When community members open their own homes.

Every once in a while, there’s a moment in community life that feels like a tiny flashlight beam—illuminating who we are and who we’re becoming.

This week, that moment happened in the home of our friends Ilana Maier and Scott Berlin, who flung open their door (and their bar!) for a beautiful evening of learning about Friday night kiddush. They put out a gorgeous spread, pulled out every drink under the sun, and welcomed everyone with the kind of warmth that makes you exhale on the spot.

We gathered with our neighbor Rabbi David Gedzelman, who walked us through both the deeper meanings and the simple choreography of making kiddush. The idea came straight from Ilana and others who’ve been saying, with total excitement, “I want to learn how to do this. I want to lead this blessing at Temple 5. I want to feel at home in this ritual.” And honestly? That spirit is everything.

Because here’s the magic: no one let self-consciousness win. Instead of shrinking back, folks leaned in. They raised their hands, asked real questions, laughed, practiced, and claimed their own growth. This is what we love most about this community — the eagerness to learn, to skill up, to grow both in ritual and in the craft of being together.

Huge thanks to Ilana and Scott for hosting with such heart. And if you're inspired, there are more chances to open your home this winter through a brand-new initiative we’re calling Hanukkah Across Harlem.