Sing to Connect: A Nigun Circle for Turbulent Times
Communal song can be a powerful tool for feeling connected and centered during turbulent times. Within Jewish tradition, song is central to spiritual and emotional expression, especially through nigunim (wordless melodies rooted in Ashkenazi Hasidic spiritual practice).
Join Nava Kantor at MaTovu for a deep dive into one beautiful nigun. We’ll learn it together, taking our time to let it really sink in, allowing us to connect deeply to the melody and to each other.
This program is open to all who seek connection through song. You don’t need to be Jewish or “a singer” to attend, and as there are no lyrics involved, no Hebrew knowledge is needed. This event is geared toward adults; kids who are able to participate in the song circle are welcome.
Schedule:
7:00-7:15pm -- Arriving
7:15-8:15pm(ish) -- Singing together
8:15pm -- Tea + connecting
Registration by filling out the form below is required.
Craft Shabbat: A Creative Shabbat Celebration!
To celebrate Shabbat this month, please bring whatever craft you're currently working on (knitting, art, macrame, whittling, coloring book, needle felting, poetry composition, anything goes!). We'll do our shabbat prayers, share a meal, and hang out and chat while we create.
Dinner will be catered vegetarian food. Please bring a drink or dessert to share.
Synoptic Frequencies 15
MaTovu is excited to host Synoptic Frequencies, a quarterly event featuring experimental music performed in sacred spaces.
Lia Kohl is a composer and sound artist based in Chicago. Trained as a cellist, she also incorporates synthesizers, field recordings, toy instruments and radios into her work, searching for a balance between virtuosity and curiosity. Lia performs as a soloist, a collaborator and composes works for ensembles, and has arranged strings for Makaya McCraven, Circuit des Yeux, claire rousay, Steve Hauschildt, and many more.
Zachary Good is a clarinetist, composer, arranger, and teacher based in Chicago. He is the clarinetist of Eighth Blackbird, and a member of many ensembles including Ensemble Dal Niente, Mocrep, ZRL, and Honestly Same . As a composer, Zachary explores contrapuntal possibilities on the soprano clarinet with small–interval multiphonics (”close dyads”), creating the illusion of multiple clarinetists playing simultaneously. His quietly virtuosic music is inspired by the intricacies of the clarinet and a love for Baroque nuance and form.
STL's own Todd F Dillon is a multifaceted collaborator, keyboardist, and composer, as well as one-third of the band Huht. Dillon creates soothing sonic miniatures in his solo work that recall the compositional simplicity of Erik Satie, the gentle electronics of Hans-Joachim Roedelius, and the experimental atmospheres of Asmus Tietchens.
Political Disappointment and the Dreams of the 20th Century Left: A conversation with Dr. Sara Marcus
This event does not require reading the book. An optional chapter to read will be pre-circulated.
Dr. Sara Marcus (University of Notre Dame), author of Political Disappointment: A Cultural History from Reconstruction to the AIDS Crisis, joins MaTovu for a discussion of what she calls political disappointment: the experience of living after moments when profound change once seemed possible. Marcus describes disappointment as “a longing for fundamental change that outlasts a historical moment when it might have been fulfilled.”
Drawing on figures such as Grace Paley, Adrienne Rich, Marlon Riggs, and David Wojnarowicz, the conversation will explore how artists and movements confronted political loss while continuing to imagine solidarity and collective life. The evening will take the form of a discussion, with an excerpt from the book shared in advance.
Sara Marcus is Assistant Professor of English at the University of Notre Dame and the author of Girls to the Front: The True Story of the Riot Grrrl Revolution.
Passover Seder Match
Passover is fast approaching! This year, in lieu of hosting a formal seder, MaTovu is playing matchmaker and helping folks connect to celebrate Passover in community. So, if you are hosting a local seder and have extra seats at the table, you’ve come to the right place! And, if you’re hoping to celebrate Passover and are still seeking a seder, welcome!
Please complete this Google form by March 11 and someone from MaTovu will reach out to you, hopefully with a match! (This is the first time we’re trying this so no guarantees.)
Please note that every family, household, and community honors and celebrates Pesach in unique ways. We can’t ensure that any particular tradition will be a part of your experience, but we do know that each seder will be a special experience. Stipends are available to seder hosts to help cover the cost of hosting additional people.
If you’re also seeking a more casual, kid-friendly Passover experience, check out our event on Sunday, April 5 (more info to come)!
Family Passover Party
Join us at MaTovu for a Passover Party featuring your favorite Passover songs with The Red Sea Ramblers, an Afikoman scavenger hunt, a Passover movie screening and lots of Passover desserts!
Schedule:
3-3:15: Welcome
3:15 - 3:45: Singing and dancing!
3:45-4: Dessert and schmooze
4-4:30: Movie screening
All ages are welcome, and desserts will be Kosher for Passover.
Poetry Reading with Colleen Shoshana McKee and Friends
Please join us for a virtual poetry reading with San Francisco–based poet and Missouri native Colleen Shoshana McKee. Colleen is the author of seven collections of poetry, memoir, and fiction. Her newest book, Feeding Ghosts, was published in March 2026 and is available for purchase here. Born in rural Missouri, Colleen grew up speaking Yiddish with elderly Russian immigrants in the woods. She later lived in St. Louis for 22 years before moving to San Francisco, where she now teaches English to immigrants and creative writing students--who are sometimes the same people.
The evening will also feature readings from Allison Creighton, Andrea Jackson, Scott Berzon, and MaTovu’s own Clare Kinberg. Join us to celebrate Colleen’s new book and enjoy an evening of powerful poetry!
The Zoom link will be shared after registration.
Unpacking the Headlines from Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank
The headlines from Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank continue to shift rapidly, reflecting both heartbreaking realities and glimmers of hope. To help us make sense of these developments and what they mean to the future of Israelis, Palestinians, and people everywhere, we invite you to join us for a timely and insightful conversation with Elisheva Goldberg, Deputy VP of Communications & Policy at the New Israel Fund.
Left in the Midwest Intergenerational Discussion: The History of St. Louis Progressive Activism
Thanks to those who joined us for an informal snow day version of this program. We’re glad to say we’ve found a new date to bring in our panelists.
Join us to discuss over fifty years of incredible activism. Feminist, anti-racist, and LGBTQIA St. Louisans have been speaking out across generations. Several writers and activists featured in the 2023 anthology Left in the Midwest will visit MaTovu for an intergenerational discussion on their own experiences as progressive and LGBTQ+ activists, including Clare Kinberg and Mary Maxfield. Many of the panelists lived in the Shaw neighborhood in the 1970s and 1980s. They will introduce themselves and briefly speak about the activism they were involved with or wrote about in the book, followed by open discussion with attendees. Left Bank Books will be on site with copies available for purchase.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJs Jen Z vs Dienda
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
MaTovu Reading Circle
Join us for our February Reading Circle. This month, we will be reading selected works by Grace Paley (1922-2007), a short story author, poet, teacher, and political activist. We will send registrants the readings to peruse in advance.
Shakshuka Klezmer Concert
Join us for a fun concert with local Klezmer band Shakshuka, a word that means all mixed up! Groove with us with songs that add “new spice, fragrance, and taste to familiar tunes.”
Havdalah, Concert, & Community Sing with Eliana Light
Singing together can help us feel deeply, connect with each other, and tune us to what matters most. Eliana will lead us through accessible, heart-opening melodies to close out Shabbat together in an interactive community concert. (No singing experience required!) Please join CRC, Kol Rinah, Shaare Emeth, and MaTovu for this special event! While this event will be geared toward adults, all ages are welcome.
Flow of the evening:
7:00-7:15pm -- Arriving
7:15-8:30 – Concert
8:30pm -- Refreshments
Registration by filling out the form below is required.
About Eliana
Eliana Light is cultivating a more connected world by making the urgent spiritual wisdom of Jewish liturgy and prayer practice (t’fillah) accessible and meaningful through her prayer leadership, consulting, teaching, and the Light Lab, a center for t’fillah education. She has put out five albums of thoughtful, playful, original Jewish music, including the liturgical and group singing-focused ORAH HI, and is the host of the Light Lab Podcast. She lives in Durham, NC where she is weaving everybody-welcome Jewish community.
Shabbat Morning Study: Oh My G?D! Prayer in Everyday Life
What’s the point of prayer? Is prayer innately human? What does that mean for our liturgy? (And where is g?d in all of this?) Through sacred text, quotes, and our own stories, Eliana will guide us to explore a variety of answers, what they mean for our Jewish practice, and what they mean for our everyday lives. This program is geared toward adults.
About Eliana
Eliana Light is cultivating a more connected world by making the urgent spiritual wisdom of Jewish liturgy and prayer practice (t’fillah) accessible and meaningful through her prayer leadership, consulting, teaching, and the Light Lab, a center for t’fillah education. She has put out five albums of thoughtful, playful, original Jewish music, including the liturgical and group singing-focused ORAH HI, and is the host of the Light Lab Podcast. She lives in Durham, NC where she is weaving everybody-welcome Jewish community.
Family-Friendly Friday Night Services & Potluck
Let's welcome Shabbat with music, connection, and joy! Eliana Light will lead us in an accessible, everybody-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service for our kids and the kids in all of us. After services we’ll enjoy a vegetarian potluck. Please bring a dish to share (and ensure that it does not include nuts of any kind).
Registration by filling out the form below is required.
About Eliana
Eliana Light is cultivating a more connected world by making the urgent spiritual wisdom of Jewish liturgy and prayer practice (t’fillah) accessible and meaningful through her prayer leadership, consulting, teaching, and the Light Lab, a center for t’fillah education. She has put out five albums of thoughtful, playful, original Jewish music, including the liturgical and group singing-focused ORAH HI, and is the host of the Light Lab Podcast. She lives in Durham, NC where she is weaving everybody-welcome Jewish community.
Torah on Tap: Commanded to Love
Join Rabbi Andrea Goldstein and MaTovu at Urban Chestnut in the Grove for our next Torah on Tap.
This month’s theme is “Commanded to Love.” As a lead up to Valentine's day, let's dig into the different ways the Torah describes love and ask--does the Torah command us to love in a certain way? During this session of Torah on Tap, we'll look at a few passages where the Torah talks about the loving our neighbor, loving the stranger, and loving G_d and see what answers--and new questions--we discover.
Sign up early because spots fill up fast! The first drink is on us.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Whiz
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
MO Antisemitism IHRA Legislation: Conversation and Letter Writing
For the second year in a row, the Missouri State Legislature has taken up the issue of codifying the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, a definition that equates many legitimate critiques of Israel with antisemitism. While some claim this action is necessary to protect Jewish people, many others–Jewish and non-Jewish included–have spoken out in opposition of a definition that can create confusion between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitism. Such a definition does not keep anyone safe—it puts everyone at risk by limiting free speech and framing the Jewish community as a monolith. This is why MaTovu does not embrace this definition and instead relies on the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism as our guide on this question, creating space for a diversity of opinions and acknowledging that Jewish safety is bound up in the safety of others.
Please join us in conversation and collective action. Stop by to talk, write letters or make calls to representatives if you'd like, and share space with members of the MaTovu Community. All are welcome, food will be provided. Together, we can create a safe community for all!
Standing Together: A Brunch & Learn with Dr. Rasha Ahmad Sharif
Join us for a brunch-and-learn conversation with Dr. Rasha Ahmad Sharif, Executive Vice President of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and a founding member of Friends of Standing Together–Minnesota. Rasha will share her personal story of growing up in Lebanon, her journey to the United States, and how those experiences led her to engage in cross-community organizing.
Standing Together is a grassroots movement of Israelis and Palestinians working toward peace, equity, and social and climate justice through partnership and dialogue. The program will include a shared meal, a talk by Rasha, and small-group conversations followed by a facilitated discussion. The event is designed to support learning, conversation, and relationship-building among participants.
Virtual Left in the Midwest Intergenerational Discussion: The History of St. Louis Progressive Activism
This event will be moved to virtual due to weather and registrants will receive a link. Please see that link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89707671925
Join us to discuss over fifty years of incredible activism. Feminist, anti-racist, and LGBTQIA St. Louisans have been speaking out across generations. Several writers and activists featured in the 2023 anthology Left in the Midwest will visit MaTovu for an intergenerational discussion on their own experiences as progressive and LGBTQ+ activists, including Clare Kinberg and Mary Maxfield. Many of the panelists lived in the Shaw neighborhood in the 1970s and 1980s. They will introduce themselves and briefly speak about the activism they were involved with or wrote about in the book, followed by open discussion with attendees. Left Bank Books will be on site with copies available for purchase.
Tot Shabbat
Join us for a joyful, kid-friendly Shabbat gathering! We’ll begin with singing and simple Shabbat prayers, then share a cozy potato-themed potluck dinner. All ages are welcome.
We’ll provide hot tater tots with ketchup, challah, and grape juice. You're invited to bring a vegetarian and nut-free side dish to share!
Schedule:
5:15 PM – Arrive and settle in
5:30 PM – Songs, Shabbat, and Storytime
6:00 PM – Potluck dinner
Sing to Connect: A Nigun Circle for Turbulent Times
Communal song can be a powerful tool for feeling connected and centered during turbulent times. Within Jewish tradition, song is central to spiritual and emotional expression, especially through nigunim (wordless melodies rooted in Ashkenazi Hasidic spiritual practice).
Join Nava Kantor at MaTovu for a deep dive into one beautiful nigun. We’ll learn it together, taking our time to let it really sink in, allowing us to connect deeply to the melody and to each other.
This program is open to all who seek connection through song. You don’t need to be Jewish or “a singer” to attend, and as there are no lyrics involved, no Hebrew knowledge is needed. This event is geared toward adults; kids who are able to participate in the song circle are welcome.
Schedule:
7:00-7:15pm -- Arriving
7:15-8:15pm(ish) -- Singing together
8:15pm -- Tea + connecting
Registration by filling out the form below is required.
Torah on Tap: A People or a Faith: Categories of Jewishness
This event is at capacity and we have ended new registrations.
Join Rabbi Daniel Bogard and MaTovu at Bluewood Brewing on Cherokee Street for our next Torah on Tap. This month’s theme is “A People or a Faith: Categories of Jewishness.” Sign up early because spots fill up fast! The first drink is on us.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Electric David
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
K-Pop Donut Hunters Hanukkah Party
Join us at MaTovu for a Hanukkah K-Pop Donut Hunters Party! Come sing and dance along to all your favorite Huntrix and Saja Boys songs while enjoying delicious Hanukkah donuts, Pizza and SODA POP! If you like you can get beautiful Demon Patterns at our hand/face painting station! The Party will begin at 3pm with Hanukkah Candle lighting and then get ready for the TAKEDOWN! You wanna get WILD? I’ll show you WILD!
Immigration Justice Talk with Emily Stuart, MSW
Join Emily Stuart, MSW (Marillac Mission Fund; St. Louis Rapid Response; IFER) for an evening focused on immigration realities in Missouri and the ways local communities are responding.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Alexis Tucci
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
MaTovu at NJT: Group Trip to See Baskerville
MaTovu is able to purchase a few tickets with grant funding! Please sign up soon to join us for free. After we run out of free tickets, we will offer a discount code.
MaTovu is going to the theater! Sign up below to join our group outing to New Jewish Theater to see Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville on Thursday, December 4. Stay with us after the show for a talkback.
Play description: Get your deerstalker cap on – the play’s afoot! Comedic genius Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor; Dear Jack, Dear Louise) transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a murderously funny adventure. The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being dispatched one by one. To find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest heir. The intrepid investigators must escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than forty characters. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the killer in time? Join the fun and see how far from elementary the truth can be.
Immigrant Justice Volunteer Training
Immigrant Justice Volunteer Training
Join the Ashrei Foundation for a training event designed to equip volunteers with the tools to stand in solidarity with immigrants in our community.
This even will prepare you to take action through
Hotline Operator and Immigrant Family Emergency Response (IFER) Fund Volunteer Opportunities.
For more info on these volunteer roles, visit https://www.ashreifoundation.org/events/matovu
Whether you’re new to this work or looking to deepen your impact, this training is your chance to show up as an ally and take meaningful action.
This event is hosted by MaTovu open to the public!
Sing to Connect: A Nigun Circle for Turbulent Times
Communal song can be a powerful tool for feeling connected and centered during turbulent times. Within Jewish tradition, song is central to spiritual and emotional expression, especially through nigunim (wordless melodies rooted in Ashkenazi Hasidic spiritual practice).
Join Nava Kantor at MaTovu for a deep dive into one beautiful nigun. We’ll learn it together, taking our time to let it really sink in, allowing us to connect deeply to the melody and to each other.
This program is open to all who seek connection through song. You don’t need to be Jewish or “a singer” to attend, and as there are no lyrics involved, no Hebrew knowledge is needed. This event is geared toward adults; kids who are able to participate in the song circle are welcome.
Registration by filling out the form below is required. If you can’t make it this time but would be interested in attending future nigun circles like this, please let us know by filling out the form too
Tot Shabbat
Join us for a joyful, kid-friendly Shabbat gathering! We’ll begin with singing and simple Shabbat prayers, then share a cozy potato-themed potluck dinner. All ages are welcome.
We’ll provide hot tater tots and sweet potato fries with ketchup, challah, and
grape juice. You're invited to bring a vegetarian and nut-free side dish to share!
Schedule:
5:15 PM – Arrive and settle in
5:30 PM – Songs and Shabbat blessings
6:00 PM – Potluck dinner
Torah on Tap: The Rebranding of Hanukkah: Rebels, Rabbis, and Religious Fundament
This event is full and closed for new registrations.
Hanukkah has never been one story—it’s a mirror that reflects what each generation of Jews needs it to be. We’ll trace the myth’s evolution from the Maccabees—religious zealots whose rebellion looks uncomfortably familiar today—to the rabbis who reimagined it as a quiet miracle of oil and hope, and then to its modern retellings: American Jews turning it into a festival of religious freedom and pluralism, and Israelis transforming it into a celebration of national independence. Together we’ll explore what these shifting stories reveal about who we are, and what kind of light we want to kindle now.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Dr. B
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
By The Waters of Paradise Book Launch
MaTovu is thrilled to celebrate the release of By The Waters of Paradise: An American Story of Racism and Rupture in a Jewish Family by MaTovu Builder Clare Kinberg. Join us for a book talk, refreshments, and a chance to purchase the book from Left Bank Books.
By the Waters of Paradise is a riveting family history that paints a startling portrait of racism and antisemitism and the lasting effects across generations. In 2016, author Clare Kinberg discovered her estranged Aunt Rose's death certificate on the internet. What followed was an unearthing of contradictions of what "family" means in a segregated United States. In the 1930s, Rose, an Ashkenazi Jewish woman, married Zebedee Arnwine, an African American man. The Arnwines faced a multitude of barriers due to their interracial marriage, and Rose faced familial and community ostracization for her choice. Her siblings, including Kinberg's father, kept her existence a secret from their children while building a strong sense of family and reinforcing the segregation between Jewish and Black communities. Some eighty years later, Kinberg, whose wife and daughters are descendants of the African diaspora, traced the life and legacy of her aunt. This masterful memoir weaves the genealogical and historical journeys of Rose and Zebedee with discussion of Rose and Kinberg's Jewish ancestry in Romania and Ukraine and investigates their mutual decisions to settle their interracial families in Michigan. By the Waters of Paradise is more than just a memoir—it is a reckoning with racism in a day and age when it is needed more now than ever. “By the Waters of Paradiseis bothan intimate memoir and a history of racism, religion, and politics, Kinberg reveals her aunt’s story with sensitivity. She discovers the jagged intersections of Jewish and Black history in the United States, where white supremacy, Christian nationalism, and capitalism delimited each group’s opportunities in turn—and sometimes in startlingly entangled ways.”—Lila Corwin Berman, professor of history and of Hebrew and Judaic studies, New York University
About the Author: Clare Kinberg is a writer, editor, and activist. She is the publisher and editor of the Washtenaw Jewish News and was the editor of Bridges: A Jewish Feminist Journal from 1989–2011.
Please RSVP below:
Torah on Tap: Lilith, Golems, & Talmudic Tales of the Supernatural
This event is full. Thank you for all the interest!
Join MaTovu and Central Reform Congregation for Torah on Tap—a series where we take meaningful conversation out of the sanctuary and into the pub. Each gathering will explore a different topic through the lens of Torah, guided by Rabbi Daniel Bogard.
This month, we’re getting spooky with Lilith, Golems, and other tales of the supernatural in Judaism. We’ll meet at Blueberry Hill in the Delmar Loop.
First round’s on us (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)! Must be 21+ to attend. Come for the drinks, stay for the discussion.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Atomic Ace
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
Somatic Writing for Autumn & The High Holy Days
MaTovu is excited to partner with Somatic Writing Facilitator Jennifer Campolo to hold 2 workshops (September 29 and October 13). that will explore themes related to Autumn and the High Holy Days, as well as how we reflect upon these experiences as Jews and non-Jews. These Somatic Writing evenings will guide participants in exploring some of these themes, weaving together poems, guided somatic meditations, and time for personal reflective writing or drawing. You can register below, or learn more at her website https://somatic-writing.com.
Session #2: Monday, October 13 6:00- 8:00 PM
Holding Space, Holding Stories
Historically, a successful harvest included feasts, making offerings, and preparing the surplus crops for the colder months ahead.
In our group, we'll read two poems that connect us to the abundance of the natural world and celebrate the fact that we belong on the earth. Our somatic meditation will be a Nurture Surround, a NeuroAffective Touch technique that encourages calm and containment.
We'll end by taking a "writing journey" together. This is a special guided visualization that is woven together with instruction and time for your body and mind to dialogue -- essentially, opening them up to connect more deeply through what you write, draw, or express.
What to Bring:
Expressive writing/art supplies: Your favorite journal and pen(s), sketchbook, and/or digital device, for writing and/or drawing.
A pillow, cushion, blanket, wrap or scarf, and/or back support. Essentially, bring anything you might like to have on hand to be comfortable and supported in your somatic meditation (the venue will have chairs and tables.)
This event is grant-funded, and is free of charge.
MaTovu evaluates the events it hosts based on our Values and Code of Conduct.