Women in Islam

This week we are discussing **Sylvia Plath:** The Bell Jar. We look forward to seeing you! If you have book suggestions, would like to vote on our next reads, or join us for additional activities, please ask someone at the meeting to add you to our WhatsApp group. **Also, if you're unable to attend, please update your RSVP so that someone from the waiting list can take your spot.**

Our Instagram: [The Panipuri Tribe ](https://www.instagram.com/thepanipuritribe?igsh=MXVtZ3pveDQxemdqbA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) Start your Saturday with warmth, comforting food, and the familiar feeling of the Panipuri Tribe ✨💛 We’re hosting a cozy brunch at ammAmma — a lovely South Indian & Sri Lankan speciality restaurant that truly feels like home on a plate. Expect a slow, relaxed afternoon where you can unwind, meet new people, share stories, and enjoy a soulful brunch together in a warm, welcoming space ☕️🍛✨ 📍 Venue: ammAmma 🗓 Date: Saturday, 10th January 🕥 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:15 PM 🌸💰 Contribution: €4 (Early Bird) - ends on 6th January | €6 (Regular) Pay via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/ssuhany — choose Friends & Family (please add your name in the note) to avoid extra charges ⚡ Note: This event is only for women & tickets are non-refundable. 💳 Each guest pays for their own meal. Can’t wait to brunch, chat, and vibe with you all 🧚‍♀️💛 See you soon!

Join us for a power line up of some of Berlin’s best English-speaking comedians at Ma’s Comedy Club. One of Berlin’s most legendary comedy spots, Ma’s Comedy Club is back for a few shows only, ready to deliver side-splitting performances and unforgettable moments. The spirit remains unchanged, promising an evening of rib-tickling jokes, stand-up brilliance, and unforgettable memories. Join us at our new location for an evening of comedy that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Grab your [tickets now](maspopupsat.eventbrite.com) and secure your spot for a night of uproarious entertainment and free beer at Ma’s Comedy Club! Indulge in the Laughs with your preferred Drinks – This show is BYOB The business model of our show is that it is crowd funded, so you watch the show first and afterward pay what you can. We like to recommend 15€ per person and 7€ for students. PLEASE NOTE, THE LOCATION OF MA’S POP-UP COMEDY CLUB IS BRÜSSELER Str. 37, 13353 Berlin Doors open at 8:00 pm Show starts at 8:30 pm Location: Brüsseler Straße 37, 13353 Berlin

Für Mitglieder von Text Collective Berlin ist die Teilnahme an dieser Veranstaltung kostenlos. Nicht-Mitglieder werden um eine Spende von zehn Euro gebeten. Weitere Informationen zur Mitgliedschaft auf: https://textcollective.de Es handelt sich um einen moderierten Workshop. Kreative Schreibübung mit anschließender Diskussion zum Erfahrungsaustausch, Inspiration und Motivation zu sammeln.

**Berlin’s Only Comedy Show That Fixes Your Problems (Kind Of)!** Stand-up comedy meets hilarious, unqualified life advice! Comedians tackle your anonymously submitted problems live on stage—roasting, dissecting, and turning them into comedy gold. **Where?** The hidden Mitte gem —**Art.City.People** in **Heckmann-Höfe!** **When?** Doors: **8:00 PM** \| Show: **8:30 PM** **Tickets?** FREE—**but seats are limited, so book now!** Come for the stand-up, stay for the therapy—just bring your problems (or a friend with worse ones). Every show is a fresh mix of **four experienced comedians and new audience problems**—so you never know what to expect! Hosted by **Lena Stolby** — she’s Russian, so she *really* knows about problems! **&** We are a free entry show, and **have been running solely thanks to the support of the audience**, so to help us keep making this world a drama free place we **suggest a donation from €10-15!** The room gets very busy, so, to make sure you get a seat please book a seat via Eventbrite here (it’s free): https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/comedy-therapy-events-1626059

What is Tantra? How does Tantra differ from other spiritual or self-development practices? What is the role of sexuality in Tantra? What are the core principles of Tantra? Can Tantra be practiced alone or is it mainly for couples? How does Tantra enhance personal and spiritual growth? This 4-hour workshop is designed specifically for beginners who are curious about Tantra and want to get a first taste of its profound teachings. With the aim to demystify, we’ll address common questions and misconceptions through both discourse and direct experience. After the introduction round and discourse, you’ll be invited to practice a series of guided exercises designed to deepen your comprehension of Tantra's core principles. These practices include active meditation, energy practices and both solo- and partnered exercises, allowing you to tap in to an embodied experience of the teachings. You will gain tools that can be applied in your daily life, enhancing both your personal and spiritual growth. **What to expect** * **Discourse and Q&A**: learn about Tantra through discourse and ask your questions * **Guided practice**: experience Tantra through guided embodiment and meditation practices, both solo and with partners * **Conscious connection:** explore yourself through the meeting with others. Learn new tools and skills to initiate deeper intimacy. * **Sharing**: integrate your experience through sharing with others. * **Cozy studio setting**: enjoy a comfortable and intimate environment. By the end of the session, you are likely to leave with a renewed sense of peace, a deeper connection to yourself and others, and a more profound understanding of Tantra. This workshop serves as a gentle yet powerful introduction, equipping you with the knowledge and experience needed to explore Tantra further. **What to bring:** * Wear comfortable clothing * Water bottle to stay hydrated **Tickets:** 55€ per person Please purchase your ticket via [sophieheldens.com](https://www.sophieheldens.com/tickets?utm_source=meetup&utm_campaign=introduction) **Location:** Praxis Köpi Köpenicker Straße 175 10997 Berlin Kreuzberg Walk to the second courtyard and take the stairs to the front door on the left **Please note:** Praxis Köpi is located on the 5th floor and there is no elevator available. Only book a ticket if you can walk the stairs. The benefit: a beautiful private studio with loads of natural light. **!! Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time !!** Once we start the session, I can’t let you in anymore because it disturbs the class. Please do yourself and the group a favour by coming on time. Thank you! **Workshop facilitator** Hi! My name is Sophie. My passion for Tantra is rooted in a deep spiritual yearning and an inner knowing that Tantra is my path. My desire to teach Tantra has been sparked by having witnessed my own growth and healing as a result of these practices and it is inspired by a vision to create a more beautiful world. I create a space that is loving and nurturing, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that you feel save and supported. My workshops are gentle yet transformative, spiritual yet grounded and always heart-centered. I'm passionate about bridging the wisdom of ancient Tantra with modern-day practices. For more information, feel free to visit my website: [www.sophieheldens.com](https://www.sophieheldens.com?utm_source=meetup&utm_campaign=introduction) *PS. despite seemingly low attendance on Meetup, these events always take place with sufficient participants unless communicated differently*

**RSVP Available on luma:** https://luma.com/r0y6il5j?utm_source=Meetup Silent reading Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 13:00 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages

أهلاً بالجميع! ندعوكم محبي وممارسي هواية الكتابة باللغة العربية للانضمام إلينا في لقائنا الأول هذا العام * سنبدأ بممارسة بعض تمارين الكتابة الإبداعية الممتعة * بعد ذلك سنفتح المجال لمن يريد مشاركتنا نصاً كتبه أو فكرة لمشروعه، لنناقشها ونتبادل الآراء بموضوعية، على أمل أن نقدم ما فيه الفائدة بغض النظر عن مستواك الحالي، حتى وإن لم تكتب من قبل - لا تتردد في الانضمام إلينا! الهدف من هذه اللقاءات هو خلق مساحة للكتابة ومشاركة التجربة مع الآخرين، لتنمي هواية وعادة الكتابة. كل ما تحتاجه هو الرغبة وبعض الوقت. لا تترددوا في التواصل معي إن كان لديكم أي أسئلة أو اقتراحات نور

**A 3-part embodied dance journey for women** Part 1: 11.01.2026 Part 2: 08.03.2026 Part 3: 12.04.2026 **WORKSHOP 1 – HIPS (Hip Activation – Rooting into Feminine Power)** Donation based \| Only for women \| 11\.01\.2026 \| 14:30 – 17:00 \| MahaYoga Zentrum Building on the essence of **Devadasi – The Sacred Art of Temple Dance**, this series invites you into a deeper, guided exploration of your feminine body. Over three workshops, we journey through **hips, spine, and heart** – key gateways of feminine energy, sensuality, emotional flow, and presence. Each session stands on its own and together they form a coherent path of embodiment, soft activation, and inner awakening. This series is for women who long to: * feel more alive and at home in their bodies * reconnect with sensuality and softness * move beyond the mind and into felt experience * explore feminine energy in a grounded, respectful way * time to meet and share in a circle of women This is a **safe, welcoming space** for all women – all ages, all body types. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely and feel beautiful. Come as you are, leave feeling **soft, alive, and deeply connected** to your feminine essence. **About Workshop 1** The hips are a powerful center of feminine energy, creativity, and emotional memory. In this first workshop of the Feminine Body Awakening Series, we begin with soft, slow movements to gently awaken the hips and pelvis, allowing the body to feel safe, grounded, and receptive. From this place of softness, we gradually add spice and strength: through powerful hip drops, shimmies, and rhythmic accents, we activate the inner fire and explore a more dynamic expression of feminine power. This session supports you in: * releasing stored tension and stagnation in the hips * reconnecting with pleasure, stability, and embodied confidence * feeling both soft and strong, rooted and alive The combination of fluid movements and more earthy, activating sequences invites you to experience the full spectrum of feminine energy – from subtle sensation to vibrant power. This is not about technique or performance. It is about awakening sensation, building presence, and letting the hips speak their own language. The workshop concludes with a **Full Yogic Relaxation**, allowing the nervous system to settle and the experience to integrate deeply. **Address** Deutsche Akademie für traditionelles Yoga e. V. MahaYoga Zentrum Brunnenstr. 147 10115 Berlin (Directly at underground station U Bernauer Str. U8 [elevator exit])

🪷 About this gathering — Soft Beginnings The start of a new year doesn’t always need resolutions. Sometimes, it just needs softness. This is an afternoon for South Asian women in Berlin to gently enter the new year with chai, familiar food, and a small circle of women who understand what it means to carry home within you. We’ll meet in a cozy Berlin apartment for a slow, heart-warming gathering inspired by *deshi* comfort. No goals to set, no pressure to perform — just space to arrive as you are. You don’t have to be Bengali to join. Curiosity, kindness, and openness are enough. 📅 When & where **Date** — 11 January, Sunday **Time** — 16:00–19:00 (an unhurried winter evening) **Place** — A cozy apartment near Springpfuhl S-Bahn 📍 Exact address shared after RSVP 🍵 What’s on the menu * Dudh Cha (milk tea), spiced with cardamom * Jhal Muri, a classic puffed rice street snack * Peyaju, lentil and onion fritters * A home-inspired dessert (kept as a surprise) All homemade, inspired by Bangladeshi kitchens. 💬 What to expect * Slow, meaningful conversation * Homemade snacks and chai * A gentle space for women navigating life between Berlin and home 💛 Contribution €7.50 (to cover food and ingredient costs) Pay via PayPal: paypal.me/FarzanaBintayHai385 Please choose Friends & Family and add your name in the note. **If the new year feels like it needs warmth more than urgency, you’re welcome here ☺️**

Looking for a way to move and connect with like-minded girls? This weekly session combines a gentle, yet dynamic Vinyasa flow with the chance to chat and unwind over coffee afterwards. We'll start with 60 minutes of breath-led movement to wake up the body and calm the mind. After class, you're invited to join us for a cosy coffee (or tea, or matcha)\* at a nearby café in Kreuzberg. This class is for women and for those who identify as women only, held in English, and open to all levels. Bring your own mat or use one of ours. \*Drinks are not included. The Art.OM studio is located on the ground floor, just to the left in the hallway when you enter the building. Bring your own mat or use one of ours.

**Silent Reading Book Club** A new way to enjoy reading! Ditch the old book club, where everyone has to read the same book…this is better! It works like this: Bring your own book. Come chat, have some tea or coffee, get to know your neighbors. Then we quietly read together, side by side, for about one hour, each one reading their own book, and afterwards we talk with each other about what we are reading. You may read in any language, you may read any book. We are a group of international residents of Berlin from many different countries, of all ages, and we converse in English. We welcome you! no registration needed- the event is donation based

**Worum geht’s?** Entdecke die Kraft der Worte – in Gemeinschaft. In dieser offenen Gruppe lesen wir gemeinsam kurze literarische Texte – Gedichte, Mikrotexte oder Auszüge aus längeren Werken – und lassen uns von ihnen zum Schreiben einladen. Nach dem gemeinsamen Lesen nehmen wir uns Zeit zum Nachdenken und Austausch. Anschließend schreiben wir 20–30 Minuten Seite an Seite – inspiriert von einzelnen Worten, Sätzen oder dem, was uns gerade bewegt. Im Mittelpunkt stehen nicht handwerkliche Aspekte, sondern das persönliche Erleben, das Gefühl von Verbundenheit und die Funken, die Worte in uns entzünden können – besonders für Menschen, die belastende Erfahrungen gemacht haben, und alle, die auf der Suche nach neuen Perspektiven sind. Wer möchte, kann am Ende den Text teilen, der während der Sitzung entstanden ist – genauso willkommen ist es, einfach nur zuzuhören. Das Teilen ist immer freiwillig. **Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos – und ohne Anmeldung möglich.** **Über die Gruppenleiterin** **[Ingrid E. Johnson](https://ingridejohnson.com/de)** ist Deutsch-Amerikanerin, Gründerin von RECASAS und Peer-Support-Spezialistin. Lesen und Schreiben haben ihr selbst durch schwierige Zeiten geholfen. Schreiben in Gemeinschaft bedeutet für sie eine andere Quelle von Kraft und Inspiration – und genau dieses Erlebnis möchte sie ermöglichen. Mehr Informationen hier: https://recasas.org/2025/10/01/lesen-schreiben-teilen/ In Zusammenarbeit mit RECASAS, im Rahmen der Sonntagsöffnung der Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek (ZLB), veranstaltet von artecom.

**👋🏽 Tschüss Tretmühle & einsame Vorsätze. Hallo Klarheit & echte Verbindung.** **🎯 In diesem Workshop setzt Du Dir Ziele für 2026 - gemeinsam mit Menschen, die sich ähnliche Fragen stellen.** **🌞 Ein Tag für Träume, klare Richtung & gute Verbindungen.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💶 Teilnahmegebühr: 50 EUR vor Ort in bar oder PayPal.** Du kannst Dir auch ein **[Ticket auf Evenbrite sichern](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/deine-ziele-dein-leben-deine-ziele-fur-2026-tickets-1977712178364)**. Rechnung ist möglich. // Geld-Zurück-Garantie: Bei Nichtgefallen 100% Geld zurück. \-\-\-\-\-\-\- Gute Freunde & Freundinnen reden über ihre Ziele & Träume. Sie schauen zurück auf das vergangene Jahr und überlegen, wie das nächste werden soll. Genau das machen wir in diesem Workshop auch. **☕ In gemütlicher Atmosphäre widmen wir uns 4 Themen:** 🙏🏼 Wie war mein 2025. Was war großartig? Was war lappig? 🌴 Wie stelle ich mir mein Leben vor? 🌻 Wie soll mein 2026 werden? 🚂 Wie möchte ich die Ziele in 2026 umsetzen? Wir denken nach über das eigene Leben & das nächste Jahr - und sind gleichzeitig immer wieder im Austausch. **🌳 Gemeinsame Inspiration & Referenz** Deine Ziele für's nächste Jahr entstehen nicht im stillen Kämmerlein, sondern verbunden mit anderen. Dabei teilst Du, was Du teilen möchtest - was Du lieber für Dich behältst, bleibt Dein Geheimnis. Am Ende hast Du einen Plan für 2026. Du hast Dich mit anderen darüber ausgetauscht, Dich inspirieren lassen und vielleicht habt ihr ja sogar ähnliche Pläne? **Der Tag ist auch eine Referenz für:** Wie wäre es, wenn ich mit meinen Freunden gemeinsam einen solchen Tag gestalte? Die Unterlagen dafür hast Du ja im Anschluss und kannst gleich einen Termin mir Deinen Freunden vereinbaren. Ich freue mich auf jeden Fall auf gute Gesprächen & einen angenehmen Tag. **📝 Agenda:** * 8:45 Uhr: Ankommen, Tee & Schwatz * Kennenlernen & Rückblick 2025 * Lebensvision & Träume * 12:30 - 14:00 Uhr - Mittagspause * Deine Ziele für 2026 * Schärfung & Umsetzung * 18:00 Uhr - Ende . **🥗 Essen & Trinken** In der Mittagspause kannst Du Dich auf eigene Kosten in einem der zahlreichen, umliegenden Restaurants & Imbisse versorgen, sitzen & schwatzen. Bring Dir gern auch Snacks für den Tag und zwischendurch mit. Ich stelle **verschiedene Tees** **und Kaffee** zur Verfügung. . **🏡 Location** * Wir treffen uns bei mir am Wohnzimmertisch. * Für das Gefühl von chilliger Gemeinsamkeit ist gesorgt. . 🚫 **Was ist der Workshop nicht:** **Der Workshop ist kein Tschakka-Workshop.** Ich glaube, Du kannst (fast) alles erreichen, was Du willst. Doch ich glaube, die meisten Teilnehmenden werden eher solide Themen für 2026 haben. Dennoch bin ich offen für große Ziele - schließlich arbeite ich selbst an etwas Großem (Das Buch über Freundschaft). Für ein klein wenig Tschakka ist also auch Platz - nur eben keine Techno-Musik & blinkende Lichter. **👱🏽‍♂️ Über mich:** * Betreiber der Seite [www.abenteuer-freundschaft.de](www.abenteuer-freundschaft.de) * Ausgebildeter NLP-Trainer ([DVNLP](https://www.dvnlp.de/)) & Coach * Seit 15 Jahren setze ich mir selbst Ziele mit Freunden. * Jahrelang selbstständiger Unternehmensberater (u.a. über 5 Jahre Strategieberater für die Bundsbereitschaftsleitung des Deutschen Roten Kreuzes) * Eigene Vita: Von schüchternen Jungen zum fitten Mann * u.a. Weltreise: 1 Jahr allein eine Runde um den Globus. Das war fett! * Mehr über mich: [LinkedIn - Georg Preller](https://www.linkedin.com/in/georg-preller/) **😲 Ehemalige Teilnehmer/innen meiner Meeups:** "Was Georg kann: Tiefgang & Spaß zu gleichen Zeit. Ich bin immer wieder gern dabei!" . "Während des Workshops habe ich erkannt: In der Firma setzen wir uns jedes Jahr Ziele und reden mindestens ein Mal in der Woche darüber - nennt sich Meetings oder Jour Fixe bei uns. In meinem Privatleben lasse ich das schleifen und wundere mich, warum vieles nicht zu meiner Zufriedenheit läuft. Jetzt habe ich meine Ziele für 2024! Danke." . "Ziele alleine setzen ist ja nett, doch angenehmer finde ich den Austausch mit anderen. Ich mache mir das jetzt zur Gewohnheit. Interessant fand ich, welche Themen die anderen hatten. Wir sind doch alle gleich und doch verschiedenen." . "Georg bietet ein solides System, wie man sich seine Ziele setzt. Alles bedacht, und auswählen kann ich alleine. Man merkt, dass er eine gute Ausbildung hat. Gut finde ich, dass wir sowohl das gesamte Leben angesehen haben als auch das nächste Jahr." . "Sympatisch, übersichtlich, direkt. Dankeschön!" . **👋🏽 Get & stay in touch:** **✈ Telegram-Kanal: [t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft](http://t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft)** für Events, Workshops & Neuste Erkenntnisse aus der Freundschaftsforschung (nur Kurznews) **✉ Freundschafts-Newsletter:** [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) Alle 4 Wochen das Neuste aus der Freundschaftsforschung. Oft schreibe ich seltener, nämlich nur dann, wenn es wirklich etwas zu berichten gibt. **🔥 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften** Seit 2020 forsche ich, was großartige Freundschaften ausmacht. Das Ergebnis ist das 30seitige eBook: "Die 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften". Du erhältst das eBook zurzeit kostenlos bei der Anmeldung zum Newsletter: [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) **🎭 Meet-Up-Gruppe:** [https://www.meetup.com/g/abenteuer-freundschaft/](https://www.meetup.com/g/abenteuer-freundschaft/) Workshops, Spaziergänge, Wanderungen, Treffen, Eislaufen, Eisbaden, Männer-Abende, Freundinnen-Workshops, Workshops für Persönlichkeitsentwickklung & Kommunikation

**Our January novel is: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan** **This month's featured novel is a 20th-century biographical fiction, coming-of-age, historical romance, women’s fiction, world literature, student biography, heartfelt, magic, and feel-good novel. The book is 311 pages in print and 7 hours and 8 minutes on audiobook.** 1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it's just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a question: "Where did Narnia come from?" Despite her fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C. S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie, begging them for answers. Rather than directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her own conclusion as he shares the little-known stories from his own life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George, the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real life. After holding so tightly to logic and reason, her brother's request leads Megs to absorb a more profound truth: "The way stories change us can't be explained. It can only be felt. Like love."

❄️ **Spare Yourself a Boring Winter - Bowl With Us!** Avoid social hibernation this winter, join our **6-week social bowling league** starting in January! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or just have a fun night out with pals, this league is perfect for everyone! Chill times, cold drinks, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends. **;)** **🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 w/ code MUCOW26** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Pin Ups 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2b3vj49a Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 with discount code MUCOW26 ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **SIGN UP NOW** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑Use promo code MUCOW26 to save $20 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

As we step into a new year, many of us are carrying lessons, practices, and questions shaped by the year behind us. The Next Chapter: Looking Back, Leaning Forward is a warm, facilitated vision circle designed to help us pause together, reflect on what truly worked, and imagine what we want to carry forward into what comes next. This is not a talk or presentation. It’s a small, participatory gathering focused on shared reflection, sense-making, and connection. **Together, we’ll explore:** * What supported you over the past year — in your work, leadership, or life * What you’re ready to leave behind * What you want next January’s version of yourself to be saying To support reflection in different ways, we’ll also have optional art materials available for anyone who would like to create a simple artifact for their year — a visual or tactile reminder of what they’re carrying forward. We’ll provide basic art supplies such as colored pencils, markers, paint pens, and small canvases. If you enjoy working with collage or other media, you’re warmly invited to bring magazines, stickers, or your favorite creative materials to use or share. Participation in the creative portion is completely optional. You don’t need a plan, goals, or polished answers. Curiosity, honesty, and listening are more than enough. The intention is for everyone to leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and inspired — with a clearer sense of what matters to them and how we can support one another as a community. Space is intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate. ⸻ **What to Expect** * A small, welcoming circle (not a large meetup) * Structured conversation so everyone has space to speak * Reflection, listening, and lived experience — not advice-giving * Optional creative reflection using simple art materials * A calm, supportive environment ⸻ **Who This Is For** Women and underrepresented folks working in or around agile, product, technology, leadership, or organizational change — especially those looking for thoughtful conversation and community beyond frameworks and buzzwords. ⸻ **Good to Know** * No preparation required * Participation is invitational; listening is always welcome * Creative activities are optional — you can simply listen and reflect * You’re welcome to bring your own collage or craft materials if you’d like * Location details will be shared with registered attendees