building bridges

Sheltering at home has helped me to realize the great need for connection to each other. This pandemic is the perfect time to introduce Bridges 613 and start regular podcasts. The main reason for Bridges 613 is to dispel the concerns that the American Jewish community is at risk. 

I recall the strong response in the community when the Pew Report came out in 2013. The Report concluded that Jewish Millennials aren't joining Jewish institutions and synagogue. It also noted that, despite everything, they are proud to be Jewish. Studies by the United Jewish Appeal in New York and The Barna Group have shown that Jewish millennials are searching new ways to connect to Judaism. Over the past 20 plus years, organizations formed that fulfill this need. Today millennials and other generations connect Jewishly in was that are revolutionary and transformative. These organizations focus on providing deep meaning and purpose and are inclusive. They do away with barriers to entry for people who have felt unwelcomed in the past. 

In the first episode of The Bridging Connections Podcast, you will hear Brianna Greenspan and I chat about why I started Bridges 613. I highlight a few of the trailblazing organizations. I hope to show case these and many more in the episodes to come.

The organizations mentioned in Episode 1 are:

1.    Moishe House- provides vibrant Jewish community for young adults by supporting leaders in their 20’s as they create meaningful home-based Jewish experiences for themselves and their peers.

2.    At The Well – connects women to body, soul, and community through wellness education and Jewish spirituality.

3.    ChiTribe’s-  goal is to make Chicago Jewish life more transparent and accessible to a modern Jewish community. 

4.    Svivah’s – mission is:  Inspiring, supporting, connecting and celebrating Jewish womanhood

Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support.

Listen and explore:

• The big change happening in our life
• How we enter into difficult and uncomfortable conversations with each other
• Some of the tools we use for communicating mindfully
• The different ways Alasdair and Julie-Roxane approach vision
• The value of giving time, space and energy to communicate clearly and gain clarity
• The different ways we develop self-awareness and the importance of doing so

Mentioned on this episode:

• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg
• Vipassana meditation
• Zen meditation (link is to a detailed description of the zen practice Alasdair practiced under Ezra Bayda and Elizabeth Hamilton)
• Internal Family Systems (link is to a description of the model and recommendations from our friend, Howard's site).

Connect with us:

• Email us at host@thefaroutpodcast.com
• Follow FAR OUT on Instagram
• Follow JR on Instagram

Support this podcast:

• Leave a review on iTunes!
• Donate to the FAR OUT podcast
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Credits:

• Intro music: "Complicate ya" by Otis McDonald
• Outro music: "Running with wise fools" written & performed by Krackatoa (www.krackatoa.com)

The Drewary Brown Bridge, which crosses the train tracks above the Amtrak, is named for one of Charlottesville’s most important African-American Civil Rights leaders. On this stop of the tour, Professor Nelson introduces us to Charlottesville’s heroic “Bridge Builders” and their commitment to rising above the oppression of segregation to fight for the well-being of the entire city.