Alef List: Summer Swan Song

With the Great MN Get Together starting this week, I can’t help but feel like summer is singing her swan song. And now that I’ve said that Dear Reader, would you allow me to go on a momentary tangent? Here goes:
Come back tomorrow for a mouth-watering literary trip to The Fair by one of our newest Noshin’ writers. And, if a swan song was actually a song, what would it be? Probably something sad, haunting and just a little bit trippy (I’m thinking Natalie Walker‘s cover of the Counting Crows’ “Colorblind” or Imogean Heap‘s “Hide and Seek”). And speaking of tangents…how is it that I can waste hours at a time when it comes to tangential treks in the Googly sphere? Which gets me thinking about Jon Stewart and six degrees of people who don’t eat bacon.
But I digress…
The calendar gets a little quiet as we head into the holidays, but there’s some great Jew to Do’s as we wrap up this week. And watch out for the Alef List in two weeks – the September calendar is already starting to get crazy.
Thursday, August 26th:
Who doesn’t love a little networking? I know I do! Check out these great options for shmoozing with other MOTs on Thursday night.

  • On a mission to fill up your social calendar? Get out there and meet some new Minneapolitan Jews. Sure, you’ll probably recognize a few faces but you never know who’s going to show up at the Mpls. Fed’s YL Happy Hour. So get out there and make some new friends. (Really new to the scene and don’t know a soul? Find Barb and let YL pick up your first beer or glass of wine as a way to say welcome). 5:30-8:00 on the patio at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park.
  • Looking to network professionally? Meet up with the new-ish networking group Jewish Professionals of the Twin Cities. Head over to Cooper’s Pub in St. Louis Park at 6:30 pm.

Friday, August 27th:
Lots of great options if you’re looking to find a fun crowd to celebrate shabbat with on Friday evening:

  • Beth El Young Adults Shabbat Dinner out on the lawn following services (which start at 5:45). Cost is $11, register via the link right away so they know how many folks to plan for. Always a fun, welcoming crowd of young professionals. As Rabbi Avi Olitzky says “Good Food. Good Drinks.  Good Shabbas.” Amen.
  • Mike Lurie let me know that 35 folks showed up to the first BBQ for The Northwest Jewish Community – definitely a great start to a growing new community. The NWJC will be gathering for a kabbalat shabbat service at 7pm in the community room at Lunds in Plymouth (3455 Vicksburg Lane). Open to the public, the family friendly service will feature a High Holiday themed story reading for children.  FFI and to RSVP, email or call Mike at 763-464-4872.
  • And if you’re looking for another family-friendly shabbat experience,  Aish MN’s Shabbat Dinner in the Park might be right for you.  Singing, learning, great food and more! $25 family, $10 individual donations. 6:30-8:30pm Fern Hill Park, St. Louis Park.

Hosting an upcoming event that you think should make the Alef List? Email me ([email protected]) with “Alef List” in the subject line and let me know!
(Photo: David Paul Ohmer)