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 week we got to know Eli Swaden. This week meet Shana Gee-Cohen! Know someone we should feature? Nominate them by sending an email to bradley@tcjewfolk.com.
TC Jewfolk: Are you from the Twin Cities?
Shana: Yes, my family was the only Jewish family that lived on Christmas Lake in Excelsior, MN. Every year in elementary school I was always cast as the Jamaican or African character because my music teacher would say, “Being a Jew is the same as being black.” (It was the 80’s and they still had 8-foot Christmas trees in public schools.)
TCJ: You’re the new Membership Sales Director at the St. Paul JCC. What are you most excited about with this new position?
Shana: The chance to hang out with Penny Schumacher, Michael Waldman, and my favorite board member, Becca Kvasnik on a regular basis! Also I love being around the adorable Bubbies and Tzaydies when they come in the morning for Silver Sneaker Yoga!
But really, I work at the most diverse and inclusive place in the Twin Cities. On any given day, I interact with people ages 1 to 95 years old of various race and economic backgrounds. One day, I heard fifteen different dialects of Yiddish being spoken in the hallway.
I feel honored to be apart of a bustling urban center that gives back to the community that they serve. I love that a J membership gives me access to a superior health and wellness facility but then also pays for Kosher Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors. Why would anyone want to join a corporate gym?
TCJ: You used to be at JFCS where you ran J-Pride. Are you still involved with J-Pride?
Shana: While I am no longer running J-Pride, I am still working towards the status of becoming the most famous Jewish lesbian in the world. I know this goal seems a bit lofty when you think of my competitors: Suze Orman, Sandra Bernhard, and others. I suppose I’ll settle for an invitation to Obama’s Chanukah party next year instead. In the meantime, I am emceeing the Queer Women Comedy Show at the Sabes JCC on January 24th @ 7:30. Buy your tickets, this event always sells out.
TCJ: What’s your favorite Jewish food?
Shana: Brisket. You know, the super tender-melt in your mouth kind.
TCJ: What’s your favorite Jewish holiday?
Shana: Hanukkah, the holiday that embraces eight nights of eating chocolate, doughnuts, fried potatoes and gambling.
TCJ: Who is the coolest Jew?
Shana: Joan Rivers. Nothing was ever off-limits in her comedy. She was raw, beautiful, and had the quickest wit. Zichrona Livracha.
TCJ: Have you been to Israel? What is your favorite memory?
Shana: I have been to Israel a few times. I think my favorite memory was stopping at a gas station that offered a Friday special of a free newspaper and a Shabbat Challah when you spend 180 shekels of gas.
TCJ: What’s your top strategy for surviving winter?
Shana: Buy an unlimited carwash pass. The best $35 I have ever spent!
TCJ: What’s your favorite thing to do in the Cities?
Shana: Complain about the weather.
TCJ: Give us one more reason why you’re folking awesome!
Shana: I am throwing an amazing New Year’s Eve Dance Party called FANTASIA at Mill City Nights. You should come.