Page 5 - jr060921

Moishe House seeks young adult residents

BY DEBORAH MOON nity engagement during a glob-
Moishe House Portland is al pandemic, when isolation
looking for three new resi- took a toll on the mental health
dents aged 22-32 who enjoy of many community members.
communal living and com- “Upon our arrival, we dis-
munity building beginning in covered the household had
July. Moishe House residents created some weekly practices,
receive a generous rent subsi- including Shabbat (observance)
dy, programming budget and and dance sessions, to maintain
support from Moishe House some semblance of normal in
staff to create programs, live their lives,” says Blue. “Often,
with friends and build Jewish current members can be found
community locally as part of a gathered around a board game
global community. (usually Settlers of Catan), or,
“For me, Moishe House was as the weather improves, walk-
the answer to a question I and so ing around the neighborhood
many of my Jewish peers have: or enjoying the sun on our
how can we create Jewish com- spacious porch, where we’ve
munity that aligns with our lives, enjoyed social distancing with Moishe House hosted a socially distanced volunteer event in March
values and energy in our 20s and many community members.” 2021 at the Kindness Farm, a nonprofit farm that teaches regener-
30s?” says Shoshana Rybeck, The fun residents enjoy to- ative gardening and raises healthy produce to feed those in need.
one of two residents who are gether is a key ingredient in the
remaining in the Moishe House community they create for oth- grow up connected to a strong The group has already begun to
in southeast Portland. “Moishe er young adults, says Shoshana. Jewish community, living in offer some impressive programs.
House gives us a platform to “We believe that to create this Moishe House has given me a “Access to different com-
create accessible Jewish com- responsive, engaged, open and unique opportunity to explore munity partners and Moishe
munity that transforms with fun Jewish community, we as my practice while simultane- House-specific grants has also
each new resident, community a house must be responsive, ously receiving support from allowed programming I would
member, program, time and engaged, open and fun with the individuals in my home as never have thought possible,”
space. It is a Jewish community one another,” she says. “We well as Moishe House staff,” says Blue. “These past couple
that is dependably growing at truly believe the strength of our says Blue. of months, we were able to
every turn.” Jewish community comes from As the country begins to move co-host a series of events with
Portland is one of more than within. Like Blue said, we play into post-pandemic life, res- Alicia Jo Rabins, a local poet,
100 Moishe House commu- a lot of games, watch a lot of idents look forward to more musician and Torah teacher
nities in 25+ countries. Each movies and TV together, and in-person programs starting in whose work I’ve admired since
iteration of Moishe House has connect with each others’ com- August. “We adhere to local my time in school. These ses-
a unique flair and style as new munities. The joy we get from guidelines set forth by Governor sions of ritual, study and music
residents add their talents to the these experiences ends up mak- Kate Brown, and weekly house were facilitated twice alongside
mix, says Blue Joy Stevens, ing our programs better overall, meetings allow us to address Sonya Sanford, a local chef
who, like Shoshana, moved because we have our hands on concerns as they come up,” says who did several recipe demos.”
into Portland’s house during the the pulse of our communities.” Blue. “We will be introducing To join this fun-loving group
pandemic. Residents and participants do in-person programming in safe, of residents, apply at moishe-
Blue and Shoshana joined not need to have strong Jewish open-air environments accord- house.org/welcome/.
three residents striving to tackle connections. ing to house comfort levels as For questions, email jake.
the issue of sustaining commu- “As someone who did not we are able to do so.” house@moishehouse.org.
“Parenting unvaccinated kids” Rachel’s Well offers guide training for volunteers
recording now available online
Rachel’s Well Community Mikvah as desired or needed by the guest.
On May 27, the Jewish Federation of Greater Port- is recruiting guides of all genders. Guides are trained in the practical
land and PJ Library hosted a facilitated talk, “Parent- A mikvah is a Jewish ritual pool and spiritual aspects of mikvah.
ing Unvaccinated Kids in a Post-Vaccinated World.” used for traditional and contempo- Rachel’s Well strives to truly be a
“It was a great opportunity to hear directly from rary observances marking a transition “mikvah for all,” so it is important
a local-area pediatrician on what exactly families from one personal state to another. the cadre of guides reflects that diver-
can feel comfortable doing or not before kids can be Traditional uses include conversion sity. A training will be held this sum-
vaccinated,” says Rachel Nelson, JFGP Director of and pre-wedding. A contemporary mer for qualified applicants. Apply:
Educational Initiatives & Intergroup Outreach. “We immersion may be to mark a person- forms.gle/d9S9LNP2hBmzjaZLA.
also had the opportunity to hear about the mental al milestone, such as coming out or Contact Caron Blau Rothstein,
health effects of re-integration for our kiddos and, graduating college. caron@jewishportland.org or 503-
more importantly, for the grownups!” Volunteer guides “attend” a person 245-6449, with questions.
The session was recorded and can be viewed at of the same gender identity who is To learn more about Rachel’s Well
jewishportland.org/parenting-unvaccinated-kids-in- immersing, providing as little or as for your life transition, visit www.
a-post-vaccine-world. For questions, contact Rachel much guidance in the experience jewishportland.org/mikvah.
at 503-892-7415 or rachel@jewishportland.org.
Jewish Review June 9, 2021 5