Frequently Asked Questions -

FAQs About Shtetl 2.0™ Membership

1. How do I/we become founding members of Shtetl 2.0™?
   
2. Can I/we be members of more than one Village?
3. How inclusive is Shtetl 2.0™?
4. How will you accommodate those on limited incomes?
5. Do I/we have to be Jewish - or a particular kind of Jew - to participate?
6. What are the expectations regarding...using Hebrew or Yiddish?
7. ...keeping Kosher or other food restrictions?
8. ...observing the Sabbath?
9. Do I/we have to be a member of one of the endorsing congregations/communities to participate?
10. Do I/we have to live in NWPhilly to participate?
11. Is there a minimum age to participate?
12. ...maximum age?
    

 

1. How do I/we become founding members of Shtetl 2.0™?

For the first year, July 2024 - June 2025, Shtetl 2.0™ invites you to join this community as a Founder, with a donation of your choice! Join and make a Founding Donation here.

 

2. Can I/we be members of more than one Village?

Members of Shtetl 2.0™ can also be members of other Villages, whether locally or as "snow birds" in warmer climes.

 

3. How inclusive is Shtetl 2.0™?

Shtetl 2.0™ seeks to overcome social silos based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, education, class, and marital status. 

We recognize that many current potential members have physical limitations that make social gatherings challenging, and that many of us may experience similar challenges in the future.

To date, we have been as inclusive as possible within the limits of available locations, technology, volunteers and funding - and anticipate that our ability to respond to these needs will evolve. We will endeavor to offer multi-access (hybrid) programming as is feasible, so as to be accessible to those who cannot participate in person.

 

4. How will you accommodate those on limited incomes?

Once we have a formal dues structure, the Board will establish a confidential system, so no one will be refused membership based on lack of ability pay.

 

5. Do I have to be Jewish - or a particular kind of Jew - to participate?

No. We welcome a wide variety of Jewish identities and practices among our members. We also expect many households to be intermarried, and many individuals to be "fellow-travelers." If you are comfortable in Jewish cultural space and time, please check us out!

 

6. What are your expectations regarding...using Hebrew or Yiddish?

We anticipate that there will be a wide variety of Jewish knowledge and practice among our members. Thus, we will strive to be warm and welcoming to all - such as by not assuming all are familiar with traditional Jewish practice or subscribe to Jewish theology, and by translating Hebrew and Yiddish words that have not entered common English parlance.

 

7. ...keeping Kosher or other food restrictions?

At our programs, we will support those who follow traditional dietary practices by not serving meat (including fowl) or non-kosher species of fish/seafood - or byproducts of them (for example, broth).

• We will ask our committees to define dietary requirements at events and explain them in ways that are understandable and welcoming for people who may not be familiar with kosher laws and terms.
  
  
• Similarly, we will also be mindful of common food preferences, allergies and reactions, such as by providing vegan and gluten-free alternatives, as much as possible.
  
  
• Potluck ingredients will be labeled for the comfort of those who are observant and/or have food reactions or allergies.

 

8. ....observing the Sabbath?

The wide variety of personal Sabbath and holiday observance among members means that we do not prescribe observance, but ask that groups doing work on Shtetl 2.0™ projects respect the time needs and boundaries of those group members who choose not to engage in such work on the Sabbath or holidays.

 

9. Do I need to be a member of one of the endorsing congregations/communities to participate?

No - unaffiliated folks are welcome to join Shtetl 2.0™! The four area congregations/ communities have simply recognized the great value of Shtetl 2.0™ to the NWPhilly Jewish community and have generously offered in-kind support as they are able, such as space for meetings, promotion of our programs, etc. Shtetl 2.0™ remains an independent organization.

 

10. Do I need to live in NWPhilly to participate?

We anticipate that most social, educational, and cultural programs will have no geographic boundaries (especially when presented on Zoom). Once we reach sufficient membership to facilitate mutual/volunteer support services (such as driving, errands, short-term pet care, tech help, etc.), there will necessarily be geographic limitations - and likely a tiered membership structure commensurate with different member benefits.

 

11. Is there a minimum age to participate?

Nope. As soon as you recover from the shock of receiving your first AARP magazine at age 50, you're ready. No, seriously, it's important that Shtetl 2.0™ be a multi-generation phenomenon, so while many of the founding members are in their late 60s and 70s, we anticipate creating programs of specific interest to new "empty-nesters" and newly-retired folks...come let us know your needs and be part of the solution!

 

12. Maximum age?

120.