Joshua Walters from Moishe House Oakland Checks in...
Before Moishe House I used to think all you needed for a good party was lots of delicious food, but after throwing a couple events I've realized that while full bellies are important, for me, a successful event also incorporates laughter, silliness and sharing.
Just a regular BBQ where folks who I don't know or don't care for come to the house and eat up all the chicken and corn seems kind of hallow to me. I could just feed people, but privileged jews don't need a hand out, and in the end what was accomplished. We had an event a couple weeks ago that was just food and schmooze, and it felt OK, but it didn't feel great, because it didn't feel like people walked away with a better sense of where they lived.
Coming from a performing arts background, the events I host at the house are not just free food, but a chance for people to get to know one another by sharing there experience, weather it be hilarious or deeply personal. The Last event we had, Shabbat House Concert, was a complete success with comedians, singer/songwriters, storytellers and even a mime. The force of people's laughter completely shattered any social stiffness that a group of strangers might have. People who attended got to know a different side of the performers who shared, weather it be a sweet lullaby sung on the guitar or a story filled with love about about one's mom. This was an event that had a lot of sharing, and in turn a feeling of community.
No comments:
Post a Comment