Who the Folk?! Barb Adelman

Welcome to “Who the Folk?!” Every week on Monday we feature a new member of the community as our “Person of the Week.” Last week we got to know Laura Thorne. This week meet Barb Adelman. Know someone we should feature? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected].

TC Jewfolk: Are you from the Twin Cities?

Barb: Born and raised.

TC Jewfolk: You lived in NYC for a while, but now you’re back. What are you up to these days?

Barb: I am living with my fiancée, building a home with him and his two teenage children, and planning our wedding this Fall. I have recently accepted the position as Associate Development Director for Jewish Housing and Programming (J-HAP), and Director of Admissions for Alexander Muss High School in Israel. I am also spending as much time as possible with my family and friends, including my two perfect nephews and sainted 17-year-old dog, Chloe.

TC Jewfolk: Before NYC you worked as a recruiter for Masa Israel Journey. What’s your favorite thing about Israel?

Barb: My favorite thing about Israel is absolutely the people- they are the most gracious, friendly, hospitable people in the world. I love just sitting on the beach in Tel Aviv with my friends, eating chicken schnitzel and playing matkot.

TCJ: Are you involved in any other TC organizations?

Barb: I am a huge supporter of the 20|30 project at Minneapolis Jewish Federation, I just joined the Concierge Corps at MJF (a group of volunteers committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant Jewish community by connecting newcomers and native Minnesotans to programs, opportunities and experiences that are meaningful to them), I am a member of JFCS NextGen, and I am an active committee member for the Paul Adelman Children with Disabilities Endowment Fund, started in memory of my brother to support projects locally and internationally that positively impact children with disabilities.

TCJ: If there was a showdown between all the Jewish summer camps, who would you want to win?

Barb: I am a Ramahnik at heart. Nivo ’97 for eva!

TCJ: What’s your favorite Jewish holiday?

Barb: My favorite Jewish Holiday is Rosh Hashana, because all of my family is together for erev dinner and I enjoy going to synagogue to hear the blowing of the shofar.

TCJ: What’s your favorite Jewish food?

Barb: My mother’s matzoh ball soup- I sneak into the kitchen at Pesach after everyone has been served their bowl, and put a ton of it into a Tupperware to take home. It’s like gold in our family and it’s the only thing that gets me through being chametz-free. Also, having lived in NYC, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give an honorable mention to bagels and lox (New York bagels, preferably the deli next to my old apartment)

TCJ: Who is the coolest Jew?

Barb: I have had a massive, unrequited crush on Jon Stewart since college, when the Daily Show was a nightly ritual and my college boyfriend knew to shut up or get out during that half hour. Reb Stewart is so smart and witty and knowledgeable, and his ability to find brevity in even the most dire political circumstances makes him my hero. Plus, he’s just damn sexy.

TCJ: What’s your favorite thing to do in the Cities?

Barb: I am a huge lake walker, preferably with a girlfriend, since it kills two birds with one stone- exercising and socializing. I also love going to plays at the Guthrie or concerts just about anywhere, and my favorite date night is dinner and a movie at St. Anthony Main. Oh, you said favorite THING? Too many to choose.

TCJ: What else do you do for fun?

Barb: I love watching/performing improv comedy, playing with my friends babies, getting pampered, eating spring rolls at Quangs, traveling to almost anywhere, doing just about anything with Brian Herstig (soon to be Mr. Barb Adelman)

TCJ: Give us one more reason why you’re folking awesome!

Barb: I can peel an entire clementine in one piece and keep the peel intact.