Justice and Peace

JxJ, the DC Jewish Film and Music Festival does an excellent job of scheduling interesting films, conversations and receptions. This documentary film short looks particularly absorbing and very cool that Regina Spektor will be there to discuss. (It now says her husband will appear instead. But still good reception.) **The cost is $18 and includes a reception after. Tickets can be bought [here](https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/my-friend-sam/) and in person that night if it does not sell out.** Singer-songwriter Regina Spektor’s life changed forever when, as a child, she was taken under the wing of musicians Sonia Vargas and Samuel Marder. Blending frank interviews with powerful animation, Samuel walks through his childhood in Romania, the trials he faced as a Holocaust survivor, and the transformative impact that music had even during the darkest times. His endurance as a violinist and the lessons he shared with Regina charted the course of her own musical development for the decades that followed. **Q&A with producer Regina Spektor following the screening.** **A catered reception will follow the conclusion of the Q&A**.

Thursdays at 6:30pm Take 30 minutes at the end of your day to unwind and connect to your potential for inner peace. Suitable for everyone, these meditation classes offer guided meditations and practical advice for improving the quality of our mental peace. **Registration** Each class is available by drop in. **Standard:** $5 **\| [Member Pricing:](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) Free** [Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/thursday-night-rest-and-reflect/) Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Experience the ultimate relaxation with our 60-minute Yin & Restorative Yoga fusion class. This session combines the deep, meditative stretches of Yin Yoga with the soothing, supportive postures of Restorative Yoga. During this class, you'll explore longer-held poses designed to release tension from deep within the muscles and connective tissues, promoting flexibility and calm. The Restorative elements enhance relaxation by incorporating props to fully support your body in gentle, nurturing positions, allowing for complete surrender and rejuvenation. This practice is ideal for anyone seeking profound relaxation, stress relief, and a sense of inner peace. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to these styles, join us for an hour of blissful tranquility and restoration. **The session is offered InStudio only. Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

What did “freedom” mean at the founding of America—and how has that vision evolved over time? Join us at **Unity of Fairfax** for an engaging community conversation featuring experts from the **National Constitution Center** as we explore the connection between the American Revolution and the continuing story of civil rights and liberties in the United States. Together, we’ll reflect on the founding ideals of liberty, representation, and individual rights—and examine how those ideas have been challenged, expanded, and reinterpreted throughout American history. This discussion offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Constitution while engaging thoughtfully with questions that still shape our society today. Whether you love history, value civic dialogue, or simply want to better understand the principles behind America’s freedoms, you are warmly welcome. We'll be in Classroom 1, or you can join us online, via our[ Zoom link](https://constitutioncenter.zoom.us/meeting/register/hc_8FV8yTv6s4DH-i0lMLA). *** ### **Who Should Attend** * Anyone interested in the Constitution or civic education * People curious about freedom of speech and religion * Community members who enjoy thoughtful, respectful dialogue * Students, educators, and lifelong learners * Individuals seeking connection across perspectives ### **What to Expect** * An engaging talk led by experts from the National Constitution Center * Clear, accessible insights into the First Amendment * Opportunities for reflection and community discussion * A respectful, inclusive environment for all viewpoints * A chance to connect with others interested in civic topics

**Unwind. Breathe. Reset.** Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before. * **Time:** 7:00 PM–7:30 PM * **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection * **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators * **What to bring:** Just yourself **Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.** * **Reserve your spot** (recommended) * **Free Event - Donations Appreciated** * **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!** * **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:00 PM.**

Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience instant peace & calm. Join a 60-minute free Workshop and get a glimpse of the Sudarshan KriyaTM- The breathing technique that is revolutionizing the lives of millions. What you’ll discover at ‘Beyond Breath’ ✔ A taste of the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a breathing technique taught in the Happiness Program ✔ An instant energy booster that awakens & relaxes your mind - Take it home and practice daily! ✔ The peace & calm of a unique guided meditation ✔ Secret keys to manage your mind ✔ The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people. You can use your breath to master your thoughts and emotions - the key to managing the quality of your day. The Happiness Program At the end of this workshop you may enroll into the Happiness Program (3 days, 3 hours each day) to learn the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a science-backed, rhythmic breathing technique through which you can: Tap into a reservoir of energy and use it as you please! Relieve deep-rooted stresses and anxieties Uplevel your productivity Overcome emotional blocks, move on from past events and shed limiting beliefs Heal your body & gain power over your mind Experience the true state of meditation Learn more about the Happiness Program & the Sudarshan KriyaTM in our introductory workshop 'Secrets to Meditation'. register: http://aolf.live/introSKY

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“When Washington Burned,”** a detailed look at the devastating 1814 British attack on the Capitol, with Denver Brunsman, associate professor of history at George Washington University, lecturer at Mount Vernon, and scholar of the American revolution and early American republic. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-when-washington-burned](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-when-washington-burned) .] You’ve probably toured several of Washington’s landmarks, but have you considered those that went up in smoke more than 200 years ago? Learn about one of our nation’s greatest scares from historian Denver Brunsman, a favorite of Profs and Pints audiences and expert on the War of 1812, which led to the infamous 1814 attack. He’ll tell the riveting tale of how British troops torched the Capitol and White House and burned down nearly all of Washington’s public buildings. He’ll frame his talk of such mayhem by discussing the origins and significance of the conflict that caused it, the War of 1812. In addition to helping to cement America’s independence, the War of 1812 helped give rise to a sense of nationalism among the people of Canada. It rallied boosters of the city of Washington—among them, First Lady Dolley Madison—to advocate for keeping it as the nation’s capital. With the war’s end, America was free to embark on two centuries of growth. You’ll leave with a much greater appreciation of how our nation has withstood tests in the past and how much of Washington D.C. has been built upon the ruins of previous losses. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Illustration from the 1816 book *The History of England, from the Earliest Periods, Volume 1* by Paul M. Rapin de Thoyras.

The experience of loss is universal. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, or the passing of a chapter in our lives, grief naturally arises. Yet we don’t have to remain stuck in sorrow or feel that happiness is beyond our reach. Through Buddha’s timeless wisdom, we can learn to navigate grief with clarity and compassion. These teachings help us heal our hearts, transform our pain into wisdom, and discover a renewed sense of purpose and peace. Join us for this special talk to explore practical methods for working with loss, letting go, and opening to a happier, more meaningful life. Includes a talk, guided meditation, and Q&A. You can register at the door or: [https://meditation-dc.org/event/overcoming-grief-finding-peace-and-meaning-after-loss/](https://meditation-dc.org/event/overcoming-grief-finding-peace-and-meaning-after-loss/) Cost: $12 / $6 Hardship Members Free https://meditation-dc.org/membership/ Event Schedule Friday May 15: 7-8:15pm

**MLK Library - Room 401F** In a world often marked by division, uncertainty, and conflict, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless. But what if, instead of despair, we saw these challenges as an invitation to create spiritually vibrant communities where unity, trust, and hope are not just utopian ideals, but actually shape our lived reality? Amidst the chaos around us, the increasing fractures apparent in our society, many of us find ourselves asking: What can I do to make a difference, to contribute something better? But the answers so often presented to us don’t seem to be enough. Perhaps what is needed is a new, positive vision of humanity’s future, one centered around and reflecting the spiritual reality of humanity’s oneness – and filled with people working together to bring that vision to fruition. What would this world look like? How can we create communities where every individual feels they have a role to play in the betterment of society? How can we work together to build a society defined not merely by shared geography or common interests, but by a shared commitment to principles such as unity, justice, mutual support, and spiritual growth? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on how we can each contribute to creating communities of hope. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we as individuals and as neighbors can come together to create a more just, compassionate, and spiritually vibrant society where everyone can thrive not just materially, but spiritually as well. *“...the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony.” – Bahá’í Teachings* **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Washington D.C.’s **Malcolm X Day** began in May 1972 and was held in Anacostia Park for 23 years. it was a prominent community-focused celebration of Malcolm X’s legacy. The day served as a unifying force, rooted in community organizing an focused on the concrete conditions shaping the lives of local residents. It was a major, grassroots “Unity in the Community” festival featuring African-centric vendors, speakers, local musicians, and performers to inspire Black residents before disbanding in 1995. [Pan-African Community Action (PACA)](https://pacapower.org/) is proud to announce that we, in collaboration with several local organizations, will be bringing **Malcolm X Day** back to Anacostia Park on May 17th from noon to 5pm. We will be celebrating the life of Malcolm X and his ideology of Black, working class unity with performances, speakers, food, and informative activities. Co-convening organizations: [Malcolm X Grassroots Movement-DC Chapter](https://freethelandmxgm.org/washingtondc-chapter/), [Black Alliance for Peace–DC](https://www.facebook.com/bapwashingtondc/), [All-African People’s Revolutionary Party (A-APRP)](https://aaprp-intl.org/), [Black Men Build](https://www.blackmen.build/), [African National Women’s Organization (ANWO)](https://anwouhuru.org/), [African People’s Socialist Party (APSP)](https://apspuhuru.org/), [Ujima People’s Progress Party](https://www.instagram.com/uppmaryland/), [Black United Front of Montgomery County](https://www.instagram.com/bufmoco), and [Mosaic Cooperative](https://www.mosaic-cooperative.org/). Add to calendar

Join us for a Sunday morning inspired by the teachings of Eli Jaxon-Bear as we collectively explore the pathless path to spiritual awakening and enlightenment. This gathering is designed for those seeking inner peace and life transformation through inquiry into the nature of reality and consciousness. Come connect with like-minded individuals from the DMV area and embark on an experiential journey of discovery of who we really are. Doors open at 10:30 AM for 20 minutes of unguided silent meditation followed by a short Eli video and time to share, ask questions and connect. We will finish at approximately 12:00 PM. For more information about Eli, go to [https://www.leela.org](https://www.leela.org)

Francis Hutcheson (1694-1746) was a pivotal early figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, a movement which strongly embraced empiricism and concentrated on the study of human nature and the relationship of individuals and society. Born in Ireland to a line of Scottish Presbyterian ministers, Hutcheson was educated by dissenting Irish Presbyterians in Ulster before matriculating at the University of Glasgow, where he studied philosophy and theology. In 1719 he was licensed to preach in Ireland, but rather than adopting the more traditional views of his forefathers, he gravitated toward the tolerant and liberal “New Light” Presbyterianism. Instead of further pursuing the ministry for which he had trained, he put his efforts into founding a dissenting academy in Dublin—a successful venture that occupied him for the next ten years. While teaching in Dublin, he moved in intellectual circles, and it was there that he wrote the four early treatises—collected into two books, the *Inquiry* of 1725 and the *Essay* of 1728—that quickly established his reputation as a philosopher. On being appointed chair of moral philosophy at his alma mater, he left Ireland for Glasgow in 1729. Contemporaries described Hutcheson as a popular and animated professor—the first at Glasgow to deliver lectures in English rather than exclusively in Latin. His most famous student was Adam Smith (enrolled 1737-40). Hutcheson's influence on Scottish thinkers was considerable. With his emphasis on the primacy of feeling over reason in our moral perceptions, he inspired David Hume’s moral sentimentalism. His analysis of natural rights and property in the *Inquiry* (Treat. II Sect. VII) as well as in his later works directly influenced Smith. The Scottish school of common sense realism derived partly from Hutcheson's explication of moral sense theory. His influence also made its way to colonial America, where his works were included in college curricula beginning in the mid-1700s. John Adams and other signers of the Declaration of Independence are known to have read Hutcheson. In the *Inquiry*, he takes up Locke’s epistemology of sense perception and broadens it into a theory of the “internal senses”—faculties of perception as powerful as the commonly designated five external senses. Elaborating Lord Shaftesbury’s notion of a “moral sense” and the earl's analogy between beauty and virtue, Hutcheson divided his *Inquiry* into a discussion of the sense of beauty and of the paramount moral sense—both being internal senses which operate without depending on mediation by the will or reason. Like Shaftesbury and the philosopher Richard Cumberland, Hutcheson held a strong distaste for the Hobbesian worldview. In the vein of the former two, he promoted a vision of humans as naturally benevolent and innately interested in the welfare of others, maintaining that others’ good brings us no less pleasure than our own good. Notably, he also sowed the seeds of utilitarian thought with his phrase “the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers” (Treat. II Sect. III). **Main Reading** The reading below is available at the Online Library of Liberty: * The [Inquiry](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004), comprising the first two of Hutcheson's four early treatises (we are reading the 1726, or 2nd edition, of the book): read the [Preface](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_head_019) and Treat. I: Sections [I](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_051), [II](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_071), [III](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_088) (Art. [IV](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_101) is optional), ([V](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_109) is optional), [VI](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_137), [VII](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_158), [VIII](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_165); and Treat. II: [Intro](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_head_032) and Sect. [I](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_181), [II](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_205), [III](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_228) (Art. XI, XII until “Intention, foresight” optional), [IV](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_258), [V](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_275), [VI](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_296), and especially [VII](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/leidhold-an-inquiry-into-the-original-of-our-ideas-of-beauty-and-virtue-1726-2004#lf1458_label_324). * Hutcheson's lecture upon his appointment at Glasgow, “[On the Natural Sociability of Mankind](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/hutcheson-logic-metaphysics-and-the-natural-sociability-of-mankind#lfHutcheson_head_238)." The first 3 paragraphs, until footnote 10, are optional. * The beginning of the fourth treatise [Illustrations](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/garrett-an-essay-on-the-nature-and-conduct-of-the-passions-and-affections-1742-2002#lf0150_label_230), Sect. [I](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/garrett-an-essay-on-the-nature-and-conduct-of-the-passions-and-affections-1742-2002#lf0150_head_019), and Sect. [IV](https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/garrett-an-essay-on-the-nature-and-conduct-of-the-passions-and-affections-1742-2002#lf0150_label_296). Note that the ebook page on OLL can take a few moments to load. **Secondary resources** [IEP - Hutcheson](https://iep.utm.edu/hutcheso/) [SEP - Hutcheson](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hutcheson/) Liberty Fund: Editor’s [Intro to Inquiry](https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/hutcheson-on-liberty-and-happiness). [SEP - Scottish 18th C. Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/scottish-18th/) [Wiki - Scottish Enlightenment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Enlightenment) [Hutcheson and private property](https://www.adamsmithworks.org/documents/matson-hutcheson-property-virtue-march-2022) Routledge: [1](https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/hutcheson-francis-1694-1746/v-1/sections/life-and-works-43333), [2](https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/hutcheson-francis-1694-1746/v-1/sections/the-foundations-of-morality-and-the-moral-sense), [3](https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/hutcheson-francis-1694-1746/v-1/sections/practical-ethics-and-influence)

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. We are a collaboration between people of all faiths and stripes. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

**Self-Care Is the Way with Guest Speaker Psychiatrist Dr. Sara Eagger** Join us for a nurturing evening dedicated to emotional wellness, inner balance, and the power of caring for the self from the inside out. In a world that asks so much of us, self-care is not selfish, it is sacred. Dr. Sara Eager will share practical wisdom and gentle insight to help us restore calm, strengthen the mind, and reconnect with our inner peace. Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more cared for. ***Dr. Sara Eagger (MB, BS, FRCPsych)*** *is a retired consultant psychiatrist from Imperial College London and Chair of the Janki Foudation, a UK-based charity which promotes spirituality in healthcare. With over 45 years of Raja Yoga meditation practice, she teaches Mindful Self-Compassion and co-authored "Stillness in the Storm: 7 Tools for Coping with Fear and Uncertainty."* Tue., May 19th, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/coWuE](https://shorturl.at/coWuE)

**Join us for Soul Coffee, an informal gathering where we can connect a bit deeper, check in on each other, and share some real soul conversation together - as always, across beliefs and traditions.** Soul Coffee is a gathering by BreadBreakers, a community for people of all stripes to build meaningful relationships and have curious conversations. **Our mission in BreadBreakers is to be a place of compassion and belonging in a time of division and isolation; to rebuild the town square, one table at a time.** Usually we do this by breaking bread and having facilitated conversations over dinner, but sometimes it's good to just meet over coffee and spend some unstructured time talking about the deep stuff. At each Soul Coffee, we'll keep it simple and talk about three questions: - How's your soul doing? - How have you experienced wonder lately? - What do you need right now? No matter your religion, or if you even are religious; no matter where you are spiritually; no matter if you even think souls exist - come to be seen and known, to just be humans together in a crazy world, to talk about those things of the spirit that are so central to the human experience but rarely get discussed. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of being in community with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by[ Restoration United Methodist Churc](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers)h in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community, a collaboration between the church and those of all different beliefs. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

We will meet in the Janney Parlor.