Applications are open for a capacity-building retreat for DC area Jewish poets from 1:00 to 4:30pm, Sunday, March 22nd, 2026. The retreat is designed to support publication opportunities for Jewish poets, and appreciation for the work of Jewish poets. Poets of all ages, heritage, and experience levels are encouraged to apply, and Jewish poets can apply to attend and receive a $250 honoraria. Eight poets will be selected to attend receiving the honoraria.

Vanessa Hidary is an internationally acclaimed Jewish spoken word artist, performer, and writer, and Israel activist. Her work reflects her upbringing in New York City among a diverse community during the rise of hip hop culture. She featured on ‘Def Poetry Jam’ on HBO and in the award-winning film, “The Tribe”. She has taught at numerous LIMMUD conferences and been a featured speaker at the Lion of Judah conference and Tribefest. Her poem, “The Hebrew Mamita”, went viral garnering more than half a million YouTube hits, and she has conducted poetry workshops with groups including BBYO, The Yeshiva of Flatbush High school, Congregation B’nai Tikvah Of New Jersey, and Harlem School of the Arts.

Accommodations: ADA Accessible Venue

Organization: Day Eight

Livestream or Virtual: No, it’s not