Fri, 04 May 2012 10:32:46 -0800WeeblySun, 05 Feb 2012 14:12:43 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2012/02/volunteering-and-young-jewish-adults.html_ There have been constant messages in the media saying that the Millennial generation (those of us born between 1980 and the early to late 1990s) care little about our community, and that we are more likely to spend time in front of a computer than interacting with our peers. In fact, these are both wrong statements. Among Jewish young adults, volunteerism and social interactions are strongly linked.

In June 2011, Repair the World published the results of the study conducted by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University and Gerstein-Agne Strategic Communications. The report, titled “Volunteering +Values: A Repair the World Report of Jewish Young Adults,” was commissioned by Repair the World to learn more about volunteer service among young Jewish adults in the United States.

The study found that a majority of the nearly 1000 respondents had reported volunteer involvement in the 12 months prior to the study. Nearly 40% of these respondents volunteered on an irregular basis of less than once a month. 52% of respondents reported that in a typical week, they do not spend time volunteering. Even so, 29% of the respondents volunteer at least once a month, and 10% volunteer at least once a week. While Jewish young adults may not physically be out in their communities volunteering on a regular basis, most Jewish young adults are involved in “low-threshold activism,” which includes signing petitions, donating money, and buying goods that align with their political and social values. Being involved in our communities at times that are agreeable with our increasingly busy schedules is important, and it is more likely for Jewish young adults to be involved when the level of energy to be engaged is minimal and the activities can be easily incorporated into their regular schedule.

Because Jewish young adults are busy with jobs, social events, professional development, and families, the study reported that we prefer small local change in which we are able to see the results of our work through consistent low-threshold volunteering opportunities. Recurring events requiring just a small time commitment make it easy for young adults to fit volunteering into their busy schedules by offering a wide variety of activities at varying times. One hour of service for a few times a month at a easily accessible site is most appealing to Jewish young adults.

Importantly, projects that give Jewish young adults time to socialize with their peers while doing social justice are the most likely to recruit Jewish young adults. The research shows that those Jewish young adults who are not self-motivated to volunteer individually are most likely to get involved when their friends or families encourage them.

Luckily, Next Dor STL, in collaboration with JCRC and the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, will being offering easy-to-join volunteer opportunities specifically for Jewish young adults in St. Louis. The projects will be hosted at Gateway 180: Homelessness Reversed, a St. Louis homeless shelter. For more information, or to get involved, contact us at info@nextdorstl.com
]]>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:18:36 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2011/06/next-dor-represented-at-roi-global-summit-of-jewish-innovators.htmlThe following is adapted from an article entitled, "Cincinnati Native Uses Social Entrepreneurship to Create a Community" 
by Elana Itzkowitz, Special to The Bimah 

Jerusalem, Israel – As cyber-activism and Facebook revolutions sweep the Middle East, Jewish social and business entrepreneurs, technology whizzes, thinkers and artists from Hong Kong to Zagreb, Sao Paulo to San Francisco, and Melbourne to Beersheva, converged on Jerusalem for the ROI Global Summit of Young Jewish Innovators, to connect and create new tools and novel approaches to shape the Jewish world and beyond. 

ROI Community is an international network of 600 social entrepreneurs and Jewish innovators in 40 countries on six continents who are creating innovative ways to connect to Jewish life. At the heart of the program is peer-to-peer training and collaborative project-building led by ROI’s network of members from around the world. 

“The ROI Summit was very impressive,” said Next Dor St. Louis Program Director and ROI participant Yoni Sarason.  “You see face-to-face people who are dealing with the same issues in their own communities.  It is a great opportunity to learn from their experience.  These partnerships are crucial and help make the pieces of the Jewish community puzzle fit together.” 

Sarason was one of 150 ROIers at the summit this year.  Sarason has been in St. Louis since 2003, when he began college at Washington University.

Since graduating from Wash U, Sarason founded the St. Louis Moishe House, HipHopInspires.us and Next Dor STL.  Sarason blogs extensively, running his own blog called TheStLouJew.com, and has spoken to small and large groups on Israel, the Middle East conflict, Jewish young adults in the USA, Judaism, social media and social entrepreneurship. 

His most recent project, Next Dor, is a vibrant center of activity that builds community for young Jewish adults in St. Louis City, Missouri. “The concept behind Next Dor is creating a platform for community-building for young Jews,” says Sarason.  “Next Dor functions as kind of a hospitality committee to young Jews moving to St. Louis.  We get emails from people moving to St. Louis asking for help finding housing as well as connecting them to their peers.” 

Next Dor engages young Jewish adults by providing coordination, networking and marketing support for individuals, groups and organizations who wish to connect to other young adults. Next Dor uses a space donated by Central Reform Congregation to host events that leverage the interests and talents of community members to provide engaging and diversified programs that often cost little or nothing to execute.  

In the year since its inception, Next Dor has quickly grown to be one of the most dynamic organizations for young adults in St. Louis. More than 2000 visits have been made to Next Dor, connecting over 350 young adults.  Sarason explains that “Next Dor enriches local Jewish experiences.  For example, we sponsored a Tu Bishvat seder and connected with people who had no idea such tradition existed.  We also hosted the first-ever Mimouna celebration in St. Louis.  Additionally, we host visiting Israeli artists, activists and leverage each skill within our community and produce talent shows and the like.” 

Sarason expressed how important attending summits like the ROI Young Innovators Summit is for social entrepreneurs like himself.  “Next Dor by its nature is connected to innovative initiatives and fits naturally within the ROI Community.  I see a lot of room for collaboration.  For example, I’d like to screen in St. Louis fellow-ROIer Evan Kleinman’s Punk Jews documentary to expose alternative ways to connect Jewishly.” 

What Sarason took away from his participation in ROI is a sense of social empowerment and inspiration.  “The greatest challenge of social entrepreneurship” he explained, “is that if the idea is a good enough one to make money, why make it social/non-profit, and if it is important enough work, how to you find a way to generate enough revenue to support yourself.”   

By providing a forum for young social entrepreneurs to come together and exchange ideas, ROI effectively “creates the social fabric in which there is no longer a dilemma” says Sarason.  “ROI creates a community which socializes and normalizes the idea of being a part of something bigger, something that is worth putting aside immediate monetary concerns and stresses the importance of the greater cause.” 

ROI Community not only provides networking opportunities for young Jewish innovators, but it also provides inspiration to continue their cause.  Sarason explained that “knowing that I am now connected to a network of 600 young innovative, interesting, and creative individuals is truly powerful and helps me to push the boundaries of the community development work in which I have been engaged.” 

ROI Community has played a key role in seeding and supporting other cutting-edge Jewish start-ups, including Moishe House, G-dcast, Jewcology, Omanoot.com, and Haggadot.com. ROI also offers an expansive Micro Grants program to help ROI members turn ideas into actual meaningful projects.
 
“These young Jewish social entrepreneurs are transforming the Jewish world through their vital initiatives and commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world,” said Lynn Schusterman, the American Jewish philanthropist who, in 2005, created ROI Community as a partnership with Taglit-Birthright Israel. “As change agents within their own communities, in Israel and beyond, these 20- and 30-somethings are key to ensuring the vibrancy of Jewish life 3,000 years down the road.” 

“ROI Community creates a space where connection and innovation happens,” said Justin Korda, ROI Community Executive Director. “Our ultimate goal is to link up dynamic, creative young Jews, enabling them to translate their ideas into initiatives that bring the joy of Jewish life to Jews around the world and impact the world around them. Ultimately, we envision a thousand-strong network of innovators engaging a million people in diverse forms of Jewish life.”
]]>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:50:51 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2011/06/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit1.htmlWe are excited to welcome Eli Temkin to Next Dor as the new Program Manager.  Eli has worked with St. Louis Hillel at Wash U, the Jewish Federation, and led a Birthright trip with Mayanot.  He was in AEPi at Wash U, and studied Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology.  Eli spent a year in Israel for Young Judaea's Year Course, and learned to curse fluently in Hebrew.  He has followed Phish and some lesser known jam bands and is always down for a show or music festival.  

Upcoming Events:

Friday, June 3rd: Pot-luck Dinner and Art Opening Bike Ride with Next Dor - Bring a dish, and your bike and join us to a tour of some of St. Louis' best new art gallery openings.  Everything is free, and if you don't feel like biking, you can meet us there. Check out the FB event for more info.

Sunday, June 5th: Community Gardening at Next Dor - Stop by the house between 11:30 am and 2 pm and get your hands dirty. Or just run through our sprinkler. If you're lucky, you may even find some potluck leftovers.

Monday, June 6th: Torah on Tap with Rabbi Hyim Shafner: "Shavuot: Finding Water in the Desert" -Rabbi Shafner will be back in the building to lead a discussion as only he can. Join us for hot knowledge and cold beer!  Starts at 8 pm.

Tuesday, June 7th: Shavuot at Twilight Tuesday with Moishe House - Join us in front of the History Museum at 6 pm where we will have a discussion group about Shavuot and different ways we can observe followed by a concert at 6:30.

Tuesday, June 7th: Shavuot Night of Torah Study - It is traditional to stay up all night learning Torah the night of Shavuot. This year on Tuesday, June 7 at Bais Abe, members of the St. Louis Jewish community will join together in Torah study late into the night. A variety of classes by inspiring rabbis and teachers will be held from 11:00 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Cheesecake and coffee will be served throughout the night.

Friday, June 10th: Funny T-Shirt Shabbat at Moishe House - Throw on your most humorous t-shirt, bring drinks, desserts, or appetizers and come on over to Moishe House STL for an entertaining Shabbat dinner!  Starts at 7:30.

Friday, June 17th: Third Fridays at Next Dor - You know the drill.  Good food, good people.  Come to the Next Dor house to celebrate Shabbat!  More details to come...

Thursday, June 23rd: Thirsty Thursdays with Young Professionals Division at McGurk's - Thirsty Thursdays are back for the summer! Please join YPD May-August as we travel around the world, and around St. Louis, to visit the trendiest happy hour spots and mingle with new and old friends.  Free!

Wednesday, June 29th: Jazz at the Botanical Gardens with Moishe House - Moishe House is getting a group together to get outside and enjoy some Jazz.  Starts at 7:30.


Now that summer has finally arrived, St. Louis is full of activities (many free)--Twilight Tuesdays at the History Museum, Jazz at the Botanical Gardens on Wednesdays, etc.  If you're ever looking for people to go with, post on our Facebook wall! 

Now that Eli's moved in, he'll be hanging around the Next Dor House quite a bit.  Feel free to drop in for a while, say hi and get to know him!  Mondays and Tuesdays during the summer Eli will plan to be at the house from 6 pm until 9 pm.  Other than that, just give a call (314-632-6398)--he should be around. ]]>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:32:36 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2011/04/april-events-in-stl.htmlGot Passover Plans?
Passover starts Monday night, April 18th, do you need a place for Seder?  Chabad is hosting young adult seders both nights, Rabbi Shafner of Bais Abe is opening up his house, and Central Reform is placing young adults with families..  For some light reading, check out NEXT Dor's idea for a '5th Question' on Birthright NEXT's webzine, Alef.

The Main Event(s)

Thursday, April 14 - Next Dor's Organic Garden kicks off and you can help.  From 4 PM until it gets dark, help dig, plant, and make the garden bloom.  If you have access to spades, wheelbarrows, or tillers, let Next Dor know: info@nextdorstl.org or RSVP here

Thursday, April 14 Young Adults at Bais Abe (YABA) in conjunction with Next Dor St. Louis and JGrads St. Louis presents the 2nd Annual Pre-Passover Wine Tasting (back by popular demand)! FEATURING *A choice variety of kosher for Passover wines for your tasting pleasure *An assortment of cheeses and fruits to cleanse the palate (and because... we like cheese and fruit) 7:00pm - 10:00pm at Bais Abe 6910 Delmar Boulevard Saint Louis, MO 


Saturday, April 16 · Moishe House is hosting a Shabbat Brunch. Begin your Saturday the best way possible...with Moishe House STL for Shabbat brunch. Appetizers, drinks, and desserts are always welcome!  11:00am - 2:00pm at 915 Concordia Ln Clayton, MO

Sunday, April 24th, Moishe House is hosting a Rock-a-Thon to raise money alongside Mizzou's AEPi for charity.  1:00PM at 915 Concordia

Wednesday April 27th - YPD hosts Benyamin Cohen, the Atlanta-born son of an Orthodox rabbi, traveled around the Bible belt visiting various places of worship to find out why Christians seem so excited about Christianity. He wrote this humorous yet sincere account of how this transformative experience impacted his own spirituality and Jewish identity.   7 PM at Fallon's Bar and Grill in Olivette.  Contact Lee’at Bachar at  lbachar@jfedstl.org or 314-442-3817 to RSVP or with questions.


]]>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:07:48 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2011/03/next-dor-celebrates-purim.htmlPurim, a holiday which is often summed up as, "they tried to kill us, we survived, let's drink", combines a great story, fun rituals for enjoying said story, and encouragement to imbibe. . . What's not to love?

And Next Dor is helping you to get into the Purim holiday spirit with events both nights this weekend.  On Friday night, we are teaming up with Bais Abe, a local Modern Orthodox Shul, to bring you Samosas and Hamantashen: A Pre-Purim Indian Shabbat, which is a chance to experience a musical Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday evening service) followed by an excellent (and kosher) meal from Gokul, a new Indian restaurant.  Rabbi Hyim Shafner is former Chief Rabbi of India and will be doling out wisdom (as well as samosas).  Check out more info here and RSVP here.

On Saturday night, the 2nd annual Pour-em Party Shul Crawl will give you an excuse to go to a temple (or 4).  We'll have a bus ready to transport us to various synagogues to sample how each one parties on Purim.  Details are here, so pick a costume and join us! ]]>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:37:28 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2011/02/next-dor-gets-props-in-jewish-light-coverage-of-stl-young-adult-orgs.html
The Jewish Light recently published an article about the different organizations in St. Louis' young adult scene.  In discussing some of the challenges facing young adults, Moishe House CEO David Cygielman is quoted:
The need, he said, is growing as young Jews wait longer and longer to settle down, get married and have children.

"I think it's getting better but it depends on what perspective you are coming from," he said. "If you are sitting in a long-standing institution like a Federation or synagogue, it can still be a serious challenge. The question still is, ‘Where is the place for people who don't have their roots yet in that community?'"

Nor is it just one community that's at issue. The average young Jewish professional coming out of college is a part of the most mobile generation in history and is likely to have seven different jobs over the course of his or her life, Cygielman said. That means networking - on a national scale - is becoming vital.

"You might live in D.C. one day but you could be living in St. Louis or San Francisco the next," he said. "That's not a scary thing. That's OK."


The article touches on the work of Moishe House, Chabad, and dedicates quite a bit of space to Next Dor.

To read the full piece, click here



]]>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 07:55:21 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2011/02/kabbalah-biblical-allusions-abound-at-first-poetry-reading-at-next-dor.htmlThursday night, February 3rd,  a diverse group of young adults came together at Next Dor for a 'Kabbalah poetry reading'.  The readings, which were performed by Jaffa Aharonov, Sarah Barasch, Julia Gordon-Bramer, and Sarah Bernstein, ran the gamut from apocalyptic short stories to poems filled with biblical allusion.

Sarah Barasch, a native of St. Louis who has been 'reading and writing since preschool' said, " I think St. Louis can be a good environment for artists because people here are good at sharing.  I mostly write poetry on personal themes, even if not about my personal life, then the personal lives of others. Some call this the confessional style. It is important to me that poetry sound good read out loud.  I am influenced by the delta blues, hip hop, feminism, the Talmud, W.H. Auden and Cubism. 

Nicky Rainey, a poet, and the event's organizer commented , "For me, hearing the writing of brilliant women aloud is powerful."  She explained that, "poetry is an avenue to explore topics that are not always easy to talk about in a community setting."

Next Dor was created, in part, to provide a haven for artists and to help develop a Jewish cultural and arts scene for young adults in St. Louis.  With events like these, that reality is one step closer. ]]>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:07:14 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2011/01/tu-bshvat-seder-brings-young-adults-to-the-table.htmlIn honor of Tu B'shvat, the new year for trees, Next Dor played host to a seder, combining elements of traditional Lurianic Tu B'shvat seders and more recent ecologically focused practices.

The event, which brought together 20 young adults, featured Jewish melodies and improvisations provided by Will Soll and Shlomo Ovadya, as well as many of the traditional 'Seven Species of Israel', including date, olive (oil), wheat (bread), and grapes.  

The seder focused on the four levels of creation, symbolized by four cups of wine, and types of fruit.  The text itself was compiled by Molly Zeff for Next Dor, and contains quotes from poets, sages, Rabbis, and philosophers, centered around the idea of the beauty of nature as the physical representation of the divine.

Additionally, as part of the work of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, participants helped Next Dor to purchase over 120 cans in support of the Jewish Food Pantry, operated by Jewish Family and Children's Services.

]]>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:33:06 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2011/01/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.htmlHappy New Year!
Ok, so we are a little late in saying it, but we still wanted to wish you a fantastic new year.  Over the last year, more than 350 people came to Next Dor for an event, to study, hang out, or meet up.  We wanted to thank all of you who have become a part of our community and have put Next Dor on the map.  
This year, we have a new roommate in the house!  Find some time to drop in and meet Benji Rowan, a mosaicist and painter who will be our new Artist-in-Residence, using the space to create art and art programs.  

What's Coming Up?
This (and every) Tuesday, Shlomo Ovadya is in the building helping you to get stretchy, relax, and breathe through yoga.  Shlomo is a certified Yoga instructor with a background in Kung-Fu and Ophanim (Kabbalah Yoga) as well.  Classes are free, but donations are welcome to support Shlomo.

Next week is jam-packed with activities at Next Dor.  

- Monday, January 17th at 7:30 PM, Rabbi Shafner will be serving up cold beer and hot knowledge, as he leads a discussion about "the power and beauty of the evil inclination".   Event info and RSVP here

- Wednesday, January 19th at 8 PM, there will be a Tu B'shvat Seder at Next Dor, which will include traditional foods (although not a full dinner), music, and more.  We are hoping to keep this event intimate, so if you are interested, please RSVP here soon.

- Thursday night, January 20th at 7 PM, the St. Louis Jewish Light, STL's Jewish news source, will be hosting a focus group to understand how to be more connected with young adults.  This is your opportunity to be heard and speak with the decision makers of one of STL's media outlets.

-Friday night, January 21st is Third Fridays, but this month, we're doing it a little bit differently.  Moishe House is getting people together to check out glass blowing and a lot of entertainment at 3rd degree art factory at 7:30 PM.  Afterwords, drop by Next Dor for dessert.  More information here

-Saturday night, January 22nd starting at 7 PM, Game Night is back at Next Dor.  Drop in, hang out, play some games, and get a great start to your Saturday night. Info here

- Thursday night, January 27th at 7 PM, there will be a screening of 'The Believer'.  Based on the true story of a KKK member in the 1960s who was revealed to be Jewish by a New York Times reporter, this critically acclaimed film will be screened, at no cost, atNext Dor.  Details here

-Saturday, January 29th, YPD is holding Oy Vegas, a campaign kick off event featuring open bar, desserts, casino games, prizes and more at the Chase Park Plaza in the Central West End. For information contact Lee’at Bachar at lbachar@jfedstl.org / 442-3817.

You Should Know
Next Dor events all come from your ideas.  Next Dor staff are just here to help you pull it off.  If you want to use the house for an event, or just want to drop by and hang out, or study, drop us a line,info@nextdorstl.org.  

How Can We Help?
Next Dor isn't all about the Benjamins, and we really do rely on people power, so if you know someone who has just moved to town, or is looking for a new job, apartment, or maybe just a new place to see music, we'd love to be introduced. 


]]>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:46:32 -0800http://www.nextdorstl.com/2/post/2010/12/hannukaversary-party-held-at-next-dor-raises-over-730-from-young-adults.htmlSaturday night, December 4th, Next Dor, held an anniversary party to celebrate a full year of programming and creating community for Jewish young adults in St. Louis.  The gathering attracted nearly 100 young adults, including a large number who had previously not connected to any Jewish communal organizations.  The crowd was denominationally diverse and attracted locals and transplants, graduate students, and young professionals.

The party, organized by Joshua Nissenbaum and Jake Talve-Goodman, with help from Next Dor staff and volunteers, integrated familiar Hannukah traditions like latkes and sufganyot (Israeli jelly doughnuts) with a few new ‘spins’ including ‘No Limit Dreidel’. 

“Both Nissenbaum and Talve-Goodman wanted to do something to support Next Dor and bring people together,” said Yoni Sarason, Program Director at Next Dor, “ and the Hannukah theme of rededication fit perfectly with celebrating a full year of community and events in the repurposed and renovated Next Dor house.”

The Hannukaversary party was supported by donations from Major Brands, Magic Hat beer, and STL-Style, and Kosher food was catered by Simon Kohn’s.

Over the last year, more than 330 young adults have attended over 120 programs, events, and gatherings organized at Next Dor.  Next Dor’s model of peer and collaborative event planning has attracted local and national attention, and staff and board members have represented Next Dor in New Orleans, New York, and Israel.  Next Dor has also been features in national media like Synagogue3000, PresenTense, Alef Magazine, and eJewishPhilanthropy.

Next Dor receives funding from Synagogue3000, Jewish Federation of St. Louis, and the Kranzberg Family Foundation, as well as individual donors.  If you would like to support Next Dor, or receive further information, please email info@nextdorstl.org.

 

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