August: a fond farewell

It's been an unbelievable four years, but I'm moving out of MoHoLo at the end of August. If all goes well, I'll still be involved in Moishe House, working with the other MoHoLo residents and Moishe Houses in other countries, but my time living here is coming to an end.

When five of us decided to start a Jewish community house in 2007 we were prompted by a deep sense of personal need, for a type of community that was almost within reach but didn't yet exist. On my part, I wanted a better Jewish life.

Four years on and my Jewish life is completely transformed, through Moishe House London and other stellar clusters of creative Jewish community. So for this individual, it's mission accomplished.

MoHoLo continues to evolve, with all of us shaping it. If you want to run an event, get in touch - I certainly plan to be part of things.

Clive Selwyn has been a resident since before the summer and he'll continue to bring his special brand of madness to the Moishe House. And in September, again all going well, you'll be able to meet a sixth resident, arriving back in the UK with fresh ideas.

Indulge me here. I'd like to sign off with my top 5 Moishe House London events from the last four years - evenings of magic:

5) Shotei Ha'Nevua (January 2011)

4) Gaza Listening (January 2009)

3) Dining in the Dark (February 2011)

2) The Big One (December 2009)

1) Moishe Fest (July 2009)

And the future...? READ ON

Love,

Joel

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We've got two Tisha B'Av events, dancing, drumming, geeky movies and, moving into September and beyond, Tantra and - oh yeah - Grassroots Jews Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.

One more thing first: Facebook groups are changing and their new format doesn't let us do the things we need to do as residents of MoHoLo. Please help us transition to a new system of alerting you to events by filling in this form: http://tripler.wufoo.com/forms/moholo-contact-list/

It only takes a few seconds.

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EVENTS

08 August

Yachad Beit Midrash - Tisha b'Av Tikkun Where: Moishe House London When: 08 August from 21:00 to 23:00

The first of two Tisha B'Av events at MoHoLo is presented by Yachad. Study texts on Jewish sovereignty, ask difficult questions and search for answers together.

09 August

Footsteps in the Sand - Tisha B'Av Event Where: MoHoLo When: 09 August from 19:00 to 20:30

Aviad presents his personal take on Tisha B'Av and Gush Katif, looking at the expulsion of 8,600 Jews from their houses six years ago. We will learn some Talmud and more recent Jewish approaches to suffering, before watching the film 'Footsteps in the Sand.'

10 August

Dancing the Philtrum Where: Moishe House London, message us for specific address When: 10 August from 19:30 to 22:00

Free dance movement, meditation, voice, breath and automatic drawing/writing to get in touch with our innate wisdom. This session is full but there is a waiting list - email tanyabenardout@hotmail.com for more info.

11 August

Drumming Workshop Where: MoHoLo When: 11 August from 19:30 to 21:30 Back by popular demand. Bring your own hand drums and percussion, and learn how to play it!

30 August

Geek Week pt 1- Back to the Future Where: Moishe House When: 30 August from 19:00 to 22:00

Three nights, three 'geek classics' - projected on our big screen. Dress up (if you want), bring some snacks and drinks, and be prepared for some fun.

31 August

Geek Week pt 2- Indiana Jones Where: Moishe House London When: 31 August from 19:00 to 22:00

Three nights, three 'geek classics' - projected on our big screen. Dress up (if you want), bring some snacks and drinks, and be prepared for some fun.

01 September

Geek Week pt 3- X-Men Trilogy Where: Moishe House London When: 01 September from 19:00 to 22:00

Three nights, three 'geek classics' - projected on our big screen. Dress up (if you want), bring some snacks and drinks, and be prepared for some fun.

08 September

Mini-introduction to Tantra Where: Moishe House London When: 08 September from 18:30 to 21:00

After Leora Lightwoman's fantastic session in December, we decided to team up with Diamond Light Tantra again, for this mini-introduction session. Enhance connectedness, harmony and compassion - with a special offer for MoHoLo community.

September 28th-29th Grassroots Jews Rosh Hashanah services: Watch This Space!

Kosher...I think so!

Max Pollak and Mickey Rubin are friends of mine from Towson University. When they mentioned they were moving into Baltimore’s Moishe House, I really didn’t understand the concept. There was one Friday night where they were hosting a Shabbat dinner and I figured I’d go and see what it was all about. I ended up having such a great time and meeting so many nice people. I eventually started coming to more and more events; and helping out if my assistance was needed. For example, I’d come over early and help former Moishe House member, Andi Wagelstein with preparing for Shabbat dinners. As the year progressed, Max and Mickey found out that Andi’s job was transferring her to an office in Hoboken, New Jersey; therefore they would need a third (female) roommate. One of the main reasons I decided living in Moishe House would be a good fit for me is because all my life, Judaism has sort of been an obligation. For example, I was obligated to attend Hebrew School and go through Confirmation. Additionally, my parents keep kosher in our home. I have always been intimidated to help out in my parents’ kitchen because I never wanted to use the milk sponge for some type of meat. I want to be able to enjoy all aspects of the religious and cultural values and learn what being Jewish means to me. When all was said and done, it was mutually agreed upon that I was a good fit for Moishe House and as a roommate for the boys. I really enjoy seeing all the friendships Moishe House has created and maintained. People who meet at Moishe House have said there’s no other way to maintain a sense of a Jewish identity, besides going to services on Shabbat. Once becoming involved and eventually a member of Moishe House, I learned that being Jewish is more than going to Hebrew School and keep Kosher; it’s about how I choose to identify with Judaism- whether that’s through hosting Shabbat Dinners, playing Bingo with the elderly, volunteering at Ronald McDonald House, or gathering friends for a low key trivia night."

Invitation to group trips

Hi,                                                                                                                                                                       

 

Our trips provide an unforgettable insight into Jewish history plus the rich culture exploring the world that once existed, whilst concentrating on the present through the remaining communities. Join us and learn about the astonishing contribution the Jewish communities once made and enjoy the main sites of each particular country :-

 

ROME – the Eternal city 2nd September 2011 – 1 room left Week-end in Rome consisting 3 days of ancient, classical and ghetto tours, staying in Hotel overlooking the Forum Rome – A 3,000 year multi layered museum under the open sky with the worlds oldest continuing Jewish community outside Israel. The former ghetto is fascinating & thriving again with some of the best kosher restaurants in Europe. See www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk for full agenda and cost

 

Romania, Moldova & Bessarabia trip for 7 days leaving on 15^th September 2011 – Few rooms left Romania & Moldova covering the former Bessarabia & beautiful Transylvanian region of a former once vast Jewish presence where still communities exist and synagogues are being restored. We fly with Wizz airline to Cluz airport in the North West of Romania returning from Bacau in the North East by Blue Air. We will have the use of minibus and guide at all times, staying in 3+ star hotels in interesting towns and areas of natural beauty. See the detailed itinerary in what promises to be a great trip - See www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk for full agenda and cost

Magical Morocco Marrakesh CHILL-OUT weekend 27^th October 2011 - Following a hugely successful sold out 2011 trip, and further enquiries, demand will be huge for our next Morocco trips. We suggest you book early, as limited rooms available. We will be staying at the magnificent KSAR ANIKA RIAD with gourmet kosher food in evenings and shabbos, with only 1 or 2 guided walks planned. Four days 3 nights at a cost of £485 - See www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk for full agenda and cost

DANUBE Luxury 8 day river cruise from Budapest from £999 per person in August & November 2011 JHTee is proud to announce that we have negotiated with a leading cruise Company a truly exciting trip on an exceptional boat, and at an affordable price. This amazing offer 5% discount available through JHTee tours will navigate 4 countries and the 3 capital cities of Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna before concluding in Germany, and flying home either from Nuremberg or Budapest on the reverse trip - See www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk for full agenda and cost

FULL Morocco tour 16^th February 2012 is now confirmed for full 12 day trip, including Sahara desert. The way the trip has been planned only allows a return flight home after 8 days when we arrive in Marrakesh, for those not wishing to stay for the full trip. Our guide for the entire time is Raphael Elmaleh [excellent raconteur] who is responsible for the only Jewish museum in the Arab world and involved in the restoration of shuls and cemeteries and Jewish artifacts.
Tunisia including Djerba island – Planned for March 2012

Lithuania trip 29^th April 2012 Vilnius and Kovno trip – Consisting of 3 days 2 nights - See www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk in planning stage

Spain - May 2012 – Starting in Madrid then Toledo Seville Codoba concluding in Gibraltar  www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk in planning stage

UKRAINE Autumn 2012 - 10 days covering everything from Lvov to Odessa - See www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk for full agenda and cost

Incredible INDIA November 2012 - See www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk for full agenda and cost of  8 or 13 day or 20 day trip

 

    Marcel Manson
 

Jewish Heritage Tours

6, Golf Close

Stanmore

Middlesex

England    HA7 2PP

Tel No   0044 0 208 9545074

Fax No 0044 0 208 954 5074

Mobile N0 0771 2290520

e-mail:     marcel@jewishheritagetours.co.uk

Web site: www.jewishheritagetours.co.uk

 

World Champ Team - MH Dallas

The world-champion Dallas Mavericks provide a profound lesson in the triumph of teamwork over selfishness. When the Miami Heat sought to craft a world championship team they did so with the thought that if they could acquire the most-talented players in their starting five they would be able to defeat anyone. The raw desire that each of the stars the Heat acquired had in obtaining a championship for themselves would naturally result in their working together to obtain a goal that would benefit all of them, (think free-market economics: As long as markets are free and competitive the actions of private individuals, motivated by self-interest, will work together for the greater good of society). LeBron wanted a championship for LeBron, Bosh for Bosh, and Wade for Wade, and in the end none of them got a ring. The self-interest model failed miserably.


The Mavs on the other hand kept their eye on one goal, a championship for the team. There was no room for egos, simply get the job done, forget the limelight. When Mavs needed inspiration the players did not rely on their own naked ambition for personal glory but dedicated their playoff run to the likes of Caron Butler a star teammate who had been unable to play since February due to injury, yet played an integral part in keeping up morale in the locker room.


At Moishe House Dallas, we take inspiration from our world champion team. Ultimately there is only one goal at MoHo Dallas run the most meaningful and unique events possible for the greatest amount of young Jews in Dallas, by any means necessary. We all have extremely busy schedules in this house and running successful events is very time consuming and hard work, but as a cohesive unit there is little we cannot accomplish effectively. As a team it is imperative that we can rely on one another to perform necessary tasks to get the job done. Yet there are doubtless times where differing obligations will conflict for a “teammate” and require greater effort from the other teammates. In MoHo D, there are no questions asked when greater effort is needed the job will get done with no complaints. (think: Dirk’s shot goes cold, get the ball to Chandler or Terry)


There is no ego in MoHo D, the goal and mission is bigger than any one of us. The past few months have been extraordinarily difficult for me with final exams and bar review and I would like to thank my teammates of MoHo D who despite the fact that I produce like Dirk with a 103 degree fever or even Peja trying to play defense at times, my teammates with out fail always come out strong and get ‘er done, by any means necessary.

Damon Mathias

Moishe House London - July Events

Greetings! 

It's July: it's not that hot but it's the English Summer so that's okay. Murray, our only British hope, has got knocked out of Wimbledon spectacularly and been told that it's probably because his best is just not good enough - lovely! London just hosted this year's Gay Pride Parade. Lots of festivals. Lots of fun. London, for the most part, is a happy place to be.

Events for July are a delightful assortment of education, festival fun, and music and film goodness.  See below for the complete list of events for July.

As always, Moishe House is open to you all the year round so come chill, play, chat, learn, entertain, be entertained, create new friends, and consolidate old ones. You are an integral part of our community, so get involved in any way you like - our doors are always open.

Much love to you all.

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10 July

Freecycle Clothes Day! Where: Moishe House London When: 10 July from 14:00 to 17:00 Get ready for the summer by cleaning out your closet!  Have a jumper in your closet you don't think you need anymore? Love finding treasures in other people's clothing-trash? Come participate in the Moishe House Freecycle Clothes Day!  Bring your books, bring your old jewelry, and bring your clothes! So spend an afternoon with Moishe House, bag a few gems for your closet! Whatever isn't picked up by one of us will be donated to a local charity, so what do you have to lose?  Message Alli if you have any questions.  See you then!

14 July

Open Mic Evening Where: MoHoLo When: 14 July from 20:00 to 23:00 Moishe House's very own open mic evening. A chance for you to show us what you've got.  Open to all... Perform in our very open, welcome and accepting space. Bring your instrument if you have one. We will provide a guitar, a mic and the sound system

18 July

Jews Dating non-Jews: the end of the Jewish people or no big deal? Where: Moishe House London, Willesden Green (message us for the full address) When: 18 July from 20:00 to 22:00 Are you a Jew in a relationship with a non-Jew? A non-Jew in a relationship with a Jew? The child of one Jewish and one non-Jewish parent? Are you converting or contemplating conversion for a Jewish partner? Or do you simply want to air your views about mixed faith relationships?  Whatever your circumstances come and share your thoughts, experiences and opinions on this issue with Zahavit Shalev. Zahavit runs the conversion course at New North London (Masorti) Synagogue. She is also a project worker at Jeneration (www.jeneration.org) where her job is to reach out to mixed faith couples and support them in finding a connection to Judaism that's right for them.

19 July

Burning Man Pre-Compression Briefing Where: MoHoLo When: 19 July from 19:30 to 22:30 A how to and hang out for peeps going to Burning Man this year and anyone else who's interested. Travel Supplies Costumes Medical Camping Food Water Old-timers share experience, newcomers ask questions, everyone gets excited. Dress up optional. Bring snacks.

21 July

Labyrinth Film Night Where: MoHoLo - please message for the address When: 21 July from 19:30 to 22:30 Following up on the success of The Big Lebowski night, we will be celebrating all things Bowie with the screening of the amazing '80s cult classic Labyrinth.  Get lost in a beautiful film, dress up like the Starman himself if you want (who doesnt love big hair, big make-up and tight, shiny clothes?), and come along for a fun night!  7:30pm for drinks and snacks, 8pm for the film. Bring snacks and drinks as you wish, and come along for a fun night - if anyone has any ideas of Bowie-themed cocktails, let us know!! You have no power over me...

Shavuot (Sarah's May Blog)

Moishe House Chicago recently had a Shavuot program where we stayed up and learned different things that members of the community offered to share. People taught improv, led discussions on unions and Judaism, led text studies, learned Israeli dancing, and much more. One session specifically touched me and is one of my favorite Moishe House memories I hold close to my heart. A community member was teaching a session on Shavuot and poetry. I was very interested in attending this session because I wanted to do some writing and had not had time lately. I also wanted to support the community member who was leading the session.

This community member had come to Moishe House for the first time a year before (at the last Shavuot event). He was shy, reserved, and after the event, I wasn’t sure if he would come back. I sometimes worry that Moishe might be overwhelming for people that are introverted and don’t know many people in the community. However, the story of this man has shown me that our community does doing a good job of being inclusive for lots of different personalities.

The participant came back and slowly grew less shy and began to make friends. He began coming to trivia and happy hours. He then joined a discussion group called “Privilege, Oppression, and the Jewish Community,” and co-lead a series of discussions on history. Next, he became a part of our weekly text study group. He recently told me that he had started to think of things differently at Moishe House. He now saw issues with more of a social justice lens, and he was grateful that Moishe House had given him the opportunity to gain friends and learn about Judaism and society in a larger context.

What I saw the night that I participated in his Shavuot poetry session was leadership. He led us through three different readings about G-d giving the 10 commandments and gave us a very creative writing prompt. We all wrote poetry that we shared with each other. I thought about all the learning we were doing that night and reflected on the learning and growing we had done in the past year. As residents and community members, we have come a long way in continuing to build a meaningful Jewish community.

June already

Summer. Lots of events. Events events events events events.

It is very easy to think of Moishe House London, and the other stellar groups in our sparkling community constellation, as event-based organisations. And on one level that's what we are.

But actually we're a community.

Of course that means different things to different people. But it tends to work like this. You come to, yes, an event or two. And you meet the people who also come here and you start to discover there's something about this place and these people, and soon they're your people too and you want to spend time with them in other contexts and combinations. And you want to contribute - and spend time round here when there's not an event on.

And then, what do you know, your life is changed. For real.

Well, it's almost Shavuot now and I have to go and cook some cheese ('What did the cheese say when he looked in the mirror? Haloumi!') so I will now get off my soap box and tell you about... our events.

But before I do (and talking of changing lives) we're soon going to launch a kind of Grassroots MoHoLo social justice fellowship, for a group of people to receive training and be paired with a disadvantaged child to mentor, and meet up however often it suits them for social justice learning and skills. Email thelondonhouse@gmail.com if you think you might be interested.

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12 June

Jewellery Creation, part two! Where: Moishe House London When: 12 June from 14:30 to 17:30 Would you like to create your own beautiful jewelry? In this workshop, we will learn how to make earrings, pendants, and charms. Everything will be provided for you, and everyone will go home with beautiful creations of their own.  This will cost £6 for beads for your jewelry - the rest will be provided by Moishe House. Also, because of the teaching nature of this workshop, it is limited to eight people. Please email Alli at alli.zionts@gmail.com to reserve your place.

23 June

"Big Lebowski" Night Where: MoHoLo (message me for the address) When: 23 June from 19:00 to 22:00 Come along for a film night-- The Big Lebowski, classic amusing Jewish film.  We shall be drinking (vegan optional) White Russians, and points to the person who comes best dressed in a dressing gown/ oversized cardigan.  7pm for drinks and snacks, 8pm for the film. Bring snacks and drinks as you wish, and come along for a fun night :)

Glastonbury Festival's Lovely Jewish Tent Where: Next to the Hare Krishnas, near the Glade Stage, right in the middle of the festival When: 23 June at 19:00 until  26 June at 22:30 One for those of you at Glasto. MoHoLo is supporting and co-organising the Jewish tent. Come join us for a little relaxation, food, drink, arts & crafts, music, poetry, meditation and general chilling. We'll be hosting a musical Kabalat Shabbat service, dubstep raves, make-your-own-lovely hebraica workshops, kabbalistic meditation sessions and anything else that you might require (let us know!) plus of course the annual institution that is our Friday night challah, humous & cocktails party. On Friday afternoon we are going to hit you hard with a mini dubstep rave using the MoHoLo Underground 900 watt sound system, this pleasure will be followed by a switch off/switch on candle lighting ceremony and a Friday night improvised service and Kiddush.

27 June

Book Discussion- "The Ladies Auxiliary" Where: MoHoLo When: 27 June from 19:30 to 22:30 Tova Mirvis' novel about a tight-knit orthodox Jewish community being forced to welcome someone a little different. 7:30pm for snacks and drinks, 8pm for book discussion (and if the weather is lovely, outside!).

29 June

Clowning Workshop (MAX 20 PEOPLE) Where: Moishe House London When: 29 June from 19:30 to 22:30 Ever wondered what it takes to be a clown? Well, wonder no more! We are very lucky to be joined again by the very talented Hernandez (from The Rubbish Sideshow and Dr. Clive's Circus ). His speciality is clown/eccentric performance/physical theatre. We will be playing a lot of games on that theme.  Numbers are limited to 20 and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

30 June

Future Sound of Yoga Where: Moishe House London, Willesden Green (please message us for full address) When: 30 June from 19:30 to 21:30 This event is completely full right now (we can fit 10 yoga mats into our living room!) but if you're interested in Future Sound of Yoga's unique blend of yoga and dance with a live DJ we recommend the following: - RSVP and get yourself on the waiting list (people do sometimes drop out last minute) - Go to FSOY at one of only three other major London dates. All details here: http://www.futuresoundofyoga.com/Tour_Dates.html