Dear Friends,

This week, we begin parshat Vayikra, and our ancestors envision what it would mean to build and nurture the Mishkan, a portable, spiritual center of a society in progress.  There are so many different kinds of offerings named in the parsha — from joyful expressions of gratitude to moments of seeking repair and reconnection. Each one is honored as a meaningful act, no matter the reason or the size of the gift.

In a way, the World Zionist Congress election feels like a modern reflection of that idea. Jews from all over the Diaspora, with all kinds of perspectives and hopes, are offering our voices and voting in an election.  Here’s how it works, from the WZC’s website:

“Between March 10 and May 4, 2025, American Jews will vote for their delegates to the 39th World Zionist Congress, the “parliament of the Jewish people,” which will convene in Jerusalem in October 2025. Voting in the election is the most powerful opportunity to have your voice heard in Israel, make an impact in Jewish communities worldwide, and stand up for Zionism. The representatives who are elected — with one-third of them coming from the United States — will make key decisions on allocating over $1 billion annually to support the most pressing needs across Israeli society and the Diaspora. 
The elected delegates include the 152 who fill American seats within the Congress. The larger the voter turnout is, the more the American Jewish voice is heard.”

Just like in the parsha, there’s no one right way to show up. There are so many different slates, each representing a distinct vision for the future of Jewish life in Israel and beyond.  Even if you’re unsure where your vote might land, I encourage you to explore the slates. Reading them is a powerful reminder of who we are as a global Jewish community — a mosaic of identities, dreams, and commitments. It’s like holding up a mirror to the diaspora, seeing reflections of what moves and matters to others.  Reading these different perspectives might also help us refine our own values, policy goals, and hopes and dreams for Israel.

This is a chance to be part of a deeply important conversation in a substantive way. I hope you’ll take a moment to learn more and lend your voice – I voted myself and it felt really good to do so. Every perspective adds something valuable.  To explore the slates and cast your vote, visit https://azm.org/elections/.

Wishing you a peaceful, joyful Shabbat,

Rabbi Hannah

UPCOMING EVENTS

To learn more about these events (including how to register, which we require for almost all events), please visit our website calendar HERE.

All events are at Reformation (212 E. Capitol St. NE), unless otherwise noted. 

Friday, March 28th 

Special Kabbalat Shabbat

at 6:30 pm

Saturday, March 29th

Shabbat Morning Service and B'nai Mitzvah of Sophie Press, Katie Mitchell, and Scott Brown

at 10:00 am

Friday, April 4th

Year Cycle Learning Circle - Nisan/Pesach

 3:00p to 4:00p

Saturday, April 5th 

Tot Shabbat

at 9:00 am

Saturday, April 5th 

Shabbat Morning Service and Bat Mitzvah of Ella Scott

at 10:00 am

Saturday, April 5th 

2025 Annual Gala

at 7:00 pm 

Capital Jewish Museum

Saturday, April 12th 

Tot Shabbat

at 10:00 am

For information about upcoming events not run by Hill Havurah that might be of interest to our community, click HERE.

Message from Our Board of Directors

We know an increasing number of our members are facing new financial challenges as federal jobs and programs are eliminated. We want to remind you that the cost of membership should never be a bar to anyone joining or participating in any of our activities. If you need relief, please reach our Board Chair Aaron Hiller at aaron@hillhavurah.org and we will accommodate you.

Art, Flowers and Sound Baths!

Based on the responses to our survey, it seems like the biggest need right now is to gather and to feel held by community. Rabbi Hannah plans to do just that on a more regular basis. These events are open for absolutely everyone who wants to come, with a special goal of showing some love to those in the community who are struggling during this particular time.

Each event will feature a different activity -- no experience or skill is necessary for any of these! It's just meant to be a special treat/diversion/opportunity to get together. 

Click on each link to register!

• Tuesday, April 28th from 6-7:30pm -- featuring a flower arrangement craft

• Wednesday, May 14th from 6-7:30pm -- featuring a sound bath *tentative*

Each gathering will include free dinner and free childcare. Please register so we know how much to order (Shouk and Pizza!) and how many babysitters we'll need. 

The Security Committee Needs Your Help

The Security Committee would like to encourage everyone to take 5 minutes to read the "Power of Hello," which reminds us that, "Simply saying 'Hello' can prompt a casual conversation with unknown individuals" and then help you implement the OHNO approach – Observe, Initiate a Hello, Navigate the Risk, and Obtain Help.

Can you take a shift as a Door Greeter for Shabbat and larger events? Please consider taking part in the crew that welcomes people into Hill Havurah's program, ensures the door is closed/locked, and keeps a watchful eye to help ensure safety for our community. Please consider a shift! If you have any questions please reach out to the Security Committee Co-Chair Laurie Sussman at laurie.m.sussman@gmail.com.

Calling All Volunteers!

We need volunteers to help make our events and other activities a success!

Please look at our sign-up sheet for upcoming volunteer opportunities, including some this week. Volunteer positions include help with set up, clean up, and door greeters.

Click to Sign Up!

Join the Hill Havurah Listserv

The Hill Havurah listserv (a Google Group) is the place to let the community know about everything from cultural or social action events to new restaurants, reliable auto mechanics, spring giveaways, and carpooling possibilities.

If you're interested in joining, email info@hillhavurah.org.

Celebrate Your Special Day with the Havurah

Do you or a loved one have a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, or other milestone coming up? A great way to celebrate is to sponsor a Hill Havurah monthly Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat ($150). 

Email Aaron Hiller at aaron@hillhavurah.org to sign up now and reserve your sponsorship month.

Help with the Empty Shabbat Table Initiative

A group of volunteers has been setting up an Empty Shabbat Table on the National Mall every Friday since mid-October 2023 to maintain attention on the hostages being held in Gaza. We are always seeking volunteers to help both in person and/or financially to keep this initiative going. Here are some ways you can help:

1. Sign up here to volunteer in person.

2. Join us on WhatsApp.

3. Make a donation: Go Fund Me site Empty Shabbat Table - DC.

Migrant Solidarity Support Needs

We are continuing our migrant solidarity work, and there are so many ways to contribute to the effort -- sign up to volunteer here or click here to make a donation.

Happy Birthday!

Beckett Pharr

Lev Werbow

Marjorie Hass

Elise Perwien

Cassandra Morrison

Shira Stukalin

Laurie Solnik

Sophie Press

Elizabeth Dranitzke

• Barbara Raphael, z''l, mother of Nan Rapheal

If you've not entered yahrzeit information about your deceased loved ones in your hillhavurah.org account, you can at any time. If you need any help, you can email info@hillhavurah.org for assistance.

Mi Shebeirach L'Cholim -- Prayers for Healing

May the One who blessed our ancestors -- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah -- bless and heal:

Bree Cohen, Debbie Lee Gallant, Karen Anderson, Yaakov ben Moshe, Ron Levin, Udi (Mowgly) Becker, Laura Shpiro, Justin Edmondson, Al Saperstein, David Sobelsohn, Laurie Solnik/Lea bat Sima, Oscar Koon.



May the Holy Blessed One overflow with compassion upon them, to restore them, to heal them, to strengthen them, to enliven them, along with all the ill among the people of Israel and all humankind, soon, speedily, without delay, and let us all say: Amen.

If you or a loved one are in need of healing, and you'd appreciate the community keeping you in mind, please reach out to info@hillhavurah.org so we can add you or your loved one to our Shmoozy Nuz Mi Shebeirach list. If it's time to take a name off the list for any reason, let us know that as well. Feel free to include their English and/or Hebrew name. 

Please make sure to get your loved one's consent before having their name added to the list -- or, if they prefer privacy, we can instead add, "Loved One of [Insert Your Name]."