The goal of this house, the mission statement if you will, is to take a community of Jewish young adults, a community that for the most part has always had access to Jewish life, and to stretch as a community in order to find ways to bring in other Jewish young adults less connected to Jewish life, and to try to connect with our community. The community in DC is also hard to connect with because they expect upper middle class white young adults (99% of our community) to have no interest in creating community. The way to create this community over the long haul is to find a way to incorporate intelligent and captivating content into our monthly activities. People enjoy going bowling, but it does not necessarily create lasting community. Actually learning something at our events would go a long way. However, this raises the question of how to incorporate intelligent content in a captivating way. This is something we still haven't managed to master. but we're working on it....
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Moishe House DC monthly blog
DC is an odd place. I guess all places are odd places, but DC is odd in that the Jewish population of young adults in DC is one of transience. Roots are not growing here. In addition, people who are here are here for a reason. They are tethered here by work or school or sexual partner. Why do we mention this? We mention it because these are the conditions that we combat when trying to grow our community, a group of folks with no interest to be part of a community, a group of folks looking for a service provided. So to create actual community, the goal of our house, is to find a way to convince people that it is in their best interest to not treat every situation like a service to them. How do we do that? To tell you the truth, we try to do it in lots of ways, sometimes they are successful but much more likely they are unsuccessful. It's like throwing darts at a wall, knowing that most of the darts will miss. Of course, we all know that if we throw a big party, or a big shabbat dinner, then we will have upwards of 100 people. But that really misses the point.
Serving Community Observing Unity Together Standing
We at the Moishe House recognize our role in the global Jewish community as citizens of the world. Our mission is to unite a generation of brilliant thinkers and allow them to pave the way for a greater future, one house and one event at a time.
The Russian Speaking Chicago Moishe is focused on being the perfect blend of the various perspectives that express the Jewish experience. Our Judaica activities and gatherings explore culture, spirituality and social awareness through a Russian lens, nevertheless, we have youthful fun in all that we do. Our house is unique because we are still deeply connected to our European roots and lifestyle perspectives. As a result, we are the perfect blend of old school sentiment living in a new era where information travels as fast as thoughts.
Fortunately through unseen variables and happenstance circumstances, our house is attractive and is able to host large groups comfortably and in a nurturing setting. Since we are all natural born leaders with a wide array of talent, skill and humor, we create an ideal spectrum for creative problem solving strategies and event based activities. Our strength lies in our mindset and our ability to listen to each other.
Although we do not claim to have any solutions or bear any truth on how other Moishe houses should conduct themselves, we do encourage for fair play and empathetic listening. In addition, it is important that all those involved with our organization understand that time management and clear tasks allow for clearer communication. Moreover, it is important not to become overwhelmed with small details in relation to the larger picture.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, we are proud to present S.C.O.U.T. SCOUT is an acronym that stands for Serving Community Observing Unity Together Standing. Every Moishe House resident is a explorer in his or her right. All of us joined because we yearn to contribute and learn more about ourselves in the context of our community. Together we serve the global community, in doing so, we observe our unity and because of this a generation will stand together and let the world know that we are still here to brighten the lives for mankind.
The Russian Speaking Chicago Moishe is focused on being the perfect blend of the various perspectives that express the Jewish experience. Our Judaica activities and gatherings explore culture, spirituality and social awareness through a Russian lens, nevertheless, we have youthful fun in all that we do. Our house is unique because we are still deeply connected to our European roots and lifestyle perspectives. As a result, we are the perfect blend of old school sentiment living in a new era where information travels as fast as thoughts.
Fortunately through unseen variables and happenstance circumstances, our house is attractive and is able to host large groups comfortably and in a nurturing setting. Since we are all natural born leaders with a wide array of talent, skill and humor, we create an ideal spectrum for creative problem solving strategies and event based activities. Our strength lies in our mindset and our ability to listen to each other.
Although we do not claim to have any solutions or bear any truth on how other Moishe houses should conduct themselves, we do encourage for fair play and empathetic listening. In addition, it is important that all those involved with our organization understand that time management and clear tasks allow for clearer communication. Moreover, it is important not to become overwhelmed with small details in relation to the larger picture.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, we are proud to present S.C.O.U.T. SCOUT is an acronym that stands for Serving Community Observing Unity Together Standing. Every Moishe House resident is a explorer in his or her right. All of us joined because we yearn to contribute and learn more about ourselves in the context of our community. Together we serve the global community, in doing so, we observe our unity and because of this a generation will stand together and let the world know that we are still here to brighten the lives for mankind.
October Blog - Moishe House Beijing
As a Moishe House chapter, one of our roles is to represent the organization on a local level. At the heart of that role is establishing a Jewish communal base for Jews who might not necessarily have an outlet for Jewish experience. The foundations of a Jewish community are necessary for Jewish life to be realized in any sense. Through Jewish communities such as Moishe House, young Jews are able to fulfill their interests in Judaism as they see fit. The ultimate goal of Moishe House Beijing and Moishe Houses internationally is to have these communities be dictated by their members entirely. By enabling each community to design itself, said communities are stronger because everyone involved has his or her values represented. Moishe House’s throughout the world are strengthened in the future sense because of the strengths of each individual community, as well. As young adults, most Moishe House members are somewhat transient and their positive experience in one city will likely encourage them to participate in a Moishe House in their next stomping ground.
Moishe Houses’ diverse yet cohesive communities provide endless opportunities for Jewish learning by their natures. Pull together ten Jews from ten different parts of the globe and they have undoubtedly each had different relationships to Judaism throughout their lives. Moishe House Beijing is especially diverse in its members’ home cities and countries because of our expatriate base. Because Judaism is not monolithic, everyone’s experiences are able to shine through and educate fellow Moishe House members. Tikkun olam is also a natural outcome of such distinctive Jewish communities. The types of young adults attracted to Moishe House’s member-led community are generally community-minded, in general, in other realms of life. Put a group of spirited, socially active young adults together and they will ultimately inspire each other to make the world a better place in one way or another.
Moishe Houses’ diverse yet cohesive communities provide endless opportunities for Jewish learning by their natures. Pull together ten Jews from ten different parts of the globe and they have undoubtedly each had different relationships to Judaism throughout their lives. Moishe House Beijing is especially diverse in its members’ home cities and countries because of our expatriate base. Because Judaism is not monolithic, everyone’s experiences are able to shine through and educate fellow Moishe House members. Tikkun olam is also a natural outcome of such distinctive Jewish communities. The types of young adults attracted to Moishe House’s member-led community are generally community-minded, in general, in other realms of life. Put a group of spirited, socially active young adults together and they will ultimately inspire each other to make the world a better place in one way or another.
The Big Mission
This month’s blog topic is actually quite relevant, as a couple weeks ago, a local newspaper came by to write a story about what exactly Moishe House is and what we’re doing!
We’ve done a lot of thinking about the identity, vision, and direction of Moishe House Orange County recently. The mission of Moishe House Orange County is to provide a warm, welcoming environment for Jewish social, cultural, and religious programs to take place for Orange County’s 21- 30 year old Jewish community. Our house is a friendly space without any political, religious, or financial motives. We see our House as Orange County’s hub and gathering space for true friendships to blossom and unique programs to take place for Orange County’s Jewish young adults.
We have found that social events at Moishe House Orange County seem to be quite successful, however we are still trying to find our way with Jewish Community, Jewish Learning, and Tikkun Olam programs as some seem to be quite successful while others our community just doesn’t seem to be simply interested in no matter how great of an idea we, as residents, think it is. Our Shabbats are always meaningful and successful, but the interest for other Jewish programs is often either hit or miss. We think that having a roundtable discussion and sending out surveys about these programs will help us better gauge the types of Jewish Community, Jewish Learning, and Tikkun Olam programs our community want to participate in. Engaging our community and empowering them in the types of activities they want to participate in will bolster community support and participation in these Jewish- related activities. When we are able to do this we will achieve our mission of providing a warm, welcoming environment for Jewish social, cultural, religious programs to take place for Orange County’s 21- 30 year old Jewish community.
The beauty of Moishe House is that each House is unique. Each House has its own flavor and spice based on the local Jewish community and the House’s residents. Each House has its own identity, and based off this identity, offers its own unique programs for the community. We think that this is why Moishe House is so successful in every city that has a House.
If we were able to incorporate our House’s mission statement for the International Moishe House mission statement, it would go a little something like this: Moishe House’s mission is to provide a comfortable, unique, warm space in cities across the world for Jewish adults in their 20’s to build community based on the interests and passions of all involved. The goal is for each House to grow a unique Jewish community based on past, present, and future participants’ interests and passions. Moishe Houses across the world have dedicated, engaged, and empowered young Jewish adults in cities across the world to make this mission and goal flourish.
Much Love,
The Moishe House Orange County Roomies
October Blog - Moishe House Chisinau
В жизни каждого человека должно быть место, где он чувствует себя в безопасности, где он знает, что его ждут; место, куда ему хочется возвращаться, куда он готов вложить частичку самого себя.
. На сегодняшний день мы особенно остро ощущаем необходимость в таком месте.
« В современном мире правят безразличие и жестокость, и нет места человеческим чувствам и состраданию» - считает поколение 21 века, но мы сейчас пишем эту статью, чтобы показать обратное.
Наш Кишиневский Мойше Хаус за один месяц своего существования стал островком доброты и света, и показал на своем примере другим, что идея, подкрепленная благими намерениями, всегда будет реализована.
Сейчас у нас много планов и идей. Мы как искра в стоге сена разжигаем еврейскую жизнь в Кишиневе, но вначале нам это казалось практически невозможным.
Еще в момент зарождения проекта многие нас отговаривали. Обидно и то, что едва ли можно было найти поддержку даже у близких людей. Нам, «создателям» Мойше Хаус в Кишиневе приходилось встречаться чаще, чтобы не потерять веру в свою идею и надежду в положительный исход, ведь быть первыми – сложнее всего. Но время проходит и кажется, что Мойше Хаус получился сам собой.
Всего лишь один месяц и столько переживаний и эмоции, которыми хочется поделиться.
За этот месяц мы приобрели организационный и жизненный опыт . Никогда в жизни знакомства с новыми людьми не происходили с такой интенсивностью. Главное гореть идеей – тогда люди как бабочки слетаются на свет.
Мойше Хаус – это наше детище: мое, Юли и Стаса. Кому-то это покажется смешным, но мы как родители любим и заботимся о нашей идее.
Как родителям возвращается та ласка и забота, которую они дарили своему ребенку, так и мы, всецело отдаваясь нашей идее, получаем отдачу от людей которым с нами интересно. Я никогда не забуду горящие глаза людей и слова благодарности после посещения концерта классической музыки. Важно понимать, что для некоторых это был их первый опыт знакомства с искусством, для некоторых это была возможность с другой стороны посмотреть на классику. В любом случае – что-то качнулось на мировых весах зла и добра.
Пришло время перемен! А Мойше Хаус оказался в нужное время в нужном месте…
Moishe-house Chisinau...in English....
Each person needs to have a place where they feel safe, where somebody is waiting for them, a place that they wants to come back to, a place where they want to leave a small peace of their heart. Nowadays, we feel the need for such a special place, that would serve as a “shelter”, where we can hide from the emotional pressures of everyday life.
"In today’s world of indifference and cruelty, there is no place for human feelings and compassion" – believes the generation of 21st century, but in this article we want to show the opposite, the bright side of this world.
In a period of just one month, Moishe-House Chisinau has become an island of goodness and light, as we have shown others that a well-intended idea will always be realized.
Now, we have a lot of plans and ideas. We now see ourselves as a spark in Jewish life in Chisinau, but it was not all that easy at the beginning. Just one month has passed but we already have so many emotions that want to share with you.
This month we gained experience in both the organizational aspects of Moishe House and in our private lives. Never in my life has making new friends occured with such an intensity. We feel that our spark is becoming a torch that attracts supporters and admirers alike.
Moishe House is our child: mine, Julia’s and Stanley’s. It might sound ridiculous, but we love and take care about of our idea just as parents take care of their children.
As parents receive back the tenderness and the care they gave to their child, so do we get feedback and support from people who are interested in the idea of Moishe House. I will never forget the burning eyes and words of gratitude after attending a concert of classical music as part of a Moishe House event. It is important to understand that for some it was their first experience of acquaintance with art, for some others it was an opportunity to take a second look at the classics. In any case - something shifted in the world balance of good and evil.
It's time for change! And Moishe House is at the right time in the right place ...
Moishe-house Chisinau.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Moishe House Seattle's monthly blog
It's a pretty rare thing in life, to have someone walk up to you and
offer you a massive rent subsidy, plus a bunch of extra cash to throw
Jewish learning discussions and dinner parties and bowling nights.
It's not an opportunity that comes up often, this exchange of money in
turn for creating something that is meant purely for personal
enrichment. Really, Moishe House is giving us this enormous gift each
month, and asking us to continue giving that gift forward to the young
Jewish community around us. This is the future of the Jewish
community-- this act of selfless giving forward, of sharing what we
have with other people. This is also the definition of Tikkum Olam.
The enormity of the gift the Moishe House provides for us each month,
inspires us to incorporate public service into our lives-- and
provides us with the opportunity to spend more time volunteering and
less time working.
Seattle is a city that tries very hard to be aware of social and
environmental problems. Seattleites love buzz words such as "local,"
"fair trade," "organic," "non-GM," and "green tea." People here love
attaching "approve the referendum for gay rights!" banners to their
Facebook pictures. Moishe House Seattle's mission is to tap into that
social consciousness, and use the opportunities we have to improve the
world around us. We feel very fortunate to have been endowed with this
power to heal the world, one Shabbat dinner at a time.
offer you a massive rent subsidy, plus a bunch of extra cash to throw
Jewish learning discussions and dinner parties and bowling nights.
It's not an opportunity that comes up often, this exchange of money in
turn for creating something that is meant purely for personal
enrichment. Really, Moishe House is giving us this enormous gift each
month, and asking us to continue giving that gift forward to the young
Jewish community around us. This is the future of the Jewish
community-- this act of selfless giving forward, of sharing what we
have with other people. This is also the definition of Tikkum Olam.
The enormity of the gift the Moishe House provides for us each month,
inspires us to incorporate public service into our lives-- and
provides us with the opportunity to spend more time volunteering and
less time working.
Seattle is a city that tries very hard to be aware of social and
environmental problems. Seattleites love buzz words such as "local,"
"fair trade," "organic," "non-GM," and "green tea." People here love
attaching "approve the referendum for gay rights!" banners to their
Facebook pictures. Moishe House Seattle's mission is to tap into that
social consciousness, and use the opportunities we have to improve the
world around us. We feel very fortunate to have been endowed with this
power to heal the world, one Shabbat dinner at a time.
November Blog
Moishe House has fueled enormous growth by supporting grassroots community centers that cater toward the twenty-something post-college Jewish population. Moishe House Silver Spring was launched in June 2007 to serve the community of greater
The current leadership and culture of Moishe House leads me to believe that the organization will remain an organic representation of the young Jewish community. I don’t see the MH mission statement changing significantly to include more or less Tikkun Olam, Jewish community or learning, even with international expansion. As MH becomes more well-known, alumni may offer resources and mentorship to current MH residents and staff, local partnerships may weave the community closer, and many newly-graduated young professionals may be able to find their place in new cities. But to me, the true success of MH emerges as new alumni enter the greater Jewish world, trained to decide what Judaism looks like for them, shaping Jewish values and community with innovative approaches to spirituality.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)