Learner becomes the Master...

I've been on a big Star Wars kick lately hence the Obi-Wan/Darth Vader para-phrase reference. And seeing as Star Wars can be referenced to everything in real life, I will cross the threshold into the Moishe universe. A few months ago I was "the new guy" to the Moishe family. Since May, even though I'm under a year old in Moishe-years, I have seen my community turn to me as a leader. Not only have my friends and family learned about Moishe House, but community and state leaders have included me in discussions, brainstorming sessions, etc. Friends from college have asked me how to be more involved in the Jewish community in St. Louis even though they are from here and I am a transplant. I love being needed in this capacity and I love that Moishe House can provide the solution. It has helped me find my identity in St. Louis and since the D.C. retreat I have felt my role in the national Moishe movement increase. I have helped to house Sir Cygielman, met Ron and Pam Rubin (the generous providers for MH STL), and made friends across the country aware of Moishe House and its role in each city's community. In February, I will be contributing in a discussion with some of St. Louis's Jewish elite regarding community impact and participation. In May and June I was asking questions like "how does this work?" "what happens with this?" "why do we do this" in regards to Moishe House. Now I am not only answering those questions in St. Louis, but also across the country with my personal network and after the D.C. retreat, answering many other questions for other Moishe Houses. The retreat opened my eyes to the network I didn't realize I was a part of. I can't wait for my next visit to Chicago to attend a Shabbat dinner with the Chicago house and its residents after we bonded over that never-ending cab ride to Dulles. As the young Luke Skywalker was thrown into the fight against the Empire, barely able to turn on a lightsaber, and rose to be a Jedi Master, I feel like I've dove into the Moishe network head first and have risen to be a leader among my peers and community. I just need a lightsaber. And a cool ship preferably with a large co-pilot who speaks in growls and roars.
Happy New Year!
Jordan