OneTable, welcome your new DMV Field Manager: Jessica Layton!
Jessica is joining OneTable as the DMV Field Manager after earning a bachelor’s degree in Art History from the George Washington University. As an undergraduate student, her research focused on institutional critique and she is interested in further exploring how institutions shape the way communities engage with art, one another, and Shabbat. She has previously worked in community engagement roles with GW’s Office of Sustainability and The Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Jessica enjoys walking throughout the city, reading fiction, drinking coffee, and spending time outdoors with friends. She is passionate about art education, reproductive rights, and proper sunscreen application.
What does Shabbat dinner mean to you?
An opportunity to reconnect with yourself–through community, ritual, reflection, and fun. Shabbat is a designated time to assess your own needs from a place of comfort– taking the time to push yourself or rest, go dancing or lay in bed, eat a lot of challah or eat a lot of challah, etc.
What one food are you bringing to a deserted island?
A big ol’ sandwich with a mayo-based salad
What’re you most looking forward to doing in your new role?
Supporting the OneTable DMV community with tools to experiment with and gain confidence in their Shabbat practice.
What’s your favorite ritual and why?
Saying and sharing the Shehecheyanu (blessing recited when doing something for the first time). I think it’s valuable to take the time to acknowledge with intention, not only when we’ve achieved something as a result of a lot of concentrated effort, but to also celebrate the effort of trying something new.
Ask me about…
How to initiate and facilitate meaningful conversations with friends, family, and strangers! Also, recommendations for art spaces in DC to check out and advice on navigating the city’s public transit system!
Create your own OneTable Shabbat dinner plans this week!
