Please note: the date for this gathering has been changed; it will now take place on Tuesday, July 28.

Tu B’Av, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Av, is often known as the Jewish day of love. Ancient Jewish tradition describes people gathering in borrowed white garments and dancing in the vineyards, celebrating connection, possibility, and joy.

Join us for an evening of learning, creativity, and reflection as we explore the history, traditions, and deeper meanings of Tu B’Av through Jewish text study and conversation. Together, we’ll consider themes of love, connection, hope, and renewal, as well as the tradition of increasing Torah study during this season as the nights begin to lengthen.

Following our learning, we’ll engage in an art-making experience using the Jewish Studio Process, a creative practice that emphasizes curiosity, reflection, and the process of creating rather than the finished product itself. Whether you’re an experienced artist or haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years, this is an opportunity to explore, create, and connect in a supportive community setting.

Come learn, create, and bask in the beautiful light of this special full moon.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Northwest DC. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this gathering. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den offering!

Led by Heather Brody, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

There’s something special about gathering around a shared experience: cheering for the home team, enjoying a summer evening outdoors, and connecting with others along the way.

Join the Den’s Men’s Mifgash for a fun and relaxed evening at Nationals Park as the Washington Nationals take on the Toronto Blue Jays. Together, we’ll enjoy the game, build community, and create space for conversation and connection in a casual setting.

After the game, we will gather at a nearby spot for a conversation exploring competition through a Jewish lens. How do our traditions invite us to think about ambition, teamwork, sportsmanship, and success? We’ll reflect together in a light and accessible way.

Whether you’re a devoted baseball fan or simply looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening and meet new people, we’d love to have you join us.

 This gathering is open to men and male-identifying folks. No experience necessary. We will meet at Nationals Park in Washington, DC, near the Navy Yard Metro Station. Specific meetup location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this gathering. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den offering!

Led by Ethan Litvin, Den member and Board member.

Join the Den for a morning of service, community, and meaningful action as we volunteer to serve lunch together at a local community kitchen.

Jewish tradition teaches us the importance of caring for our neighbors and working toward a more just and compassionate world. This volunteer opportunity offers a chance to put those values into practice while connecting with fellow Den members and making a tangible difference in our broader community.

Whether you’ve volunteered with us before or are joining for the first time, we’d love to have you with us!

This gathering will take place in Northwest DC. For security reasons, the location will be shared only with registered participants. Additional details and volunteer instructions will be provided after registration.

We have reached full capacity for this gathering. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den offering!

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary and we prepare for Shabbat Chazon, the “Shabbat of Vision” that precedes Tisha B’Av, we are invited to reflect on the world around us and the future we hope to help create.

Join us for an afternoon of learning, conversation, and reflection as we explore the complexities of Jewish life in America today. Together, we’ll engage with Jewish texts, prayers, and traditions that speak to questions of citizenship, responsibility, patriotism, and moral vision.

Drawing inspiration from the words of the prophet Isaiah, who calls us to “cease to do evil and learn to do good,” we’ll consider what it means to hold hope, responsibility, and possibility at a moment of both challenge and opportunity. We’ll also create space to share our own visions for the future and reflect on the values we hope will guide us forward.

Whether you’re interested in Jewish thought, civic engagement, contemporary issues, or simply meaningful conversation in community, we invite you to join us.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Downtown DC. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this gathering. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den offering!

Led by Nathaniel Berman, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

Join us for a Shabbat evening of storytelling, reflection, learning, and delicious homemade food as we explore the many journeys that have shaped Jewish life across generations.

Inspired by the week’s Torah portion, Parashat Matot-Masei, and the theme of journey, we’ll gather around the table to reflect on the paths that brought us here: our own journeys, our families’ stories, and the rich histories of Jewish communities around the world. Together, we’ll consider what it means to belong to a people whose story spans continents, cultures, and centuries.

We’ll also explore the vibrant history of Mizrahi Jewish communities and the many places Jews have called home throughout history, from Baghdad to Casablanca and beyond. Through conversation and shared learning, we’ll broaden our understanding of Jewish life while honoring the diverse experiences that continue to shape our community today.

Along the way, we’ll enjoy a homemade Shabbat meal, including fresh pita made from scratch, creating space for meaningful conversation, curiosity, and connection around the table.

Whether you’re interested in Jewish history, family stories, cultural traditions, or simply sharing a warm Shabbat meal in community, we’d love to have you join us.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this gathering. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den offering!

Led by Lois Kimmel, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

Jewish tradition holds a long and rich history of sacred disagreement: of questioning, debating, challenging, and refining ideas in the pursuit of deeper understanding. In this gathering, we’ll explore what Judaism teaches about productive disagreement: the balance between conviction and humility, the importance of openness and restraint, and the moments when debate can lose its moral center.

Together, we’ll engage with Jewish wisdom and meaningful conversation around how we navigate differences in our relationships, communities, and daily lives. How do we disagree without losing one another? What does it mean to sharpen each other thoughtfully and compassionately, rather than tear each other down?

Whether you love spirited discussion or are simply curious about Jewish approaches to dialogue, disagreement, and growth, this gathering offers space for reflection, learning, and authentic conversation in community.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Silver Spring, Maryland. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Richard Swanson, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

As we approach the summer solstice and settle into the warmth and fullness of the season, we’ll gather outdoors for an evening of mindfulness, reflection, and connection in community. Together, we’ll take time to slow down, breathe deeply, and explore what it means to move through this season with greater intentionality and presence.

Through gentle conversation and moments of quiet reflection, we’ll create space to reconnect with ourselves, with each other, and with the rhythms of the natural world around us. Whether you’re seeking grounding, meaningful conversation, or simply an opportunity to pause and reset, this gathering offers a chance to step outside, unplug, and be nourished by community and the beauty of the season.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in DC. Specific meet-up location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Nathaniel Berman, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

What can stones teach us about memory, resilience, and the stories we carry?

Join us for an afternoon of creativity, learning, and connection as we explore the role of stones throughout Jewish tradition. Together, we’ll engage with Jewish texts and discussion that invite us to reflect on the ways physical objects can hold meaning, mark moments of transformation, and help us remember where we’ve been.

After learning together, we’ll move into a hands-on rock painting experience, creating our own meaningful pieces inspired by the themes we explore.

Whether you love creative projects, meaningful conversation, or simply gathering in community, this is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and create something beautiful together.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Montgomery County, with the specific location and additional details shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Lois Kimmel, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

Join us for a Shabbat Lunch + Learn gathering where we will explore stories of beauty, intimacy, and connection within Jewish tradition.

Together, we’ll dive into teachings and legends surrounding Rabbi Yochanan, whose extraordinary beauty became the subject of fascination throughout the Talmud, and explore the deep bond he shared with his spiritual partner and closest companion. Were they simply dear friends and study partners, or could there have been something romantic to their connection? Through conversation, reflection, and shared learning, we’ll consider how queer readings can open new possibilities within Jewish tradition and help us encounter familiar stories in new and meaningful ways.

We’ll gather over a relaxed, potluck-style Shabbat lunch, creating space for thoughtful discussion, curiosity, and connection in community.

Please note: the time for this gathering has been changed to 1:30pm.

This gathering is open to those who identify as LGBTQIA+. No prior learning experience necessary. This gathering will take place in Northwest DC. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Heather Brody, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

Fat Torah is all about diving into the questions of what Judaism has to say about fatphobia, fat activism, and body liberation. Together we’ll explore Jewish wisdom, culture, and history—including the ways antisemitism has also shaped body narratives—and discover how our tradition can be a source of dignity and joy for every body. Inspired by Rabbi Minna Bromberg’s Every Body Beloved: A Jewish Embrace of Fatness, this class will invite you to reimagine Jewish community as a place where belonging and liberation are for all of us.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Gaithersburg, MD. Specific meet-up location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

Led by Lois Kimmel, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

As we celebrate Shavuot—the festival commemorating the giving of Torah at Mount Sinai—join us for a special Shavuot learning exploring what it means to turn towards Judaism in your own way. At Sinai, our ancestors made a collective choice to receive Torah and enter into covenant. Tonight, we’ll reflect on moments of curiosity and connection: the questions that draw us closer, the practices we’re curious about, and the ways we find meaning in Jewish life.

We’ll dive into learning and conversation that honors all paths—whether you’re exploring for the first time, returning after time away, or deepening a lifelong connection.

In the spirit of Shavuot, we’ll share mac n’ cheese, good conversation, and the warmth of community. Feel free to bring your favorite dessert, though it’s not required. Please share any allergy or dietary restrictions when you sign up so we can create a feast that everyone can enjoy.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Silver Spring, MD. Specific meet-up location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Dani Schneider, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

Join us for a special evening where couples can come together, welcome Shabbat with ritual and song, share a delicious meal, and explore what it means to build a Jewish home together.

Our learning for the evening will focus on cohabitating Jewishly—how we navigate rituals, traditions, and values as partners; how we learn from each other's backgrounds and practices; and how we create homes that reflect who we are, both individually and together. Whether you're newlyweds or seasoned partners, there's so much wisdom to share and learn from one another.

Come ready to connect (or reconnect!), swap stories (and maybe some good advice!), and strengthen the community we've built together. We invite you to bring a vegetarian potluck dinner item to share, please let me know of any allergies ahead of time so we can communicate to the entire group.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Silver Spring, MD. Specific meet-up location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Dani Schneider, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

The world can feel unstable right now, bursting with disruptions to established systems and leaving us constantly wondering what even the next few weeks will bring. In the midst of this uncertainty, baking a weekly (or occasional) challah can foster a sense of stability and a connection to something real.

But what happens when your challah recipe itself is open to interpretation?

Come join us to learn how to make challah dough (from scratch), read ancient and modern texts, and  discuss how to adjust to situations where the instructions aren't clear. 

You'll leave with dough that will rise overnight in the fridge, that you can braid on your own on Thursday or join the group for an optional Zoom-based braiding session. Ingredients will be provided.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. Ingredients will be provided. This gathering will take place in Northwest DC. Specific meet-up location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Melissa Galvez, Den member.

In this class, join us to explore the evolution of authority in Judaism: its enduring centers, the critiques that have shaped its contours, and the occasions when it speaks with binding force. We will trace a journey from the absolute rule of biblical kings to the intellectual 'republic' of the rabbis, examining how Jewish tradition built a system where no leader is above the law. By uncovering the Jewish voice of dissent, from ancient prophets to Talmudic sages, we will see how our tradition dismantled the concept of the absolute autocrat in favor of a community governed by law and debate.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Silver Spring, MD. Specific meet-up location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Richard Swanson, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

As the weather warms and the world begins to open, we’ll gather for a nature walk through Rock Creek Park—an invitation to step outside, slow down, and reconnect with the quiet nourishment of being outdoors.

Along the way, we’ll explore meaningful texts that speak to the restorative power of nature, using our time outside as a backdrop for reflection, conversation, and connection. Together, we’ll create space to notice more deeply, breathe a little easier, and consider what it means to feel truly nourished.

We’ll keep a gentle, accessible pace, with time to walk, pause, and learn in community along the way.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. Specific meet-up location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Nathaniel Berman, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

Join us for a Shabbat afternoon together in the sunshine, talking, noshing, and playing board games in the time between Passover and Shavuot that invites us into reflection, renewal, and connection.

The invitation is to arrive when you're able, simply to step into a relaxed, welcoming space, put away your phone, and spend time with great people.

We’ll begin with a brief teaching and some shared reflection on the Omer, the time we count from Passover to the Festival of Shavuot, before moving into an afternoon of games, conversation, and connection.

Bring a game you’ve been wanting to play, something delicious to share, or simply yourself. If you’d like, you’re also welcome to bring a piece of Torah or teaching that’s been on your mind to offer or discuss, but this is completely optional and there is no expectation to prepare or share.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This gathering will take place in Maryland. Specific meet-up location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Richard Swanson, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

This session is a playful deep‑dive into one of humanity’s favorite pastimes: GOSSIP. Inspired by the hit podcast Normal Gossip, we’ll ask the essential question: How do we balance the joy of storytelling with the responsibility of speech?

Together we’ll explore Jewish wisdom, modern social psychology, and the cultural roots of gossip. And yes, we’ll share some “normal” gossip along the way, reimagining how Jewish texts and tradition can guide us toward gossip that is joyful, ethical, and deeply human.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. This class will take place in Montgomery County; carpooling from the nearest metro station will be offered to those who need it. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

Led by Lois Kimmel, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

Now that Passover has ended, join us for a jovial Shabbat dinner gathering where we will come together to once again enjoy our favorite forms of chametz: bread, pasta, and of course, plenty of challah!

Hosted by Melissa and Randy, Den members, we will gather together to celebrate Shabbat in community, complete with Shabbat rituals, meaningful discussion, and a festive meal with good people. Together, we'll count the 9th day of the Omer and delve into learning and discussion about the two "spotlight" attributes that evening: Chesed (Lovingkindness) and Gevurah (Discipline/ Strength). Hope to see you there!

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this meal and hope to see you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Den Member Melissa Galvez.

Join us this Passover as we reflect on the moral weight of liberation. Once a people steps into freedom and self determination, what responsibilities arise? To protect the vulnerable, to use power with care, and to ensure that our own freedom does not come at the cost of another’s?

We’ll engage in some learning and guided discussion, exploring Jewish wisdom and texts and reflecting as a group.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this class. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Richard Swanson, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

The Passover story begins in Egypt and moves through plagues, courage, and ultimately, the journey to freedom. Jewish tradition has been telling and retelling this story for thousands of years, and each generation adds new layers.

In this learning session, we’ll explore a range of texts - ancient and modern - that grapple with slavery, plagues, and the ongoing fight for liberation. Together we’ll ask: How have Jews across time understood oppression and freedom? What feels resonant or challenging for us today?

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this learning session, and hope to see you at a future Den gathering!

Led by Nathaniel Berman, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

Purim is the wildly joyful holiday where we celebrate the story of Esther, costumes, and courageous laughter in the face of fear. It may have just passed, but its wildly joyful spirit is still very much alive, so join us to continue embracing it together in Queer community.

We will explore the Queerness of the holiday with some special learning and a Shabbat feast surrounded by friends, new and old. These times are tough for so many of us. Let us lean into both community and our Jewish tradition, which teaches us to seek out the moments of joy even in the darkest of times!

No experience necessary. Come as you are, but costumes are welcome and highly encouraged! This gathering is open to everyone who identifies as LGBT+. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

Led by Heather Brody, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

We have reached full capacity for this gathering and look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

A Seder is the ritual meal that marks the start of Passover (Pesach), where we retell the Exodus story, share symbolic foods, and make the journey from slavery to freedom together around the table.

If you’ve ever wanted to host a Seder but felt overwhelmed by where to begin, this gathering is for you. Join us for a relaxed, hands-on evening where we'll demystify the art of hosting Passover!

Whether you're planning your first Seder or looking to refresh your approach, this gathering will walk you through everything you need to know: from setting the table and creating a welcoming atmosphere to leading the rituals and making it meaningful for your guests. We'll cover the basics, share practical tips, and answer all your questions in a judgment-free space. New to Passover traditions? Perfectly welcome! Seasoned host looking for fresh ideas? Come share your wisdom!

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

Led by Dani Schneider, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

We have reached full capacity for this gathering and look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Join us for a magical evening of soulful music and connection as we come together for a beloved gathering at the Den, where together we curate a spirited communal singing experience. We will gather for singing and communal Havdalah (end of Shabbat ritual) held and led by the Den Music Team (Michael Berkson, Maxwell Thompson, Ben Wacks, and Rabbi Aderet). We will come together for this soulful evening of communal singing and enjoy lite refreshements.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. We will gather in North Bethesda, MD. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

***To help cover the costs for this gathering, please click here to make an $18 contribution that supports the Den (please write “Den Vibes 2/14/2026” in the notes) and helps us create these and future gatherings. If this is cost prohibitive, please make a contribution that you are comfortable with. A contribution is not required to participate.***

We look forward to gathering together with you!

We have reached full capacity for this gathering. We look forward to seeing you at a future Den gathering!

Join us for a special Shabbat celebrating reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and the power of community. This gathering is for women and female-identifying folks to connect, reflect, and affirm our right to make our own choices about our bodies and our futures.

We'll welcome Shabbat together with ritual, song, and open-hearted conversation that honors the many ways we live our lives. Whether you’re childfree by choice, navigating healthcare decisions, passionate about reproductive justice, or simply seeking meaningful connection, this space is for you.

Vegetarian dinner will be served. Come as you are—everyone’s experiences, perspectives, and stories are welcome. Held in Silver Spring, MD, specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

We have reached full capacity for this gathering. We hope to see you at another Den gathering!

A Tu B'Shevat Seder is a Kabbalistic tradition where people come together to celebrate Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish holiday marking the new year of the trees. Whether you’re new to this holiday or a lifelong tree lover, join us for an afternoon of connection, reflection, and delight. We’ll engage in some learning and discussion, exploring Jewish wisdom and texts, while noshing on seasonal fruits—and maybe even hugging a tree or two!

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

Led by Heather Brody, Den member and Fellow in the Den’s Sacred Facilitators Fellowship (Cohort I), a leadership training program cultivating skilled guides of sacred learning, ritual, and communal presence at the Den.

We have reached full capacity for this gathering and hope to see you at a future Den gathering.

Join Rabbi Aderet for Awakened Heart, a holistic and soulful mindfulness experience that will take us on an individual journey from being present to what is in our hearts to connecting with the community around us. Together, we will foster a space to deepen care for ourselves - mind, body, heart, and soul. Grounding in Torah learning, mindfulness meditation, and sacred chanting, we will move through our soulful and uplifting Shabbat contemplative service together.

No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. You are invited to dress in comfortable clothing. 

We will gather in a location in Chevy Chase, MD. Following the Awakened Heart Shabbat Morning Experience, participants are invited to stay for a larger communal Shabbat experience, which includes sharing in a Shabbat Kiddush Lunch.

Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

Registration is now closed. We hope to see you at a future Den gathering

Join Rabbi Aderet, At The Well Founder and CEO Sarah Waxman, and Jewish Fertility Foundation Greater DC Program Manager Shannon Rubin for a gentle evening of listening and tender presence. In this gathering, we will hold community around the pain, hope, and resilience that comes with fertility challenges and pregnancy loss.

Pregnancy loss and infertility are among the most tender, complex experiences many people face, yet they are often carried in silence. Judaism, however, does not turn away from this pain. Our tradition lifts up the stories of Hannah and Sarah, honoring their longing, heartbreak, and resilience, and reminding us that  yearning, grief, hope, and healing are all part of a deeply human spiritual journey.

Join us for an evening of compassionate community, gentle ritual, and Jewish wisdom as we create a brave, sacred space for anyone navigating these experiences, either currently or in the past.

Together, we will ground ourselves, learn from sacred stories, reflect in small groups, and explore Jewish healing practices, including the mikvah, a ritual bath for reflection and renewal, as tools for emotional, spiritual, and communal support.

🌙 What to Expect 

✨ During this Gathering, You Will Experience:

🌿 A Warm Welcome & Framing

📖 Grounding in Jewish Text + Teaching 

🤝 Small Group Reflection 

💧 An Introduction to the Mikvah as Healing Practice

🌱 Connection + Resource Sharing 

Leave feeling held in deep care, tenderness, and belonging.

* Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the mikvah as a healing practice and may view a mikvah, but will not immerse during the evening.

🕯️ Who This Gathering Is For:

This evening is designed for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss, infertility, or related challenges recently or at any point throughout their lives. We welcome people of all identities, backgrounds, and levels of Jewish knowledge.

This gathering is in partnership with the Den Collective, the Edlavitch DCJCC Parenting Center, the Jewish Fertility Foundation, and At The Well

Join Rabbi Aderet as we explore contemplative traditions such as Hitbodedut—a personal, spontaneous conversation with God or your inner self—and reflect on Jewish texts and liturgy to discover practices that nurture meaning, hope, and resilience. There will be time for guided meditation, personal reflection, and experiential practice, giving you tools to cultivate calm, set intentions, and strengthen your inner resources.

Together, we’ll build a sacred space to pause, breathe, and reconnect—with yourself, with ancient and modern Jewish practices, and with a supportive community. As we approach Hanukkah, we’ll draw inspiration from its themes of light in the darkness and hope that endures, exploring how we can bring those lessons into our own lives.

No prior experience is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel if you are able. Location will be shared with registered participants. Everyone is welcome!

We have reached full capacity for this gathering! We look forward to being together with you at an upcoming Den gathering.

Gather for a Den Cubs Hanukkah celebration with other Den parents with young children from across Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Come together for a joyful community Hanukkah gathering where you’ll connect with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy latkes, jelly donuts, snacks, and arts and crafts for the kiddos.

This Hanukkah gathering will take place at a location in Northern Virginia.

Specific location and additional details will only be shared with registrants after the registration deadline, so please be sure to sign up by Dec. 6th!