Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center

Washington, D.C. 

Established in 1925, the Edlavitch Jewish Community Center (EDCJCC) of Washington, D.C., is open to all individuals and seeks to serve as a bridge between the Jewish community and other ethnic, religious and social groups. It offers a wide variety of services, including; senior programming, community service and volunteer opportunities, arts and cultural programming, sport and fitness center activities and services geared to a wide array of family and individual needs.

Recognizing the need for community among older adults, EDCJCC has established the Behren-Adas Senior Fellowship. Over 75% of the nearly 150 participants live alon without family in the immediate Washington, D.C. area. This daily fellowship, created in partnership with Adas Israel Congregation and open to older adults of all backgrounds, offers enrichment programming, social engagement, physical exercise and a daily meal that meets Jewish dietary laws and provides nutrition geared to the needs of older adults.

For two participants in particular, the variety of programs offered at the Senior Fellowship has made a significant difference in their lives. Stephen loved to work with his hands. For most of his life, he has been an avid model builder, painter and multi-talented craftsmen. He could sit at a table all day long, building, painting, and creating. Unfortunately, over the past couple of years, he slowly began losing dexterity in his hands, making it almost impossible for him to continue his intricate work. For Stephen, this was really difficult. The thing that had brought him so much joy was now causing him a lot of frustration. The monthly arts and crafts program, modified to meet the abilities of older adults, offered Stephen the chance to once again put his creativity to work.

By far the most common of the many forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones wears down over time. With the pain that sufferers experience making even everyday activities a challenge, exercise often seems a leap too far. For Gladis, who suffers from osteoarthritis pain, yoga is just the thing. Gentle, low-impact stretching tones muscles, lubricates joints, improves flexibility, and can even relieve arthritis pain.

To learn more about Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center visit: www.edcjcc.org.