YAD is reaching out to women 21-45 with special affinity group

The situation comedy Cheers got it right with its theme song whose famous refrain spoke of people wanting to go “where everybody knows your name.”

A new Tampa “Rosh Chodesh” group for young adult women ages 21-45 is planned as just such a place.

The group, being organizaed under the auspices of the Young Adult Division (YAD) of the Tampa Jewish Federation, will meet once a month, beginning this fall.

“So many young women are looking to build bridges of friendship and connection within the Tampa Jewish community,” said Toby Zarolnick, an active YAD member. “And this group is the vehicle.”

Women have traditionally celebrated Rosh Chodesh — the beginning of he new Jewish month and the new moon cycle — by gathering together to celebrate their sex and femininity. The absence of a highly structured observance will allow great freedom for creativity of programming.

Members of the group will explore topics of spirituality or secular subjects within a Jewish context, enjoy social time and, on occasion, activities such as challah baking or a spa-type evening.

“We seem to be hitting a nerve,”said Iris Ruth Pastor, YAD director. “Just from wordof mouth, quite a few young women have already signed-up, and we haven’t even started formally publicizing it yet.”

Alison Herman is one of those looking forward to the group getting underway. “I think the group will represent a place where women can pull their strengths and wisdom together,” she said.

Others echo Herman’s sentiments.

Susan Birnbaum said she feels “Rosh Chodesh will be a wonderful opportunity to meet other spiritual, intellectual, and professional young women in the community.”

And Cindy Honigsberg said she is “looking forward to learning from and connecting with other Jewish women in the Tampa Bay community.”

Many mirror Maxine Rigberg’s outlook. “I look forward to developing a special connection with all the participating women.”

The YAD Rosh Chodesh group will be meeting once a month, on Wednesday evenings, beginning in the fall. The first get together is Sept. 1, from 7-9 p.m. at a yet-to-be determined location.

Group size is limited to 30 young women.

For more information or to join, contact YAD Director Iris Ruth Pastor at (813) 769-2813 or iris. pastor@jewishtampa.com.