Did you know that February is Jewish Disability Awareness Month? To highlight the related issues, there will be a variety of programs, in the synagogue and in the community, starting with the ReelAbilities: Disabilities Film Festival, February 1-9. This festival presents award-winning films accompanied by discussions and other engaging programs which bring together the community to explore, discuss, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience. Nine different films will be shown throughout the festival. In Virginia, screenings will be held at the Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax. Check out the ReelAbilities website for more info on films and schedule. 

Interfaith outreach group Peace By Piece will host a service day on Martin Luther King Day, January 16, 2012. We'll be painting a community residence in Arlington. A brief "how-to-paint-without-leaving-streaks" class will be given in the morning for those who are interested. We did this last year and it was great fun and very helpful to the people whose home was spruced up. If you are interested in signing up or learning more details, contact Jesse Freeman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For families with younger children who want to participate in Martin Luther King Day of service, check out Volunteer Fairfax. Families enjoy the opportunity to give back to the community by working on service projects provided by various nonprofits from the region. The experience allows children to witness first-hand how fun and easy volunteering can be, while providing quality family time. Contact www.volunteerfairfax.org for more information.

See below for pictures from this year's event.

Adat Reyim is participating in the Burke Hunger CROPWalk again this year and we need your support! This walk will raise both funds and awareness of poverty and hunger around the world. CROPWalk benefits the work of Church World Service whose programs support disaster aid, literacy programs, well drilling, mother and baby health initiatives, and many more endeavors throughout the developing world. The proceeds of the CROPWalk are also shared with charitable organizations in the locality where the event is held. Last year's Burke CROPWalk yielded nearly $5,000 for ECHO. Make a "Team Adat Reyim" contribution online at http://www.churchworldservice.org/goto/AdatReyim2011. Encourage your friends to join and donate as well. Bring non-perishables to donate on site. For further information, please click here and/or contact Fred Rosen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please sign up for our Annual Adat Reyim Watershed Cleanup, part of the International Coastal Cleanup event, on Sunday, September 25, from 1:30 pm to 3 pm, rain or shine, at Wakefield Park (8100 Braddock Road, second left into parking lot near ball fields -- look for our sign). Join your fellow congregants, along with the Friends of Accotink Creek, to help protect our nearby watershed by spending some quality time cleaning up debris and learning how we can help prevent watershed pollution. Why is this important? Not only is litter ugly, but trash is a threat to wildlife, such as birds, turtles, and fish that depend on the river. All supplies will be provided. Wear long sleeves, pants, and old shoes or boots. This is a great family mitzvah project, something for all ages, and teens are eligible for community service credit. Join us afterwards for ice cream. In just a few hours we can really make a difference! For more information or to sign up, please contact Jeanne Kadet at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

See below for pictures from this year's event.