Chicago Israeli Dancing - Live And Virtual!!!

last updated on 9/22/21...

*** OUR INDOOR SESSIONS ARE OPEN ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE FULLY VAXED.  BEFORE YOU COME, PLEASE SEND A PHOTO OF YOUR VACCINATION CARD TO PHIL AT: philip_b_moss@hotmail.com or via my whatsapp at +1 312 519 8669.  Many of you have already sent me your cards.  Thanks so much.  The rest of you, keep them coming. 

AS OF THIS WRITING (and this could change at any moment), WE ARE REQUIRED TO MASK EVERYWHERE IN THE SYNAGOGUE)!!!   IT IS REQUIRED OUTSIDE THE DANCE ROOM TOO!!!  We are permitted to have food, but only pre-packaged.

***VERY IMPORTANT!!! FOR THE ZOOM YOU MUST ENTER NAME AND LOCATION WHEN JOINING TO BE ADMITTED FROM THE WAITING ROOM**

Please Click Here To Read Below About New Security Measures

(THERE ARE IMPORTANT NEW THINGS YOU NEED TO DO TO ENTER THE ZOOM!!!)

Most recent newsletters: Newsletter from 9/22/21

• Check out the About Tab on this site to see the playlists from recent weeks, and the Dances Taught tab for video links. 
• Check out the Adverts Tab for information including: Denver Israeli Dance, Cleveland Israeli Dance, Penny's Dance Fitness Class, how to order Marina's Harkaholics T-Shirts INCLUDING NEW COLOR CHOICES, as well as information about Jerry Kaye's holocaust memorial project, Zachor, Marcelo's Dance Sessions, Ilai's Harkalive, and Ariane's Sessions!
• Check out the Denver MMC tab for the dances taught at  Machol Mile Chai with Marcelo Marianoff 8/14-15
• Check out the Dance Events tab to find out about:, Colin's Radio Program, Workshop With Shmulik Gov-Ari in Boulder CO, Chile Rokedet (CANCELLED) and other stuff that comes in
  
• Go to the Machol Merkaz tab to keep up with the latest (October 7-10, 2021 featuring Dror Davidi, Elad Shtamer and Eran Bitton) REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AT MACHOLMERKAZ.COM!!!!!!!  STILL SOME DELUXE ROOMS LEFT AS A ROOMMATE TO SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR ONE.  Ok, so Nerenberg is the name of the only building left that has semi-private/private rooms left.  And we expect to run out of those too.  So please don't delay in registering.  (See Building Descriptions)
  

• Some Comments from Phil (INCLUDING THE PLAN:CID MONTHLY PARTY LIVE/VIRTUAL, IMPORTANT MACHOL MERKAZ UPDATE/ ORDERING YOUR MACHOL MERKAZ 2021 T-SHIRTS; CID LIVE/VIRTUAL)
  
• Chicago Israeli Dancing WhatsApp Group
• Last Week (and recordings) And More
  
• Report on Episode 6 of La Mona Myr's Riku meshuGAME on Saturday July 24. with new Challengers Jake Altholtz and Marcelo Marianoff, taking on La Mona and Patty Colensky!!!
  
• Coming Attractions - Dance Fitness With Penny, Chile Rokedet (cancelled)
  
• Other Stuff/Shout Outs
  

Some Comments From Phil

Hey all.  A few things. 

First off, WE'LL SEE YOU ON SEPTEMBER 23RD WITH OUR NEW HOURS, 7:30PM-11:30.  Zoomers, please have patience if the Zoom is not open on time.  I will do my best but I will now have less set up time avaialble than used to be the case.

I am happy to report that at Beth Emet,  the AC now works great.  Yayyy! 

Next, the week of Machol Merkaz, our session will be held on Wednesday night, October 6 at the Bernard Weinger JCC with guests from Israel, Dror Davidi, Eran Bitton AND TAMIR SHALEV (who is stepping in for Elad Shtamer who cannot be with us).  BUT YOU MUST BE FULLY VAXED TO ATTEND THE PRE-CAMP DANCE AND YOU MUST BE MASKED. 

Please join us for the pre-camp dance on Wednesday, October 6, "Erev Machol Merkaz” at the Bernard Weinger JCC 300 Revere Dr, Northbrook, IL 60062.   The price is $15 for Machol Merkazers, $20 for others.

7:30PM -  beginners/general with Penny Brichta

8:00-1130PM -  Workshop/Dance Party with Dror Davidi, Eran Bitton, & Tamir Shalev!

And speaking of Machol Merkaz, please look below for info about the PCR testing requirement for admission to camp.

And last, on Erev Thanksgiving Beth Emet is not available for our annual marathon.  If you know of a location that might be suitable for us, please call them first to find out if it is feasible.  After you have found a potential place, message me privately.  Thanks in advance.
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THE PLAN: CID LIVE/VIRTUAL  As you know, Thursday night CID Live and in person is back at Congregation Beth Emet. We started on started ON JUNE 24TH!!!  And we zoomed too (more below about that).  Join us on September 23 for our next session in person or online.  All kinds of fun stuff planned for this week.  Don't miss it!  😊😊😊

(Go to the Dances Taught Tab to see videos from last week.  See below for some of the dances we plan to teach this week.)

Glad to have Penny lead the first part of the evening. Yay Penny!  BTW, Penny plans to teach Tamir Shalev's Masa.  So check it our here if you want.  Masa Video

And I plan to teach another of Tamir's circle dances, Derech Kol Ha'ahavot.  We used to do this one a lot.  Glad we are bring ing it back.  Derech Kol Ha'ahavot Video

And for partners, I will review  this one by Yaron Ben-Simchon Belev Kaved. And perhaps we'll do a quick run through of Tamir's partner dance, Simanei Hazman

Challenge Dance- How about this one by Tamir Shalev? Nipagesh Bachalomot

Here is a look at our format starting on 9/23:

7:30 - 9PM: circles/lines (including teaching)  The first part will be beginners focused.  At some point later in that session, maybe around 8:30 we'll teach a circle dance or two intended for the general repertoire.

9-11PM:  mixed partners/circles sets.  We'll teach one or two partner dances, some time after 9, followinig some number of circle dances

11-11:30PM: ending partners

We plan to continue to broadcast on zoom as long as pople want to join and support us.  If things work out, we will have guest leaders do some short sets sprinkled in.  We are also able to have remote people show up on the big screen in our room!  We hope to maintain the wonderful connections we have made over the past year to the extent we can.  This is a work in progress.  We'll see where it goes.  For now expect mostly a broadcast with some interactivity too if we can. 

OUR INDOOR SESSIONS ARE OPEN ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE FULLY VAXED.  BEFORE YOU COME, PLEASE SEND A PHOTO OF YOUR VACCINATION CARD TO PHIL AT: philip_b_moss@hotmail.com or via my whatsapp at +1 312 519 8669.  Many of you have already sent me your cards.  Thanks so much.  The rest of you, keep them coming. 

AS OF THIS WRITING (and this could change at any moment), WE ARE REQUIRED TO MASK EVERYWHERE IN THE SYNAGOGUE!!!   IT IS REQUIRED OUTSIDE THE DANCE ROOM TOO!!! We are permitted to have food, but only pre-packaged.

COST: $15 on non-party nights  (our costs have gone up significantly)  Add a few more bucks on party nights please.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE - Enter the building from the parking lot on the west side of the building.  Ring the bell and wait to be buzzed in to the inner door.  At that point please identify yourself as a dancer and you will be admitted to the building.  Please go straight ahead and then down the stairs to the Weiner Room, our dance space (and adjacent to the washrooms we use.)  PLEASE DO NOT AT ANY TIME GO TO ANY OTHER PART OF THE BUILDING. 

IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 10:30 WE MAY NOT NOTICE YOU AND BE ABLE LET YOU IN.  IF THAT HAPPENS, TRY TEXTING OR WHATSAPPING PHIL AT 312.519.8669, AND PLEASE BE PATIENT

Stay tuned for further information.  Can't wait be together with everyone in our dance home!

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Machol Merkaz registration is now open!!! MACHOLMERKAZ.COM for the info.  October 7-10, 2021.  Fantastic staff, fantastic setting.  People coming from all over.  If you want to be in a deluxe room as someone's roommate, register ASAP.  There are very few left so please don't delay.  (see above for comments about semi-privates/privates in Nerenberg)

Changes To The Machol Merkaz Guest Team From Israel
One door closes, another door opens...

Cutting to the chase, Elad won't be able to get his visa in time.  So he is not available for MMZ 2021.  But thanks to help from Dror and Eran, I just spoke with Tamir Shalev and he has agreed to join us!

Elad applied for a visa a while ago, but he has been informed that it will take at least 5-6 weeks before he will have it, so by his suggestion, we have moved on from him for this year.  😪  Let's hope for next year!  😊

For those who are not aware of Tamir he has become a very successful choreographer and session leader.  He is also a genuinely nice guy who will be a great fit for our camp.  Some of his dances include kama yamim, simanei hazman, naga'at li balev, masa, nipagesh bachalomot...

 
We are thrilled that Tamir has agreed on such short notice to join us and to have him as part of this wonderful team with Dror and Eran!  Elad, you will be sorely missed but we know we will see you in the future.

MACHOL MERKAZ 2021 COVID UPDATE (PUBLISHED ON 9/14/21)

Latest Info Regarding Our Covid Protocols (including a REQUIRED PCR test in order to be admitted to camp)
THIS IS OUR LATEST PROTOCOL INFORMATION (though still potentially subject to change).  The key piece of news is that the PCR test (with negative results) will be required in order to gain admission to Machol Merkaz 2021.  Please read all this carefully.  There is a lot here:

Hi Everyone,
We hope you are doing well, keeping safe, and are as excited as we are about Machol Merkaz!  The team, both here and in Israel, is working hard to prepare yet another wonderful weekend.  
But we are also mindful of the latest developments regarding Covid.  As you would expect, we are getting questions.  So let’s jump in to this topic.
First off, safety is paramount and constantly on our minds.  OSRUI managed to navigate the entire summer without a single Covid case among 1000 campers and staff.  We feel good about what they have been able to do and will continue to do in terms of the precautions they take.  (following FAQs you will find their Covid protocols).

FAQS:
1.    Is Machol Merkaz Still Happening? – At this time, we are moving forward full speed with the assumption/belief that camp will happen as planned.  Of course, this is subject to change based on the situation when we get closer to October 7 but for now we are good.

2.    What Individual Precautions Are Required? – As you know, admission to Machol Merkaz is open only to those who are fully vaccinated for at least two weeks prior to applying for camp.  There are no exceptions.  Speaking only for myself, I am strongly in favor of getting the booster.  On an anecdotal basis at least, this is surprisingly easy to do.  Pharmacists seem to be anxious to get these shots into arms, irrespective of the “rules” and guidance which seem to vary by the minute anyway.

3.    Will Testing Be Required? – THE ANSWER IS YES.  WE ARE REQUIRING EVERYONE TO GET THE PCR TEST WITHIN 72 hours of coming to camp AND SUBMITTING YOUR NEGATIVE RESULTS TO PHIL VIA EMAIL OR WHATSAPP in order to attend camp.  Please take the test on Monday for Thursday arrival, Tuesday for Friday arrival.  As a fallback, if you don't have your results in time, please bring documentation of your PCR test and a rapid test kit with you to camp to take when you arrive.  And as you know, this whole topic is under constant review for us.  You may hear more about this as we get closer to camp.  (It goes without saying that those with a positive COVID test or with any symptoms from the usual list, or recent exposure to infected people must cancel before even coming to camp.)

4.    Will Masks Be Required? – Again, we don’t know yet.  But probably not.  In Wisconsin, at a minimum, we will conform to whatever the then prevailing rules are for the state and for OSRUI.  (OSRUI’s Covid protocols are included below.  They recommend, BUT DO NOT REQUIRE, the full time use of masks in common areas.)  For our pre-camp Dance party in Chicago at the Bernard Weinger Northbrook JCC on the night of October 6, expect that masks will be required  (if that is the then current county policy in our geography).  

5.    What Will You Do If The Israeli Guests Cannot Attend? – As you most likely know, Israelis have been traveling and we have every expectation that our guests will be able to join us; we know they are looking forward to Machol Merkaz as much as we are!  But if they cannot attend, AND it is still safe to conduct the camp, we would expect to proceed with Machol Merkaz.  Of course, we would find creative ways to deal with their absence including maybe arranging for some kind of remote participation.  Who knows?  There is a tremendous amount of talent among our leadership team and campers.  We could still have a great time without them, although admittedly quite different.  Presumably, we would also make some kind of tuition rate reduction available if this happens.

6.    What Are My Individual Legal Obligations? – Expect that you will be asked to sign a document that attests to your being Covid-free to the best of your knowledge.  And assume that it will also include a “hold harmless” clause that will release OSRUI and Machol Merkaz from any liability associated with the situation.

7.    What Is The Cancellation Policy? – The same as it has always been.  You can cancel at any time and get a full refund (less processing fees) for payments you have made.  Having said that, if the camp does happen, and you have to cancel for personal reasons very close to camp time, we may ask you to cover expenses that OSRUI may have to charge us on your behalf (such as the procurement of food), but we’ll figure that out at the time.

If you have further questions or comments, please get in touch with Phil at philip_b_moss@hotmail.com or on WhatsApp at +1 312 519 8669

Hoping and expecting to see you all very soon.

Stay Safe!

Phil Moss
On Behalf of the Machol Merkaz Team

OSRUI COVID PROTOCOLS
ADDENDUM TO SITE RENTAL AGREEMENT
COVID-19 POLICY

The sanctity of human life, pikuach nefesh, is central to our tradition.  The URJ is committed to protecting the health and safety of our Camp community and the greater community, including for our and visitors.

URJ Commitments:
1. All URJ Staff members onsite will be vaccinated or, if not vaccinated, will be masked at all times indoors, and at all times outdoors when engaging with staff and visitors.
2. All URJ Staff onsite will have weekly Rapid Antigen Testing, and will exercise proper personal hygiene and hand washing.
3. The URJ Camp will provide clean, sanitized facilities and will ensure safe storage and use of cleaning and disinfectant products that meet or exceed all criteria of CDC guidance.

Visitor Obligations:
1. Any person with a fever may NOT enter or remain on the property.
2. Any person with symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) may NOT enter or remain on the property.
3. Any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days may NOT enter or remain on the property.
4. Masks must be worn at all times in any marked spaces requiring them, including but not limited to the kitchen.
5. Per the site rental agreement, visitors must provide their own medical staff advisor onsite for the duration of their stay.

URJ Requests/Strongly Recommends: [NOT REQUIRED AT THIS TIME]
1. All groups are requested to perform an arrival health screening on all attendees.  Health screenings include:
    o A 72-hour (prior to arrival) PCR test with negative results
    o Temperature check upon arrival
    o Rapid antigen check upon arrival
2. All participants to be masked while indoors except while sleeping and eating.  [NOT REQUIRED AT THIS TIME]
3. All participants to be vaccinated within availability and age restrictions.

URJ reserves the right to cancel any engagement or to change any terms of this addendum based upon the evolving COVID landscape and subject to changes based upon changing federal, state, local guidance.

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I am so looking forward to seeing almost this entire group (+ many others) of CID Virtual leaders at Machol Merkaz:

Oh, and now your can order your Machol Merkaz 2021 Tshirts!

This iconic locator mark takes on new meaning for us this year as we gather to dance together on October 7-10, 2021, at Machol Merkaz. We have waited two long years to dance together again. The Machol Merkaz 2021 dance camp t-shirt —“WE ARE HERE—DANCE! BETTER TOGETHER” celebrates that at long last, we will be dancing face-to-face as one community.

In spite of the pandemic, or perhaps because of it, truly miraculous connections we made. We “danced virtually anywhere” during the pandemic thanks to the love of our community and the idea, hard work, and dedication of Phil Moss and other dance leaders around the world who alleviated the forced isolation which affected all of us.  The silver lining that emerged from this experience is that we are now interconnected as a global Israeli dance community in a way we could not have imagined.  We now know people from all over the world who we probably would never have met but who share our love—our passion— for Israeli dance.  That is truly a blessing.

But although dancing virtually kept us connected, helped relieve our isolation, and kept us moving, Israeli dance is meant to be done together.  So now, we take nothing for granted but we move forward with optimism. Because that is what we do—that is what we have always done. Your purchase of a Machol Merkaz 2021 t-shirt will help us celebrate being together while simultaneously supporting Machol Merkaz 2021 scholarships.  We are BETTER TOGETHER!

ORDER HERE
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Chicago Israeli Dancing WhatsApp Group
I have started to use our WhatsApp Group, Chicago Israeli Dancing, more frequently - especially for time-critical communications.  As an example, if we are able to dance outside, I will post the info there and will provide updates as needed.  Chicago folks especially, I strongly encourage you to join the group.  Of course, if you are not on WhatsApp yet, this is a prerequisite for joining the group.  Once you are on WhatsApp, here is your invitation to join the group WhatsApp Invitation
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LAST WEEK 9/9 (AND  ZOOM RECORDINGS)

The fun continued last week both live and on Zoom.  It is so great to be able to dance in person together again. 

Again thanks again to those from all over who joined us on Zoom.  Many people logged in yet again.  It was so great to see you, display you on the big screen in the room, and interact with you. I truly hope that those of you who cannot dance with us physically in Chicago will continue to be with us in the zoom.  Wishing you all health, safety and happy dancing!

We are taking a little break from remote leadership, but it will return!

Also, to keep the zoom going, WE NEED SOME FINANCIAL SUPPORT.  Thanks to those who have done just that.  Here is how to help: 

PayPal Direct Paypal Link or Chase Quickpay (Zelle) (philip_b_moss@hotmail.com) or Venmo (PhilipBMoss - phone last 4: 8669)

Enjoy these recordings from last week. 😀😀😀 

Speaker View
Gallery View

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Report on Episode 6 of La Mona Myr's Riku meshuGAME on Saturday July 24. with new Challengers Jake Altholtz and Marcelo Marianoff, taking on La Mona and Patty Colensky!!!

Congratulations to La Mona, Patty, Jake and Marcelo who all were fantastic in Epsiode 6.  We look forward to the return of all three of La Mona's guests for the Challenge of the Champions.  Here are the recordings:

Episode 6 Speaker View   Episode 6 Gallery View 

Report on May 22nd Episode 5 of La Mona Myr's Riku meshuGAME With Challengers Ilai Szpiezak and Naomi Finkelstein from London vs. La Mona and Alberto Zirlinger!!!

(LOOK FOR EPISODE 6 WITH GUESTS MARCELO MARIANOFF, JAKE ALTHOLZ and PATTY COLENSKY ON JULY 24.  GONNA BE SERIOUSLY CRAZY 😂😂😂)

Congratulations to La Mona, Alberto, Ilai and Naomi who all were fantastic in Epsiode 5.  We look forward to the return of all three of La Mona's guests for the Challenge of the Champions.  Here are the recordings:
Episode 5 Speaker View   Episode 5 Gallery View 

Report on Episode 4 and Report on Episode 3 of La Mona Myr's Riku meshuGAME

Congratulations to Tamir and La Mona who both did a great job on Episode 4.  See more below including recordings.

The official results are in.  Tamir dominated and has qualified to return for the Challenge of the Champions (whenever that happens).  Check out these recordings for yourself to enjoy the fun:  Episode 4 Speaker View   Episode 4 Gallery View
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Coming Attractions -    Machol Merkaz, Dance Fitness With Penny, Chile Rokedet (CANCELLED)

Registration now open at MACHOLMERKAZ.COM With Tamir Shalev Stepping in for Elad Shtamer !!!!

Dearest dancers

First, I hope I find everyone healthy, that everything is well, both personally and professionally, and that you are surrounded by your loved ones.

We prayed and hoped that this year we would be able to hold our camp as planned, or even in a special format, adapted to the reality we live in today.

We have waited as much as possible, very optimistic,  and have reached the moment when a decision must be made, and unfortunately, we are again forced to postpone the event to next year.

The current situation of Covid-19 in Chile has been improving day by day, but apparently, there is still a way to go. Currently, Chile's borders are still closed to foreigners from around the world. Only Chileans and permanent residents can leave and enter Chile, provided they are vaccinated, of course.

We are getting closer by leaps and bounds before the date of the camp, only 2 months before, and since there is still no deadline for the opening of the borders for foreigners (and without the need for isolation of 14 days), and given the fact that 90% of the participants are foreigners, we have no choice but to postpone the camp again.

For those of you who have registered and paid a deposit, we will contact everyone personally in the coming days.

Let's never lose hope because better days will come!

Big hug 

Chen Blum

In this section:

• Other Stuff/Announcements/Shout Outs
• What You Need To Know About This Week's LIVE/Virtual Session (Including NEW SECURITY MEASURES/Homework!!!)
• How I Do My Communicating With You All
• Find Out How To Order The 24 Hour Worldwide Israeli Dance Marathon Commemorative T-Shirt!
• How To Order Our Way Cool T-shirt: Chicago Israeli Dancing - We Dance Virtually Anywhere
  
• Important Information About Our New Home, Beth Emet Congregation
• Our WhatsApp Group
• Our Facebook Group

This week's shout outs:

• I cannot ever say it enough.  Huge thanks to all the leaders (and participants) who made and make Chicago Israeli Dancing - Virtual so wonderful and special each week! Kol Hakavod!!!  Thanks so much for all that you have done for the Israeli Dance Community!
• We had such a good time last week in person and on zoom.  Looking forward to more of both this week!
• Mazal Tov and Kol Hakavod to Marcelo Marianoff, Bev Michaels and the Machol Mile Chai team for what sounds like it was a wonderful dance weekend!
  
• Mazal Tov to Mindy Ferber and Larry Marks on becoming the grandparents of a baby boy!
• Mazal Tov to David Karger on becoming a grandfather!
  
• Our deepest condolences to Oren and Lena Ashkenazi on the passing of their daughter Oryana z"l.  May her memory be for a blessing.  zichrona livracha  PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL DANCE THAT OREN CREATED IN ORIYAN'S MEMORY.  Shiryat Oryana
  
• Mazal Tov to all the students in the course for Markidim/Markidot from all over the world. Your culminating program was truly wonderful.  Kol Hakavod!  Enjoy these Facebook recordings of the Zoom event.  Video 1 Video 2
  
• Refua Shleima to Sima! It was great to have you and family members with us.  We hope to see you again this week.
• Thanks much to Ilai, Orly, MajolMX and Andre for the honoring of the Global Marathon.
  
• Thanks to Hillary for the cool "We're All In This Together" graphic!
• Congrats to Rachael and Ben Moss on the birth of their son, Jay Henry Moss, who received his Hebrew name, Simcha Chayim Ben Benyamin Mordechai Ve'Rachel. Grandma Sue and Grampa Phil, along with all the relatives and friends are overjoyed! And even more so now that we have gotten the chance to spend quality time with the little fellow!  What cutie this guys is.  We were together with the family again in DC.  And now he is about ready to celebrate birthday number 1!!!  (he was a little younger in this picture)
  

 What you Need to Know About The Virtual Session (9/23/21)

LOGGING IN
NEW SECURITY MEASURES: Please update to the latest version of Zoom.

Effective immediately, we are using a new zoom link, or meeting ID and pswd.  But before you try to enter, please make sure that when you log in, you enter your name and location.  You will be placed in the waiting room, but you will only be admitted if we can verify your identity.

With major thanks to Aaron Alpert, if you need help in figuring out how to enter the right information (which you must do before you actually try to join the Zoom), please go to the following link, which he prepared for Zoom Cali.  But the same principles apply for us.  Zoom Help Doc

If you find yourself stuck in the waiting room, you can reach out to Phil via WhatsApp. (info below in the Our WhatsApp Group section)

 zoom link Or if you log in from the app, Meeting ID: 867 8010 0439  PSWD = 376030

THE PLAN: CID LIVE/VIRTUAL  As you know, Thursday night CID Live and in person is back at Congregation Beth Emet. We started on started ON JUNE 24TH!!!  And we zoomed too (more below about that).  Join us on September 23 for our next session in person or online.  All kinds of fun stuff planned for this week.  Don't miss it!  😊😊😊

(Go to the Dances Taught Tab to see videos from last week.  See below for some of the dances we plan to teach this week.)

Glad to have Penny lead the first part of the evening. Yay Penny!  BTW, Penny plans to teach Tamir Shalev's Masa.  So check it our here if you want.  Masa Video

And I plan to teach another of Tamir's circle dances, Derech Kol Ha'ahavot.  We used to do this one a lot.  Glad we are bring ing it back.  Derech Kol Ha'ahavot Video

And for partners, I will review  this one by Yaron Ben-Simchon Belev Kaved. And perhaps we'll do a quick run through of Tamir's partner dance, Simanei Hazman

Challenge Dance- How about this one by Tamir Shalev? Nipagesh Bachalomot

Here is a look at our format.

7:30-9PM: circles/lines (including teaching)  The first part will be beginners focused.  At some point later in that session, maybe around 8:30 we'll teach a circle dance or two intended for the general repertoire.

9-11PM:  mixed partners/circles sets.  We'll teach one or two partner dances, some time after 9, followinig some number of circle dances

11-11:30PM: ending partners

A few zoom reminders:

•        mute yourself when you are not talking. 

·       open the chat window as soon as you get in the room so you can reach out publicly and/or privately.  And enable yourself for closed captioning.  We post the dances being played both in CC and the chat...

·       please please please open your video if at all possible.  So much of this whole endeavor is about community and being togethe Even if you don't dance, it is way better when we can all see each other.

LOGIN PROBLEMS

If you can't log in, go to the end of this post to see my approach to communicating with everyone.

HELPING FINANCIALLY

If you feel like helping to support this endeavor financially, you can use PayPal Direct Paypal Link or Chase Quickpay (Zelle) (philip_b_moss@hotmail.com) or Venmo (PhilipBMoss - phone last 4: 8669)

ORDERING OUR WAY COOL CID-VIRTUAL T-SHIRTS PICTURED BELOW

Order T-shirts Here

On behalf of our entire team, thanks so much for participating and being part of our virtual community at this time.

Be Safe,

Phil Moss

HOW I DO MY COMMUNICATIONS WITH YOU ALL

When there is plenty of time, I send you newsletters through this mynewsletterbuilder.com.  And I update this website, Chicagoisraelidancing.com

My fastest and easiest (and INTERACTIVE) way to communicate is via our Facebook group, Chicago Israeli Folk Dancing 

And also, for brief text messages, I use our WhatsApp group. (If you want to be added, please send me a message on WhatsApp to +13125198669.)

Someone will be available to buzz you in until 10:30PM.  If you come after that, you can try the doorbell, and if that doesn't work,you can try texting me but there is no guarantee that I'll see the text.  Try reaching me at 312.519.8669 because my other number may not work in the Weiner Room. Or try reaching me via email, philip_b_moss@hotmail.com.  I do receive that in the room, but I can only check it occasionally.

Regarding the floor, please make sure to wear non-scuff shoes like you would on a wood gymnasium floor (this one is vinyl).  We need to take good care of this floor and building!

YOU MUST BE MASKED WHEN YOU ARE ANYWHERE IN BETH EMET.  PLEASE DO NOT ENTER OTHER PARTS OF THE BUILDING EXCEPT FOR THE DANCE ROOM AREA. ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING ON THE BETH EMET CAMPUS!!!  AND PLEASE REMOVE WET SHOES BEFORE WALKING THROUGH THE DANCE ROOM.

Our Whatsapp Group
I have concluded that it would be a good thing for me to have a way to reach everyone quickly from time to time.  So I have created a group called Chicago Israeli Dancing.  I plan to use this group very sparingly.  It is meant for instant communication, without requiring people to be looking at FaceBook.  I have added people who are already WhatsApp contacts of mine, but I am missing many of you.   So if you would like to be included, please find me on WhatsApp at +1 312.519.8669.  Then message me and ask to be added.  Also, I will use this group only for messages that I intend for everyone to see.  I ask that you all do the same.  Thx

By the way, I am going to start to use our WhatsApp Group, Chicago Israeli Dancing, more frequently - especially for time-critical communications.  As an example, if we are able to dance outside, I will post the info there and will provide updates as needed.  Chicago folks especially, I strongly encourage you to join the group.  Of course, if you are not on WhatsApp yet, this is a prerequisite for joining the group.  Once you are on WhatsApp, here is your invitation to join the group WhatsApp Invitation

Our Facebook Group
I wanted to remind you all to make sure to join our Facebook Group, Chicago Israeli Dancing. Except for the WhatsApp group, this is the easiest way for me to quickly reach you and it is also the way that you can interact online with the rest of the group.

Chicago Israeli Dancing on Facebook