The 20s are a complicated age for Jews of this generation (yes I know, what age hasn’t been complicated for anyone ever?) Finished with college and its comforting social environment and life structure but not yet settled into permanent family units or long-term careers, 20-somethings often find themselves fighting against alienation and uncertainty about where to be and what to do and who to associate with. Even without current economic difficulties, the pace and realities of globalized life today require a significant variety of professional experience and graduate degrees, and to obtain them young people have to go from one city to another looking for the right credentials, while hoping along to the way to have meaningful experiences and if they’re lucky enjoy themselves. Many Jewish organizations have stepped up their efforts to reach out to people of our age, and we are very appreciative of that, but in my case Moishe House has been the crucial niche.
I was in Boston for graduate school for 2 years (after living briefly in NY), and I made great friends at school and went to Hillel events. But as a graduate student I realized that I was looking for something a bit more organic and independent when it came to Jewish community and something not so clearly tied to a university framework, which I knew to be fleeting. Through a fortuitous encounter with someone very involved in the Boston Moishe Kavod House I ended up going there for Shabbat dinner and loved it. The feeling of the place and the range of activities they offered was wonderful. Because as it turned out I discovered it late in my stay in Boston I was never able to fully take advantage of that great community, but it clued me in to what kinds of opportunities were out there for people like me if I went looking.
When I knew that I’d be moving to Philadelphia I straightaway looked up the Moishe House to see if they were looking for new housemates. Fortunately for me they were, and after a brief interview process I was happy to be accepted. Living in a Moishe House has been an enormous boon to me as someone moving to a new city. Not only do my housemates Cody, Becca, and Heather serve as an immediate friendly family, but working together on a broader mission, even when that just means going shopping together for an event, forms a deeper set of relationships than housemates otherwise have. And of course it’s been great simply being at the center of the social, educational, and volunteering activity that goes on at Moishe House Philly. I’ve had the opportunity to meet people active both in our community and in other Jewish networks and organizations throughout Philly, and also to be connected to interesting events and opportunities I otherwise would not have known existed. And just as importantly, I’ve enjoyed reaching out to young friends and relatives of mine who are in the Philly area and encouraging them to come to our events. This is how Moishe House works; young Jews use the space and forum it provides to bring their friends into a more intentional zone of Jewish community, and by extension a large interconnected network of friends, family, and previously unknown people are involved and energized. It’s been a privilege and an honor to be part of it, and I hope that some of the people I’ve brought in have been affected as I have.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Efficiency through Trust
As a co-founding resident of Moishe House San Fernando Valley (in Los Angeles), I am proud to say we are on our sixth month and going strong! The past few months have had their ups and downs, with many challenges being overcome and even more success achieved. Having experienced other programs at nearby Moishe Houses, I've gained a pretty good understanding of what my particular group of residents does exceptionally well, and I think it's important that these "trade secrets" are shared.
Most Moishe House residents can relate to the super busy and demanding schedules that my roommates and I share. Finding time to have a planning pow-wow to schedule the month's programs, as well as several prep meetings to plan out individual programs is something that we all struggle with- and we find planning meetings to be especially hard to schedule given our conflicting work schedules and social calendars. So what do we do that is so unique at our house?
The greatest strength of our house's dynamic- the thing that makes our house's programs get churned out and hum along like a well oiled machine- is trust. Of course, we communicate as much as we can to plan our programs, but a 4 hour meeting once a month is something that we can't really get done. Emails, group text messages, and conversations over hooka during commercial breaks are where we brainstorm ideas and plan out our month, but that really just puts the barebones together.
When it's time to get the programs going, we know that everyone will do their best, and we also know that there is a 100% chance that something will not go according to plan. Like I said, we aren't quite able to have meetings and plan out everything to the tee, so when impromptu decisions need to be made, it goes without saying that every resident has the leeway to make the call on what changes need to be made.
We have had Shabbat meals change from BBQ to Brunch on the day of the program, compensation plans go in totally different directions, programs planned for two dozen people yield over 40 participants, and residents not being able to be a part of every program due to other obligations. If one of us can't make a program, it goes without saying that the others will be there to pick up the slack and do what needs to be done, without any planning, any discussion, or any scorekeeping of who did what when.
Eugene - MH San Fernando Valley
Most Moishe House residents can relate to the super busy and demanding schedules that my roommates and I share. Finding time to have a planning pow-wow to schedule the month's programs, as well as several prep meetings to plan out individual programs is something that we all struggle with- and we find planning meetings to be especially hard to schedule given our conflicting work schedules and social calendars. So what do we do that is so unique at our house?
The greatest strength of our house's dynamic- the thing that makes our house's programs get churned out and hum along like a well oiled machine- is trust. Of course, we communicate as much as we can to plan our programs, but a 4 hour meeting once a month is something that we can't really get done. Emails, group text messages, and conversations over hooka during commercial breaks are where we brainstorm ideas and plan out our month, but that really just puts the barebones together.
When it's time to get the programs going, we know that everyone will do their best, and we also know that there is a 100% chance that something will not go according to plan. Like I said, we aren't quite able to have meetings and plan out everything to the tee, so when impromptu decisions need to be made, it goes without saying that every resident has the leeway to make the call on what changes need to be made.
We have had Shabbat meals change from BBQ to Brunch on the day of the program, compensation plans go in totally different directions, programs planned for two dozen people yield over 40 participants, and residents not being able to be a part of every program due to other obligations. If one of us can't make a program, it goes without saying that the others will be there to pick up the slack and do what needs to be done, without any planning, any discussion, or any scorekeeping of who did what when.
Eugene - MH San Fernando Valley
Monday, January 9, 2012
Food for the Soul
When I moved to Portland, OR in September, I had no idea what was in store for me. Living with more than one roommate for the first time, creating seven Jewish programs a month, and moving to a city I knew nothing about were only some of the many concerns I had.
Yet, sitting here 4 months later, I can say how grateful I am to have moved into this beautiful community filled with constant support from my roommates and Moishe House participants.
Every week, my three other roommates and I discuss the endless possibilities we have in creating a spirited, energetic, and loving Jewish community. While we all have our ideas in how this will be created, one concept we all agree upon is the importance of establishing a community in the house. After all, one cannot discuss its importance of community building if we are not living it every single day in the home we live in. With this in mind, one way we have established a community within the house is the agreement of sharing food.
Let’s face it - One of the most important rooms in a house is the kitchen. The kitchen is where food for the soul is prepared to eat and enjoy. One might think that sharing food does not take much thought or effort. However, witnessing a transition between, “My food is mine” to “Our food is for everyone!” has built a stronger connection between all of us. In addition, I have seen our home grow from individuality to community building, filled with love, support, and yummy food! This simple, yet important practice has created a bond, which will continue to shine outside of our home and help us to create the community we are focused on.
As I continue to have a vital position in this leadership role, I look forward in creating more ways to connect with my roommates and simultaneously establishing a strong and vibrant Jewish community in Portland, OR!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
MH San Francisco - Happy New Year
December was an exciting month at mhsf. Me and Sarah are moving out in the middle of January to a new place. It's been a year living here for me and over three for her. So the new year is coming in with big changes on the way. It's been really great living at the moishe house. It was my first time living with Sarah Beth, and a chance to make really great friendships with housemates and community members.
We have had some awesome parties over the year, like my move-in and Halloween, and tons of great smaller events as well. Volunteering at Hayes valley garden and the comics club were some of my favorites.
It's a bit bitter sweet to leave, but I am also looking forward to this next year and the new place in Oakland. And it's really good to know that the house is in good hands with Dan, jay and Meg. I can't wait to visit mh as a guest!
Last I just want to say a big thanks to all of our community members who came out to visit us. Great meeting all of you and getting to know you! And thank you also to the moishe house office and all of the donors -- big and small -- who made our household possible over the last year and beyond. Thank you and happy 2011!
*Jordan
We have had some awesome parties over the year, like my move-in and Halloween, and tons of great smaller events as well. Volunteering at Hayes valley garden and the comics club were some of my favorites.
It's a bit bitter sweet to leave, but I am also looking forward to this next year and the new place in Oakland. And it's really good to know that the house is in good hands with Dan, jay and Meg. I can't wait to visit mh as a guest!
Last I just want to say a big thanks to all of our community members who came out to visit us. Great meeting all of you and getting to know you! And thank you also to the moishe house office and all of the donors -- big and small -- who made our household possible over the last year and beyond. Thank you and happy 2011!
*Jordan
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Moishe House Philadelphia… Tradition
When my roommates and I plan our calendar each month, we talk about what events to organize, how these events will fit into the holiday calendar, and how to incorporate we spend time talking about what events we would like to do, what events fit in with the Jewish holidays and what events our how to incorporate events Moishe Houseour house has consistently done at this time of year. in the past. I am lucky to have moved into a Moishe house with traditions and history to build upon. Even though Moishe House Philadelphia was only 4 years old when I moved in two summers ago, the house has its own history and events that community members come out every year for a ton of annual events and traditions that my roommates and I are able to build upon. .
That’s not to say there isn’t reinvention and transition. WithThat being said, with each new crop of roommates comesadds a new and exciting element and idea to the mix. new and exciting ideas. This year, we continued the tradition of one of my favorite events, Holiday Cocktails. That’s it you guessed it,What could be better than a holiday party plus +amazing homemade cocktails? = super fun time. This time year we changed it up a little by having our party on Shabbat and added a little more food to the mix. It was our good fortune that Chanukah fell late this year, allowing a fun mix of community members old and new, including some previous house residents..
Our house is lucky in that even after residents move on, many don’t move too far (3 ex residents live in our neighborhood). These may or may not be people I actually lived with, but either way our bond of shared experience is strong. This event, unlike others felt extra special because two of the residents, including myself, had all of our siblings attend. As we gathered for a picture of Moishe House residents old and new, I realized that much like my own brothers (whom I was lucky enough to have with me that night) my Philadelphia housemates old and new are like family rather than just friends. I look forward to a new year full of reinvention, transition and, of course, tradition at Moishe House Philadelphia.
That’s not to say there isn’t reinvention and transition. WithThat being said, with each new crop of roommates comesadds a new and exciting element and idea to the mix. new and exciting ideas. This year, we continued the tradition of one of my favorite events, Holiday Cocktails. That’s it you guessed it,What could be better than a holiday party plus +amazing homemade cocktails? = super fun time. This time year we changed it up a little by having our party on Shabbat and added a little more food to the mix. It was our good fortune that Chanukah fell late this year, allowing a fun mix of community members old and new, including some previous house residents..
Our house is lucky in that even after residents move on, many don’t move too far (3 ex residents live in our neighborhood). These may or may not be people I actually lived with, but either way our bond of shared experience is strong. This event, unlike others felt extra special because two of the residents, including myself, had all of our siblings attend. As we gathered for a picture of Moishe House residents old and new, I realized that much like my own brothers (whom I was lucky enough to have with me that night) my Philadelphia housemates old and new are like family rather than just friends. I look forward to a new year full of reinvention, transition and, of course, tradition at Moishe House Philadelphia.
Motor City Takeover
The Moshie House is taking over the city of Detroit!
No, not literally but which Moishe House can say they had the likes of a Mayor, United States Senator, and international pop star over for Shabbat dinner within six months of their grand opening? That’s what we call Detroit Muscle…
The Detroit Moishe House is a strong group of residents who are not only trying to build a strong Jewish community within Metro Detroit but also trying to rebuild a brain-drained city. Our house is so much more then enriching Jewish life, it’s about breaking down stereotypes and rebuilding Jewish community within Detroit City limits.
A few of our residents are taking a proactive approach to rebuilding our city by founding both the Live For Detroit fund, a rent subsidy program for Next Generation leaders of Detroit to move to the city, and Detroit Harmony, a nonprofit which focuses on creating natural diversity in the city.
As residents, we understand the tremendous undertaking to rebuilding a major city like Detroit. However, with the generous giving by our donors and the outstanding efforts by people within the Detroit Jewish community, we look forward to the day where we can say that the residents of the Motor City Moishe House played an important role in the rebirth of a prosperous Jewish community within Detroit.
Thank you again to all of our donors and a special thank you to Adam Finkel who is the reason our house is in existence.
Make it a great year in 2012!
Big G
Thoughts on Leadership from MH Hoboken
In leadership, sometime we just do. Knowledge, pedagogy, intellectualism, education, programming, planning, organizing, and resources are all important aspects of leadership but sometimes, as a leader, you just have to take action and make a decision. You don't know if others will follow, you don't know if they will pick up where you leave off, and many times you don't even look before you leap.
Most of these moments are small droplets of time, they are quick visceral decisions over seemingly unimportant and minuscule issues - from how to treat the awkward fellow attending a program for the first time, to whether to give a darn about recycling at your 80+ person Hanukah celebration, to whom to ask in your community to do Motze, to whether you will make an announcement on behalf of another Jewish organization... These instinctive calls we make are not reflective of laziness or sloth; our knee jerk responses are not a negative but are our natural desire to create community that we want to be a part of. These quick calls reflect less on our communities, which are determined more by our house meetings, than they do ourselves. Meetings with housemates are enjoyable but deliberate and though fun, they are fundamentally formal. These meetings are broad in scope, often covering more than one months worth of programming and discussing past points of success and of improvement. It is in the slippery but inevitable detail, the unspecified minutia that has fallen through the cracks, that we find out what type of leader each of us are. When the otherwise best laid plans of a fully cognizant community building effort isn't even part of our consciousness is when we set the tone and tenor of our communities. It is in these small programmatic puddles that our communities see who we really are - are we deferring to men to be our leaders of Jewish ritual or are we empowering all community members? Are we compromising our values for expediency or are we going the extra mile for our beliefs? Are we, as residents, the new "it" crowd or should we be welcoming, inclusive, and empowering?
While it is obvious that the singular voice of the written word tends to hyperbole it is just as true that each droplet decision we make adds to another, pooling together like rain that feeds into a stream and into a river where it eventually has a strong current. Leadership requires that ability to make a snap decision but if we are not cognitively aware of the aggregate effect of our actions than we may end up with communal currents we ourselves do not like. Sometimes to be a leader, you must swim against the current even if its of your own making.
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