About Eat Well, Do Justice!®

 Since 2017, Tzedek DC has held a fundraiser each September called Eat Well, Do Justice!®, which brings together philanthropists and DC’s top culinary minds in support of the organization’s work. This unique event is the brainchild of Tzedek DC Board Member and Eat Well, Do Justice!® co-chair Courtney Weiner. Inspired by a kugel—a traditional Ashkenazic (of Eastern Europe descent) Jewish dish typically made from noodles or potatoes—competition held at her grandmother’s synagogue, the inaugural Eat Well, Do Justice!® event involved four chefs tasked with preparing a kugel dish to be evaluated by each attendee and a panel of judges based on their culinary or legal experience. This fundraiser was very successful—raising over $100,000 for Tzedek DC and was attended by DC Councilmember Ellisa Silverman and UDC President Ronald Mason—which solidified Eat Well, Do Justice!® as an annual event. 

To maintain tradition but avoid the monotony of repetition, each fundraiser has maintained a similar competition structure but focuses on a different food traditionally eaten by Ashkenazic or Sephardic (of Spanish or Middle Eastern descent) Jews. In 2018, for example, the fundraiser centered around blintzes (a thin pancake filled with fruit or cheese), and the 2019 event around knishes (a pastry filled with potatoes or meat), but on both occasions, guests gathered and tasted food provided to them in person. The same could not be said about the 2020 event. Due to the pandemic, the fundraiser shifted to a virtual format, and attendees were required to pick up the culinary preparations beforehand, which they voted on during a webinar. There was one unique benefit, however, to the virtual event: musical performances. Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russel, a Black Jewish singer who performs in Yiddish, and Grammy Award-Winning band The War on Drugs volunteered their time to perform, something that would have likely been more burdensome in person. With the pandemic still raging in 2021, Eat Well, Do Justice!® was held virtually yet again and featured hummus preparations, musical performances, and special remarks from DC Attorney General Karl Racine. Finally, in 2022, Eat Well, Do Justice!® resumed its in-person festivities, albeit outside, with delectable soups and special remarks by Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

An integral part of Eat Well, Do Justice!® over the past couple of years has been the opportunity for attendees to hear directly from Tzedek DC clients to learn about their situations and how Tzedek DC is helping them. Whether this involved a client speaking to attendees in person or showing attendees a video compilation of various client stories, this aspect has remained an important aspect of the fundraiser.

As we look toward the future, we cannot forget the numerous individuals that have made this event possible. From the sponsors and attendees to the volunteers and host committees, we want to express our gratitude for their continued dedication and commitment to Eat Well, Do Justice!®  and Tzedek DC.

Links For More Information on Past Events: