GesherCity Boston

The ClusterFEST makes the Jewish Advocate

Alison — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:37:19 +0000

Check us out in this week’s Jewish Advocate! Sharing the great success from the ClusterFEST a few weeks ago.

OMG, that was a ClusterF***

jeremygoldberg — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:49:29 +0000

It was a ClusterFEST, that is.

150 people waded through the crowd to meet each other and learn about clusters. It was definitely the social event of the summer for young adults in Jewish Boston–but it was also just the start. Each of the clusters (about 15) announced their next event, ranging from river side picnics and book clubs, to the timeless bar nights and movies, there is something for everyone.

The Israel Cluster got a big response during their trivia section of the night. Think you know where the lowest point is on Earth? Can you name 3 major technological advances that began in modern Israel? All this info was a teaser to get together with this great group, including their next event of seeing a movie in a Brighton apartment this week.

You can sign up for all things GesherCity at www.geshercity.org/boston and then find out more about clusters.

Now’s the time to plan for the high holidays!

agewertz — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:25:40 +0000

The summer feels like it’s just starting even though we’re almost halfway into August! Soon enough September will be here, along with the holiest days of the year. With my family in California, I’m usually without a network for the high holidays. I know there are a lot of other people in my situation, and GesherCity wants to make sure that you don’t miss out on observing the High Holidays just because you’re far from home or not a member of a synagogue.

We have a great High Holiday Ticket Match program where we work with local synagogues to obtain discounted or even free tickets for young adults ages 21-35. If you’re in that demographic, please sign up & encourage your friends to do the same! There are synagogues in a wide variety of locations and denominations for you to observe the holidays in whatever way is most comfortable to you. It’s such a great service that we are able to offer, so be sure to take advantage!

Be sure to fill out the form before AUGUST 17TH AT MIDNIGHT. We know it seems early, but we want to be sure we get you your tickets in time. Any questions, just give me a holler at 617-457-8666 or boston@geshercity.org.

Also, if you’re looking for something a little sooner, be sure to check out our Clusterfest event on August 26th!

–Alexis

What has GesherCity been up to?

Alison — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:22:11 +0000

Apologies to you, our dear blog readers, for such a prolonged absence! It sure has been a busy spring and summer around here.

In June, we brought out over 200 young adults on a VERY rainy night for our event Israel’s Living Canvas. The interactive event highlighted many facets of Israeli arts & culture, such as martial arts (Krav Maga), Israeli dancing, a ‘tour’ of modern poetry, short film screenings, and a photo contest. Visit our Facebook or Picasa pages to see the photos. (Don’t forget to become a ‘fan’ of us, too!)

On July 1, GesherCity Boston became a program of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies. We have always been funded through a generous grant from CJP, but were previously administered by the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston. We’re excited to officially become a part of CJP, particularly at a time when young adults are emerging as a key demographic to engage in Jewish life (“Engaging the next generation” is one of the top priorities coming out of the strategic plan!) We’re also excited to work more closely with partner organizations such as the Young Leadership Division and Birthright Israel NEXT.

Now, we’re starting work on our biggest event of the year, the GesherCity Kickoff. Every fall we bring together dozens of Jewish young adult organizations and over 400 attendees for a giant bash to celebrate Jewish Boston! With the event set to take place in the beginning of October, the time to start planning is now, and our first committee meeting is this upcoming Monday. (If you’re 21-35 and in the Boston area, maybe you should be on our committee! Email Alexis at boston@geshercity.org for more details.)

We’re also excited to co-sponsor a pre-festival launch party in October with the Boston Jewish Film Festival. More details coming soon, but expect a very cool opportunity to mingle with filmmakers and see trailers of flicks being shown at The Festival in November!

Things definitely don’t slow down for GesherCity during the summer, but we’re enjoying the sunshine (when it decides to grace us with its presence) and looking forward to great things in the fall!

GesherCity takes action on the economic crisis

Alison — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:55:35 +0000

“Weathering the Economic Storm: Young Adult Edition” was a great success! Nearly 50 young adults came out to learn tips on networking and relationship-building from our panelists. Stay tuned for a blog post from one of the participants at the event – and in the meantime, check out some pictures on our Facebook page.

This event was a great way to respond to the immediate needs of young adults, and we are also working to mobilize our community to take action on the larger issues behind the economic crisis. Inspired by the efforts of the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization and the JCRC, GesherCity has taken leadership in organizing groups across the Jewish young adult community.

This upcoming Tuesday, May 12th, 6:30pm at the Vilna Shul, we will be gathering for an Economic Crisis Assembly. This event will offer background on the crisis, have breakout groups in which participants can share stories in order to better understand the particular ways in which the economic crisis is impacting young adults, and begin to envision solutions. Dinner will be provided! In June, we will convene with other Jewish young adult groups to discuss common themes coming out of this event and others like it, and strategize about action to take together.

Check out our website for all the details, and RSVP to Julie if you can make it: jaronowitz@jcrcboston.org. Hopefully together we can imagine ‘the world as it should be’ and take some steps to getting there!

Getting soaked by the economic storm? GesherCity wants to give you a raincoat!

agewertz — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:11:50 +0000

Having recently spent a great deal of time looking for a job (I finished grad school in June and spent 6 months searching for a job that would feed my soul and at least cover my rent) I know all too well the stress and worry that comes along with this economic situation. I was fortunate enough to find a job that is a perfect fit for me, and I’m now thrilled to help put together an event to help people deal with professional hardships, whatever they may be.

Perhaps you can identify with one of these descriptions:

You’ve been at the same job since you graduated and you’re ready to move on, but you feel pressure to stay put since jobs are pretty difficult to find these days;

You have been laid off and want to use that opportunity to consider changing fields;

You’re unemployed and just haven’t been able to make the networking connections you want;

You’re happy in your job but just want to get tips so that you can stay informed and prepared since we all feel vulnerable right now.

These are the sorts of issues that we noticed were not being addressed in our community. That’s where our event comes in!

WEATHERING THE ECONOMIC STORM: YOUNG ADULT EDITION

Monday, May 4th, 6:45pm

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS & TO REGISTER!

This event is designed to be relevant to a wide spread of young adults. There will be three terrific panelists, representatives from Jewish Vocational Service, and time for networking, schmoozing, and resume-reviewing.

The event costs $10 and includes a dessert reception. SPACE IS LIMITED and pre-registration is required! Please contact me (agewertz@jccgb.org) with any questions you might have.

I look forward to seeing you there!

–Alexis

Your guide to Passover in Boston

Alison — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:05:55 +0000

As promised, GesherCity has the hookup to events and seders galore for young adults in Boston. Our special events page will give you holiday info and lots of opportunities to observe and celebrate. Check it out!

On another Passover-related note, we’ve been Tweeting (updating on Twitter) about LOTS of great Passover-related videos, articles, and tidbits (like this hysterical “Facebook Haggadah”) – for some reason this holiday brings out the humorous side in us Jews!

Seen any online Pesach humor worth sharing? Leave a comment below!

In anticipation of Pesach…

Alison — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:07:09 +0000

While this video is intended for the POST-Pesach conundrum of what to do with all that extra Matzah, it is also great for getting us in the Passover spirit!

Stay tuned for another GesherCity holiday special – all the events happening in Boston to help you partake in the rituals and celebrations of Pesach.

Idan Raichel performing in Boston

jeremygoldberg — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:56:31 +0000

Idan Raichel

Since I’ve first heard the Idan Raichel Project’s music I’ve been amazed by the seductive hooks, danceable beats, and mixing of languages. This popular Israeli music group has recently released their 3rd album and is currently touring to promote it. On Tuesday night, Boston gets a visit by the multi-talented musician.

From their website:

The Idan Raichel Project burst onto Israel’s music scene in 2002, changing the face of Israeli popular music and offering a message of love and tolerance that resonated strongly in a region of the world where headlines are too often dominated by conflict. With an enchanting blend of African, Latin American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern sounds coupled with sophisticated production techniques and a spectacular live show, the Idan Raichel Project has become one of the most unexpected success stories in Israeli music history.

See them perform live on Tuesday night, hosted by CrashArts/World Music. The show is at the Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA at 7:30 PM. Find out more details on the GesherCity Calendar

Watch the Idan Raichel Project’s biggest hit:

Get those graggers ready…

Alison — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:52:39 +0000

Purim party options are plentiful in Boston this year. GesherCity has put together a special feature on all these young adult and community events on our website. Its an exciting time of year when the Jewish community all over Boston puts on parties and shows. Some of the Purim celebrations are artistic and some focus on the holiday rituals but all are fun and spirited.

Heard about a party that isn’t listed here? Please leave a comment and let us know! Or come back afterwards and post a review and your pictures.

PURIM EVENTS IN BOSTON