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Adulting

Are you an Intrapreneurer?!

October 7, 2020 by Polly Edelstein

The Tribe 12 Fellowship – for Entrepreneurs and…Intra-preneurs?

Many of you are familiar with the Tribe 12 Fellowship. It’s a leadership and entrepreneurial program for individuals that are dedicated to personal growth, enriching communities, and making Judaism their own. Through a curriculum built on the themes of self-discovery, philanthropy, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurship, Fellows apply the tangible skills they learn to create a capstone project of their own design: a new or existing business, nonprofit, community, or anything in between.

But what about folks working in established organizations that they didn’t create? I’m glad you asked! While known for incubating new ventures, the Tribe 12 Fellowship is also for people looking to grow and develop within an existing organization. Whether you’re looking to increase engagement, prototype a new program, or just hone your professional skills to better serve your current work, the Fellowship can provide you with the foundation to achieve your goals

Do you know someone who is looking to innovate and progress in their current place of business? Could you be an intra-preneur?

Reach out to our Fellowship Coordinator Polly to learn more about the Fellowship and how it could best serve you!

You can reach Polly via email at Polly@tribe12.org

 

Filed Under: Adulting, Cool Stuff, Entrepreneurs, Fellows, Professional

12 Questions with Madam President

September 23, 2020 by Hannah Isaacs

We sat down with our newly elected President of our Board of Directors and asked her the important questions! Learn more about our fearless leader, Rachel Dukeman, and all about her favorite Jewish foods & celebrities. 

12 Questions with Madam President

1. Who are you?
Who are you? Who? Who? Whoo whoo? That’s what I assume everyone hears in their head when they read this question. Who am I? I’m just cool enough to know that those lyrics were written by The Who and definitely nerdy enough to associate the song with The Masked Singer and CSI.

I’m a native digital user who loves to unplug by going for hikes and birdwatching. I love plants and gardening. I’m an avid amateur chef and homesteader. I live in South Philadelphia with my partner of 12 years. I run my own business (a consulting practice).

I love learning about and tasting new wines. I find it a great way to relax while appreciating new places and cultures – throughout history wherever there has been grapes and people, there’s winemaking. And that now includes my basement!

2. What would your 6-word memoir be?
Almost perfect but not quite.

3. How long have you been involved with Tribe 12?
When the light first shined in the darkness, I was there. So… since the beginning. I was involved with Tribe 12’s predecessor, The Collaborative, and when Ross (our CEO) was talking to people about launching Tribe 12, I joined the Founding Executive Committee of the Tribe 12 Fellowship. A few years later, I joined the Board of Directors (one of the youngest members at the time!). I’ve been a board member for 7 years now. Then I joined the Board’s Executive Committee, and now I guess I’m stuck for life.

4. What’s your favorite homesteading project right now?
Oh, so many! Like many of us in the pandemic, I binged all of Bon Appetit’s “It’s Alive! With Brad Leone ” and started fermenting garlic in raw honey, which takes a while, so I’m excited that it’s now 4 months in and it’s so yummy with a splash of soy or Brag’s and homegrown green onions as a chicken or tofu marinade. You’ll never need take-out with this easy, flavor-packed meal. If this is not already happening at your fermentation station, I’m challenging you (Davinica)!

I also am very proud of my lacto-fermented lemons, which are a Morrocan-style preserved lemon. Takes about a month for the magic to happen. Then chop one up with some garlic, parsley, and add to full-fat Greek yogurt – oh my heavens! Delish. I eat that with everything from crudité to Adana Kebabs.

And lastly, homemade kombucha is the new sparkling water in my house — which is to say the most popular not-from-the-faucet beverage to drink morning, noon, and night.
Fav flavors include strawberry and ginger. I’d like to experiment with a pineapple mint.

5. Favorite Jewish celebrity?
Jon Stewart. No, Paul Rudd. Did you see his fun PSA about wearing masks? Well- watch it here! It’s a tie. They’re both smart and funny (and, did I mention, good looking?).

6. What is your bagel order?
I go classic with this. None of that rainbow unicorn nonsense. Give me an everything bagel with lox and the works. Do not skimp on those capers! (Mom, if you’re reading this, it’s a whole-wheat-everything bagel.)

7. What’s your favorite memory with Tribe 12?
Eleven years ago, I called Ross (our CEO) to ask to pick his brain about Jewish engagement of young professionals. I needed some first-hand insights to inform a strategic plan I was working on. Now either because it was a very Jewish discussion or a very nonprofit one, I entered the conversation asking for a favor and left having agreed to join a committee! (And now, as they say, the rest is history.)

AND a second favorite memory for you: A few years back, when Tribe 12 discovered it has a surplus of people named Rachel, it organized a Rachels-Only Happy Hour!

8. Who is the most interesting/most surprising person you met through a Tribe 12 connection?
Every connection is interesting! Ha! But most surprising to me was when I was at a dinner party and the host invited a childhood friend from Ohio who had recently moved to Philly. As a way of introduction, she motions to me and says vaguely that we’re both involved with Jewish nonprofits. So I make an invitation to Tribe 12’s Launch Night (the culminating event of the Fellowship program). As it turns out, her guest had already agreed to be on our Board of Directors! Jewish geography at its finest. Just goes to show how far-reaching our networks are.

9. What do you think Jewish life will be like in 10 years?
Since a Jewish woman will be President of the United States, the country will be running much smoother.

Yes, and… Since more people better understand the intersectionality of our multi-culturalism, we’ll find antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia are much rarer than present-day.

The trending decline of brick-and-mortar synagogue membership continues, however, in our post-pandemic world more people have discovered the joys of forming intentional communities of like-minded people who share common goals or interests. ::clears throat:: Y’know, tribes. These intentional communities or tribes act as safe spaces for people to express their authentic selves, explore interests, and work collectively – to overall live happier, healthier lives.

As the intentional communities branch out and intersect (yes, you can be in, say, a Jewish theatre tribe and an anti-racism activist one), we develop great leaders who respect and advocate for Jewish values.

10. As the nonprofit world questions the equity/access of the traditional board structure, what are you bringing to the table to create change from within?
I see myself as a catalyst to bridge our nonprofit into its next phase. With nearly 20 years of experience working with nonprofits, I’ve had the opportunity to see what it takes to run one from the volunteer level to running programs to managing staff to being executive leadership to sitting on a Board of Directors. This 360-degree-view has provided me with insights that, combined with my graduate studies and 12+ years as a strategic planning consultant, will enable me to promote and adopt new policies and help bring more voices to the table.

I say “help bring” because it is not on me or any one person alone to make our organization more equitable or accessible – it is on all of us. What is on me more specifically as the Board President is to create a platform in which all voices are heard within the organization. It is the role of the Board President to facilitate discussion, to listen to, and reflect on constructive criticism and to set a precedent that all perspectives are valuable. The next generation of nonprofit leadership is not top-down; it is grassroots, it is homegrown, it is collaborative, and it is reflective of the constituency it serves.

I am hopeful that with the years of experience I have within the organization, I am in a good position to build trust and understanding with as many stakeholders (staff and board, foremost) as possible. The fact that people know me pretty well should make it easier for me to challenge the status quo and push people to think differently – to stretch outside their comfort zone while knowing they are in safe hands.

11. If you had a magic wand what are your biggest aspirations for Tribe 12?
Well, if it were a truly magic wand, I’d just abracadabra us a large endowment. I mean, who doesn’t want a well-endowed organization?! 😉

All jokes aside, that does bring me to the heart of what I’d like to see Tribe 12 achieve over the next few years, which is to say: more money! With a larger operating budget, we would be able to better compensate our staff who are the life blood of our organization.

I am a firm believer that the term “non-profit” is misleading because, for most people, it implies “no” profit – and that is not the reality of the situation. In a nutshell, a non-profit is required to re-invest all of its profits back into the organization and its mission. That doesn’t mean a nonprofit cannot compensate its employees well (or fairly). It also does not preclude a nonprofit from making money.

I aim to have Tribe 12 increase its budget by diversifying funding streams, enhancing earned income options, and improving our ability to fundraise with individual donors. Of course, this is the worst economic time since the Great Depression to take on such an endeavor –but anything worth doing may come with challenges.

12. Pats or Genos?
Bleh, neither. Those two over-publicized monstrosities have lost sight of what makes Philadelphia an amazing city to live in. They have to see the irony of putting up signs that say things like “English Only” when your own relatives came to this country not knowing the language. Or how shaming people for not knowing the [highly contrived] lingo of ‘wit’ or ‘witout’ is a silly strategy for a business that benefits from this City’s tourism. And, let’s not even get started on the health or climate implications of a menu that revolves around beef (and processed cheese).

Now that I sound like a complete (and annoying) social justice warrior, I’ll play your game – I’ll add Tony Luke’s to the mix so that I appear accessible and seem like I’m one of the people, but I’m venturing slightly off the beaten path like the trailblazer I am. LOL. In all honesty, I do like how their menu has more offerings and that pickle bar is a Jewish foodie’s best friend.


Don’t miss anything Tribe 12 related! Follow us on Facebook & Instagram! 

Filed Under: Adulting, Cool Stuff, Jewish Wisdom, Philly, Professional, Tribes

High Holiday Guide 5781/2020

September 9, 2020 by Hannah Isaacs

High Holiday Guide 5781/2020

It’s here: Your 5781/2020 High Holiday Guide from Tribe 12! From recipes to services, reflections and more this list has it.

Dates:

Erev Rosh Hashanah Sundown September 18th
Rosh Hashanah Day 1 September 19th
Rosh Hashanah Day 2 September 20th
Erev Yom Kippur Sundown September 27th
Yom Kippur September 28th

Recipes:

High Holiday Cocktails for a Sweet New Year: Jewish Boston: Get Mixing!
Braised Brisket with Dried Fruit: Eating Well: oooo Brisket
Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur Menu Ideas: Bon Appetit: Read more

Japanese-Style Apple & Honey Roll Cake: 18 Doors: Make this
Ethiopian Chicken Schnitzel with Hot Honey: 18 Doors: Try this
Apple and Honey Ginger Crumble: 18 Doors: Enjoy this
Apple and Honey Hand Pie Pockets: 18 Doors: Try this

Experiences:

Sept 16th: Rosh Hashanah in a Bag by Tribe 12: Sign up!
Starts Sept 18th: 10Q: 10 Days, 10 Questions: Learn more
Sept 19th: 7pm Online: Rosh Hashanah Seder A New Way to Start the New Year: 18 Doors
High Holiday Service offerings from a wide spectrum of Synagogues in the Greater Philly area: Click here to learn more 
Sept 27th: High Holidays in Nature- A Virtual Mini- Retreat: 18 Doors: Learn more
Sept 28th: Tribe 12 LGBTQIA+ & The Grad Network Breakfast: Be in the Zoom where it happens
Free Tickets for High Holiday Services: Synagogue Connect
Here for: events Powered by OneTable: Learn more
Custom & Crafts: DIY Jewish Holidays and Rituals: Create now
At the Well: High Holiday Guide: Click here
Oct 2-9, Jewish Ancestral Healing Sukkot Summit: Receive daily audio interviews with spiritual leaders, artists, activists & visionaries on their journeys of ancestral healing: Learn More

Readings:

  • The Joys of a Mizrahi Rosh Hashanah Seder: Hey Alma
  • A Dreamy, Woodland-Inspired Rosh Hashanah Table for 2020: Rebekah Lowin
  • 9 things you didn’t know about Rosh Hashanah: My Jewish Learning
  • How to Celebrate High Holidays at home: My Jewish Learning
  • How to Get the Most out of High Holiday Zoom Services: My Jewish Learning
  • Rosh Hashanah Reading List: JewBelong
  • Updated High Holiday Guide & Resources: Union of Reform Judaism
  • 18 Comforting Rosh Hashanah Poems: Rebekah Lowin

Other Guides: 

  1. Gather DC: Washington, D.C. Area: Read more
  2. ChiTribe: Chicago Area: Read more
  3. Hey Alma: High Holiday Guide: Read more
  4. High Holiday Guide: Chabad of Cherry Hill: Read more

We will continue to update this list as we become aware of more things happening in the Philadelphia Area! For more information on Tribe 12 Follow us on Instagram @Tribe12philly or on Facebook at Tribe 12! 

 

Filed Under: Adulting, Cool Stuff, Jewish Wisdom, Philly

Challah Fairy’s Secret Recipe

September 2, 2020 by Hannah Isaacs

Have you seen the Philly Challah Fairy’s challot? 

Have you wondered: how can I get one?

How does the Fairy get them so pretty? 

Well, here is a peek behind the curtain at the Challah Fairy’s recipe! 

Ingredients

  • 4 – 4 ½ Cups of All-Purpose Flour 
  • ¼ Cup of Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons Salt 
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Large Egg Yolk (Reserve the white for the egg wash) 
  • 1/4 cup neutral-flavored vegetable oil, such as canola
  • 1 Cup Lukewarm water
  • 2 teaspoons active dry or instant yeast

Equipment

  • 2 large mixing bowl
  • 1 – 2 Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry Brush

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl mix 4 cups of flour, sugar, and salt, whisk to combine 

2. Add Eggs, Yolk, and Oil: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, I usually use the button of the one cup measuring up. Add the two eggs, egg yolk, and oil. Whisk to form a slurry, pulling in a little flour from the sides of the bow

3. Once you have formed a slurry: Add 1 cup lukewarm water 2 teaspoons of yeast to the slurry. 

4. Mix to form a shaggy dough. Mix the yeast, eggs, and flour with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a shaggy dough that is difficult to mix forms. 

5. Knead the dough: dump out the dough onto a floured work surface and knead by hand for about 8 -10 minutes it is important to time yourself.

6. Let the dough rise until doubled: Take the second large bowl and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Place the dough in the oiled bowl making sure to coat both sides in oil. Cover with plastic wrap, and place somewhere warm, I like to put my dough in the oven.  Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk for 2 hours. 

7. Divide the dough and roll into ropes: After the 2 hours divide the dough into 2 or 3 equal parts depending on how many loaves you would like. Then divide each loaf into 3 equal parts. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope about 10-12 inches long. 

8. Braid the dough. Gather the ropes and squeeze them together at the very top. If making a 3-stranded challah, braid the ropes together like braiding hair or yarn and squeeze the other ends together when complete.

9. Let the challah rest again:  Line 1 or 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the braided loaves on top and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place away from drafts until puffed and pillowy, about 45 minutes. 

10. Preparing to bake: With the pastry brush and the egg whites, you will want to egg wash each loaf generously with egg white. This is the time to add any toppings, maybe sesame seeds or poppy seeds. 

11. Bake the challah for 30 minutes. Bake the challah at 350 Degrees, until the challah is deeply browned and registers 190°F in the very middle with an instant-read thermometer, 30 to 35 minutes total.

12. Cool the challah. Let the challah cool on a cooling rack until just barely warm. Slice and eat.

To follow the Challah Fairy’s adventures follow @Tribe12philly  and @Hannahschallah on Instagram

Filed Under: Adulting, Cool Stuff, Trends

Remembering Stonewall to Protest Racial Injustice

June 17, 2020 by Ross Weisman

51 years feels like an eternity.

In 1969, astronauts landed on the moon and the earliest version of the Internet popped up. For queer folks and allies during June, we also remember the Stonewall Riots, the linchpin of the modern-day LGBTQ Rights movement arguably began.

Before the Stonewall Riots, actions coded as queer were criminal offenses; if your clothes or demeanor were seen as too different from the typical Christian heterosexual person, you would be arrested. Being outed as queer could get you fired. By the end of the 1960s, several covert gay/lesbian clubs popped up around the country. The police routinely raided and arrested patrons of underground gay bars, and LGBTQ people had had enough.

On the night of June 28th, 1969, undercover cops tried to raid the Stonewall Inn, but those in the bar – especially trans people of color – refused to go. More police came, and a riot broke out. Some say bricks were thrown, others say drink glasses and rocks, but this was the breaking point. A mob of queer people shouted “gay power” and sang, causing the world to wake up and look towards this small bar in the middle of New York’s Greenwich Village.

That was an extremely shortened version of the full story (I’m reading Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets by Gayle E. Pitman). It was a time of unrest, where the public wasn’t on the side of queer people, and things had to get loud and uncomfortable for change to come.

As a gay man, I’m in awe of what previous generations had to go through to be accepted and heard. And 51 years later, the world is waking up again, this time to police brutality and racial injustice.

No one has the luxury to remain silent anymore. It is our responsibility to stand up and support these protests calling for fair treatment and institutional change.

In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality as a mental disorder. Just this week, Merriam-Webster is amending their definition of racism to better reflect the systemic issues faced by people of color. The tides are turning, and Jews/LGBTQ people know the feeling of the world against them and the need to speak up.

In the 1960s, Rabbi Abraham Heschel stood with MLK and other Civil Rights leaders. He famously said, “When I marched in Selma, my feet were praying.” Jews remember our past, so it’s troubling to see history repeating.

To the queer folks reading this, happy Pride Month. Let us remember the riot 51 years ago that changed the world forever, and support the ones going on now.

History will remember.

Written by yours truly,

Ross Weisman, Engagement Associate at Tribe 12 

Interested in have virtual coffee with Ross? Set up a time like right now! 

Filed Under: Adulting, Culture, LGBTQ, Philly, Social, Social justice

9 Ways the Fellowship Helped Me Start a Successful Business

May 6, 2020 by Hannah Isaacs

Join the 2020 Fellowship Cohort for the 10th Annual Tribe 12 Fellowship Launch Night: The Beginning!

Hear first hand from one of our Fellowship Alumni! 

Aleeza Ben Shalom of Marriage Minded Mentor went through the Tribe 12 Fellowship in 2013. As CEO of her business, she works as a coach and trainer to empower singles “to get over their hurdles and under the chuppah.” Aleeza is also the author of Get Real, Get Married. Check out Marriage Minded Mentor on Facebook!

Tribe 12 Fellowship gives young budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to blossom. So what is their secret and how do they build an entrepreneur? Here are 9 ways they helped me to grow and become the professional that I am today.

1. Belief In Me, Not Just My Venture

While it’s true that Tribe 12 would be ecstatic to see your venture succeed, it is not the venture that they believe in. It’s not your amazing business idea they want to support. Tribe 12 believes in YOU! They want to help you to grow personally and professionally. Whether your venture succeeds or fails, YOU will always succeed. Because even a failure is an opportunity for growth and learning. And if you have skills, Tribe 12 knows you’ll go on to try something else until you succeed.

2. Business Training Sessions

There is a wonderful and intimate group (about 10-12) of fellows each year. Together you receive training and participate in workshops where you learn new skills, refine your venture and engage in new thinking. Your peers are there to support you. I loved having a team of good hearted and supportive people to help me refine my vision and make my dream business a reality.

3. I Found Myself A Cheerleader

Being an entrepreneur can be lonely and challenging at times. Personally I work from home and spend much time on my own growing my business. Having a peer group and supportive business networking group made a huge difference. I knew I had a squad behind me who supported me and wanted to see me succeed. They cheered me on along the way. A supportive environment is key to an entrepreneur’s success.

4. Network, Network, Network.

I appear outgoing to most people, but I’ll tell you a secret: I’m an introvert by nature. While I have trained myself to be more of an extrovert, meeting new people can be a challenge. Tribe 12 provided me a network and connections that made meeting people a joy instead of a challenge.

5. Go Ahead And Make A Mistake

Tribe 12 embraces mistakes. In fact, if you’re not making mistakes in business you’re doing something wrong. Together we looked at where we went right and where we went wrong. I had a support group to help evaluate how to do things better next time.

6. Grant And Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you’re a for profit or nonprofit business, Tribe 12 lets you know about local, national and international opportunities to get financial support on an ongoing basis — long after your Fellowship has ended. In addition, they have a network of funders who are eager to learn about your venture and possibly support it. I personally received financial support to bring a 20-hour coaching training to market through a connection from Tribe 12.

7. It’s Not A Sprint, It’s A Marathon

Tribe 12 taught me to take my time, develop my ideas and build my business. Personally, I was in a rush to make things happen. Thank goodness for Tribe 12. They helped me to slow down and take the time to do things right.

8. Build Your Business Around Your Life

Instead of a traditional model of building your life around your business, Tribe 12 encouraged me to build my business around my life. At the time I was in the Fellowship I was pregnant with my 5th child! Building a business, while important, had to come second to taking care of my family. Tribe 12 believed in my passion and vision and helped me build a wonderful business around my wonderful (and growing) family. I so appreciated that they believed in me even when it looked like I had my hands full. I slowly grew my business and was afforded the ability to be a stay-at-home mom and work part time doing something I love. Now that my kids are all in school I have time to grow my business at a faster pace.

9. Launch Night

There’s just something special about presenting your venture to a crowd of a few hundred people. I stood on stage and shared what I was doing and why it was important to me. I also had to prepare a table, present my business and talk to potential clients. Of course I had to have business cards ready to go; I also had copies of my book, Get Real, Get Married, which was released at Launch night 2013. To this day I am always prepared to attend an event, speak to people and share what I’m doing in business. I still have my bag packed with my tablecloth and everything necessary to showcase my business.

Could I have done all this on my own? No. Tribe 12 was instrumental to my success. Thank you, Tribe 12. I love what I do and I love that you still support me and my growing business.

Join the 2020 Fellowship Cohort for the 10th Annual Tribe 12 Fellowship Launch Night: The Beginning! Launch Night will be the first time to hear about their socially-conscious businesses, nonprofits, and projects that will change our communities and the world. Join us to discover what ventures our Fellows have created, share your insights in a small group of like-minded individuals, and learn what you can expect from the Fellows and their ventures. This free event is open to the public. You must register in advance as a Zoom link

Filed Under: Adulting, Cool Stuff, Entrepreneurs, Fellows, Philly, Professional

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