Minyan Exchange II part 1

This past shabbat marked the first leg of the second "annual" Kol Zimrah-TLS Minyan Exchange. By all accounts it was a roaring success. You can catch some pictures and the take of brother Mobius over here.

Roughly 18 folks came from KZ and were joined by folks from Boston and Philadelphia. Additionally Friday night services hosted folks from Panim el Panim and the RAC's summer interns. With this influx we had over 200 folks. The problem was that we couldn't safely and comfortably fit that many into the davening space so after about 7:45 if you arrived you could squeeze into the back of the main room or kick it in the back hallway. The food held out in a hanukkah-like miracle. One guest described it as the best friday night davening he had ever experiences and one of the visiting younger students said this was the sort of davening she dreamed about and hoped to find in the years ahead. I am not sure if it is good or bad that i found the davening quite pleasant rather having the sort of reaction that many visitors seem to have had.

Here was the schedule of events:

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Friday Night

Davening, led by KZ's BZ.

Saturday Morning

People davened at a few places including Adas Israel and Fabrangen. Perhaps in the future we will schedule Saturday morning davening as well but I don't anticipate that change anytime soon.

Shabbat Afternoon

There was a picnic in Malcolm X Park.

At 2pm our normal two-hand-touch football game met at 16th/Lamont NW.


Shabbat Evening--Motzei Shabbat

Seudat Shlishit happened at our place. There was gazpacho enough for everyone and beautiful singing.

After that there was a huge JUFJ fundraiser. It got over 100 people out and JD and the Robbery was again well received.
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All in all the weekend was a great success. Folks from the communities got to know each other better. Plans were hatched, people mostly had a great time, and everyone turned their eyes towards 'tute. It was tiring but absolutely worth it.