Two is better than one, and maybe better than four, when it comes to some Moishe House residents. At least that’s the thinking behind their new pods.
Until now, Moishe Houses have been home to three or four young Jewish adults, who run programs for their peers and create a Jewish hub. But what if someone doesn’t want more than one Moishe Housemate? That’s the idea behind the pod, according to CEO and founder David Cygielman.
Baltimore will have to wait foir its first pod. In August, three residents moved to a new Moishe House in Baltimore. Rebeca Feldman, Aliza Silverman and Yoni Schoenberg create seven programs a month for their community, according to Molly Cram, director of house programs.
“While there’s a lot of similarities between pods and Moishe Houses, there’s a lot of difference,” said Cram. In both cases, “There’s something special about it events hosted in someone’s home.”
The Baltimore residents work closely with the Associated. They have partnered with Repair the World for a day of service, held a “Tie Dye and Torah” Shabbat and attended an Orioles game. The residents create their own programs with Jewish content, hosting half in the house. The residents choose times, prayers, events and even their house.
“This current group is really committed to having a kosher home,” said Cram. “So though not all the residents keep kosher, everyone can come,” said Cram.
Young adults interested in the new pod program can send inquiries to pods@moishehouse.org.
