Beijing: documenting a unique expat communtiy

Moishe House Beijing (aka me and Max) just finished our monthly conference call with Kevin, during which he asked us whether living in Beijing was isolating, if we felt there were no other Americans or foreigners.

His question made me think back to our community events with Moishe House in these first few weeks, and I have overwhelmingly decided that after more than 2 years in China I finally DO have a community, however temporary it may be (because really, who knows how long any of us will stay in the cities we live in now). I have people to count on for movie nights, dinners, and best of all always for learning new things (from juggling to crafts to cooking to languages). Our Jewish community has many people who want to learn about their own heritage, and many people of mixed ethnic backgrounds. I am happy that Max and I are cultivating a very open space where all kinds of Jews (and non-Jews as well) can connect and feel comfortable together.

For further evidence of our unique Beijing community, check out our photos on phanfare.

Even more fun (personal plug), check out my video "Calling for Obama in Beijing" that shows how Beijing not only has Americans, but has dedicated civic-minded Americans who volunteered for Obama and were overwhelmed with joy when he became President-elect last week.

If you take the time today (Thurs, Nov 13) to watch my video, please register an account on the site current.com (e-a-s-y to do) and vote for my video or post a comment. As I write this I'm number 2 in the countdown and if I reach number 1 my video will be on TV!

Later this month I will also post the link to an article I wrote for The Forward about starting a Moishe House in Beijing. Look out for that!

cheers, ali