOR BEYOND THE TENT, CLICK HERE!
