2019 is on the outs, friends. But December… December always holds some delightful farewells, and this one is no different. We’ve got some great parties — both in the professional and friendship worlds — and some great chances to end the year with some extra mensch points.
Take a look y’all, and pick at least one event to make 2019 end on a high note — even without Hanukkah, this might be our most stacked month yet.
“Network & Nosh w/ JLink”
Thursday, Dec. 5 — 7:30 a.m. @ St. Paul Bagelry: Nicollet, Minneapolis. FREE to join.
If there’s a better way for Jews to network than over bagels, we haven’t heard of it. JLink™ holds general networking coffee meet-ups around the Twin Cities in a different neighborhood each month… and for December’s First Thursday, JLink™ will be at the St. Paul Bagelry in Minneapolis!
There’s no specific topic, but come prepared to provide a short introduction of who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for from a networking group as an individual or professional. Recommended: join the JLink™ Facebook group in advance if you haven’t already.
“Maisel Premiere Potluck w/ Moishe House”
Friday, Dec. 6 — 7 p.m. @ Moishe House, Minneapols. FREE.
FINALLY! “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is back, and Moishe House is hosting for the TV event of the year. Bring your favorite dish to share and get ready to watch the start of the season… and then go home and binge all the rest through the weekend. Winter was made for streaming with friends. RSVP here on OneTable! Pro tip: not a cook? Wine makes everything better 😉
“Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee”
Saturday, Dec. 7 — 2 p.m. @ Z Puppets’ Rosenschnoz Studio, Minneapolis. $5-$15
OK, friends — ordinarily, I stick to the 21+ events to plug, but if you’ve got little ones in your life, this sounds pretty neat and like it’d be fun for [truly] all ages.
One of the pillars of Judaism & connectors to our ancestors is the Hebrew language. Of course, we’re not alone in that uniqueness… and fortunately, in Minnesota, we’ve got some local kindreds who are game to share their own spin on their heritage.
Through catchy songs and fun storytelling, Cherokee tribal member and award-winning Z Puppets’ performer Chris Griffith — co-Creative Director of Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, an award-winning performing and teaching artist, and enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation — leads an adventure into language reclamation.
Recommended for ages 3 and up. For more info, please visit Z Puppets.
“Hag Sameach Gift Wrapping Party”
Monday, Dec. 9 — 6:45 p.m. @ JFCS HQ, Golden Valley. FREE.
The ultimate menschy move: NextGen and Moishe House are teaming up to wrap gifts, toys, and ritual items for Hag Sameach [Hebrew for “Happy Holidays”] Program Recipients leading up to the winter holidays, providing gifts and ritual items for individuals and families in need to have a joyous holiday season — and you’re invited!
All gift wrapping supplies provided for this very festive and social volunteer opportunity… doubling as a great way to connect with friends/make new friends while doing a mitzvah.
“NCJW Podcast Club: ‘Because of Sex’”
Tuesday, Dec. 10 — 7 p.m. @ Quixotic Coffee, St. Paul. FREE to join.
The Podcast Club returns to explore an episode examining trans rights. From the episode page: “In 2013, Aimee Stephens was fired from her job after coming out as transgender. Now, she is the lead plaintiff in a Supreme Court case that will determine the employment rights of gay and transgender workers across the nation.”
Please come ready to share in truly important and engaging discussion. Light refreshments will be served. Find the episode here: https://overcast.fm/+LHydFj8B8
“Temple of Wrestling: HANUKKAH HAVOK!”
Wednesday, Dec. 11 — 7 p.m. @ Temple of Aaron, St. Paul. $10-$30
TEMPLE OF AARON IS BACK! I mean, they didn’t go anywhere… but they are the freakin’ best at putting on a singular, can’t-miss events.
It’s Temple of Wrestling’s 2nd show, as Temple of Aaron will once again play host to an electric event with the Legendary Colt Cabana, former WWE star Matt Sydal, Mr. Independent, and rising star David Starr! Some marquee F1RST Wrestling talents will be on hand for this family-friendly wrestling event — free for kids 10 and under if accompanied by an adult!
$10 General Admission / $20 Ringside Seating / $30 VIP
“Latkes & Politics: 2019 JCRC Hanukkah Party”
Thursday, Dec. 19 — 6 p.m. @ Beth El Synagogue, St. Louis Park. FREE.
Aaaaand… it’s officially Hanukkah party time! The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas invites you to “Latkes and Politics,” an always fun, informal, bipartisan celebration and a great way to reconnect with elected officials and community leaders before the 2020 Legislative Session.
Food will be served [like LATKES!] and families are welcome. Free and open to the public!
“JLink Goes to Yangtze”
Friday, Dec. 20 — 12 p.m. @ Yangtze Restaurant, St. Lous Park. FREE to join.
Look, I don’t like it when I feel like I’m accidentally living the stereotype handbook any more than anyone else. That said… is there anything more gloriously stereotypical than our Tribe networking over Chinese food during the Holiday season? [Seriously, props to JLink. I *always* want to network over Chinese food or bagels].
Lean into it, friends. Join JLink for their last event of the year and eat some delicious wontons, a.k.a. Chinese kreplach.
“Drinks & Dreidels: A Chanukah Soiree”
Sunday, Dec. 22 — 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. @ Moxy Uptown, Minneapolis. $15
Bar none, our pals at Chabad YJP throw some of the best straight-up parties for Jews around [if you hit the boat party this summer, you know exactly what I mean].
Be ready to party proper and kick off Chanukah in style with an open bar, music, donuts & latkes, and a Menorah lighting at one of Uptown’s best hotels. RSVP @ the YJP home base.
“Chanukah on Ice”
Sunday, Dec. 29 — 2 to 5 p.m. @ Charles Schultz-Highland Arena, St. Paul.
Last but not least, one more open party… that offers a lovely afternoon for all ages.
If you are looking for a unique way to have some Chanukah fun this season, join for a fantastically unique celebration of Chanukah, with open skating and the carving & lighting of giant “ice menorah” — over 5 feet tall and 400 pounds heavy!
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When we see y’all next, it’ll be 2020. Let’s wring the best we can out of 2019 while we still can!
