"Walking The Walk: Why I Joined Mosaic" by Victoria Sonshine Pasher
As I was exploring some alternatives to meeting new Jewish friends (and perhaps a new special someone) through the Internet and bars, I considered finding a group of optimistic, energetic people that shared some of the same activities that I think are fun to do. For me, some of that is walking and talking, sightseeing and exploring, light hiking, smiling and laughing, a little culture, a little craziness…did I already mention walking and talking?
I remembered how I enjoyed those things growing up and participating in organizations such as New Jersey "Y" Camps and 4-H clubs. A few clicks through some Jewish singles Web sites eventually linked me to…Mosaic! After looking through Mosaic's wonderful Web site, especially after reading the calendar of varied activities, the log of past events, and checking out the photos of the happy people and the beautiful scenery, I was very interested. I decided I could start with a scheduled walk through Lower Manhattan, and if that went well, I could set my sights on future walks and hikes elsewhere in the N.Y. metro area. I have to admit, I'm not a "joiner" type, and I'm not a mountaineer, either. But I really wanted to get off the couch, out of the house, and just try a new experience outdoors! I e-mailed Larry Stack, leader for the event, who replied promptly to my question about the weather and what to wear (the rain would hold off, wear sneakers, he said). I called to confirm that morning, and not only was he accessible, he was grateful (and so was I) that I remembered that the clocks were changed for Daylight Savings!
Flash forward to a simple bus ride on a Sunday from my suburb in Bergen County, N.J., and then the subway downtown, and behold, I found my way to the meeting place at the golden sphere at the World Trade Center, luckily dressed appropriately for the weather as the temperature dropped slightly. It was only awkward until I was so bold to say "Mosaic?" to a man carrying a daypack approaching me. Apparently, the secret password was correct, and David and I introduced ourselves.
As more than a dozen people arrived, the ice quickly broke as we introduced ourselves on a first name basis, and joked about…hey, where's Larry, the leader? I thought, everyone is so congenial here! And hey, there's another Victoria here!
The walk was fantastic. You could talk in groups, one on one, or just gather your own thoughts. We were shown around lower Manhattan and Battery Park, where the local New Yorkers jog and rollerblade and walk their pets along the water. We saw beautiful whimsical sculptures, ferries in the water, and a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Larry gave us a little bit of historical perspective behind some of the landmarks. Even the locals in our group said they were shown interesting places they never knew existed here. Everyone commented how they were enjoying themselves.
It turned out to be too raw and cold to cross the Brooklyn Bridge, but someone else suggested attending a nearby art gallery in NOHO. Demonstrating this group was flexible to new ideas, including getting in out of the cold, we were all glad in agreement. There was Holocaust art to view and an informal meet-the-artist session, music, Jewish bonding and…yes, some delicious jelly-filled cookies. Although we may have looked like a motley crew in our walking/day hiking outfits and going for the refreshments, no one really seemed to mind.
Still hungry from our walk, we went to dinner at a Malaysian restaurant. There were two combined tables, and at my end we had an insightful conversation about differences among men and women regarding dating and relationships. Fishball and seaweed soup, anyone? I was hooked, and so I joined Mosaic right then and there.
Desiring dessert, we made our way to Little Italy, where chats at two separate tables continued. Then, it was time to go home, and I was grateful to be safely escorted back with Larry, Lanny Wexler (president) and Margie returning uptown on the subway.
I was even more grateful to meet a nice group of warm, down-to-earth, funny and friendly people--the beginnings for forming new friendships, and anticipated future events. By the time you read this, I will have probably already participated in several other outings. Do yourself a favor, get yourself away from the e-mail and the phone. Let's go for a walk or a hike, and get some fresh air and a little exercise. Hope to see you at the next one!
Victoria Sonshine Pasher