Cultivating Community, Embracing Tradition: Zohar and Noya’s Journey from Hillel 818 to the Israeli Moishe Pod
For members of the Hillel 818 community and recent alumni, the story of Zohar and Noya Achiasaf hits close to home. After graduating CSUN in 2017 and 2018, the sisters recognized a significant gap in the San Fernando Valley: a lack of places for young adults to socialize and embrace Jewish culture. Zohar, who has roots in Hillel 818, pointed out a common challenge, saying, “Frequently, when people graduate and remain in the Valley, they continue attending Hillel and Chabad events, but struggle to transition beyond these organizations. You’re not fully in your career yet, but you also don’t fit in with your friends who are still in school.” It’s a challenge she herself encountered. Noya, too, shared this sentiment, emphasizing how challenging it can be to make new friends when you’re no longer seeing familiar faces daily at Hillel events or sharing Shabbat dinners.
“We noticed a scarcity of activities for young adults, especially within the Israeli community in the Valley,” she shared. “At the time, there was only one Moishe House in the Valley, which proved insufficient for our community’s needs.”
Driven by their shared passion for Israeli culture and bolstered by their experiences as Hillel 818 interns, they founded the Israeli Moishe Pod in Encino. Noya, an Israeli folk dance instructor, played a pivotal role in shaping the Pod. Their signature event, the monthly Happy Hour & Hora night, offers young adults and recent college alumni a unique platform to enjoy Israeli dance, socialize, and continue learning – all within a familiar and welcoming environment.
Zohar added, “We both have community building experience from Hillel 818 and [the Israeli-American culture group] Mishelanu. We like to bring in some sort of Israeli culture into most of our events and tap into all the things that we learned at Hillel.”
For the sisters, the beauty of their Moishe House events lie in their inclusivity. Early on they noticed how much their community appreciated the consistency of a monthly event they can eagerly anticipate. Some may not be naturally outgoing, but dancing provides a stress-free way to connect. And if you prefer conversation over dancing, there’s a corner for that too. Every social event at the Israeli Moishe Pod is a multifaceted experience where diverse personalities find their groove.
Noya pointed out, “I have noticed that people continuously come back and stick around. They’re our people. I get to say, ‘I hosted this event and all these people made these friends and they still hang out.’ And then they want to be community leaders or apply to a Moishe House; being the start of their journey as adults is a really rewarding experience.”
Their community building journey, born out of their Hillel 818 roots, holds immense significance for Zohar and Noya. It’s a chance to give others the sense of belonging they might not have found in college or after graduating and venturing into the “real world.” As Zohar shared, “For those who didn’t find their place in college, this shows them that it’s never too late to find your group of friends.” The Israeli Moishe Pod not only celebrates our shared heritage but also provides a fresh start for those who may feel stuck in their current social circles.
Zohar and Noya’s remarkable journey from Hillel 818 to the founding of the Israeli Moishe Pod in Encino epitomizes the enduring spirit of our community. Their commitment to creating spaces for connection, celebration of Israeli culture, and unwavering belief in the power of community-building serve as an inspiration for us all. Participants often write to the two sisters, thanking them for helping them find their community. Zohar and Noya’s story not only underscores the significance of these connections but also serves as a resounding reminder that, even in adulthood, we possess the capacity to sow the seeds of new beginnings and unearth our very own community.
