Mission I Leadership I Contact Us I Benefactors I FAQS
After fielding hundreds of calls and emails, we realized many people are seeking the same information. So we put together this list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you out:
And if you still have questions, click here to Ask GesherCity any question you have!
GesherCity related questions:
1. Can GesherCity help people outside the 21-40 age range?
Though one of GesherCity's goals is to welcome young adults in their 20's and early 30's to Jewish Boston, the resources that we provide are designed to give access to all parts of the Jewish community. GesherCity connects its members to many programs and organizations for young adults of all ages, and to some community-wide opportunities as well. Many GesherCity participants in their late 30's and early 40's have had positive experiences with GesherCity as recipients of information & resources. We can also help to connect you to organizations that focus on older Jewish singles, couples, young families, and so forth. Consult the GesherCity Resource Guide to Jewish Boston for information on a variety of groups, or contact us!
2. Will I get a date by joining GesherCity?
Although a vast majority of our members are single, GesherCity is not a "Singles" program and we always strive to ensure that our programs are comfortable for everyone, regardless of their personal interests.
However, GesherCity does offer a wide variety of opportunities for all of its members to socialize with other Jewish young adults of both genders. A few members have met their significant others at programs or activities sponsored by GesherCity, but many more have formed long-lasting friendships with both men and women which span beyond GesherCity. If you are interested in learning about Jewish singles groups and dating services in the area, check our Resource guide or contact us for more information. JDate is the most popular online service for Jewish singles but not the only one.
3. Are There Leadership Opportunities For Me Within GesherCity Boston?
YES! There are lots of different ways to get involved in GesherCity Boston. If you are looking for a rewarding and fun way to meet new people, develop your leadership skills, and find your place in the young adult Jewish community, you can join the ranks of experienced leaders in GesherCity Boston. If you would like to learn more about or become a part of GesherCity Boston's Information & Outreach or Personal Networks Committee, please contact Ally at boston@geshercity.org or call (617) 457-8789.
4. Is GesherCity competing with the other Jewish groups?
In no way do we want to compete with any other Jewish organization. In fact, our goal is to connect people to the Jewish community and other organizations by providing them with access to information and resources. We try to educate our members about the vast array of different organizations in the community and help each member find exactly what he/she is looking for.
5. Why do the different groups program events for the same day?
The Greater Boston Jewish community is fortunate to have many organizations that offer people a large variety of ways to express their Judaism, whether through religious, cultural, or social events. Because there are so many organizations, two or more events are often scheduled for the same day; our mission is to connect people to as many resources as possible so therefore, we do not limit event postings to one a day.
Jewish in Boston questions:
6. How do I find a synagogue? Where do a lot of young people go?
A good place to start looking for the synagogue that's right for you is the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts (617) 244-6506 or info@synagoguecouncil.org. They can give you addresses, phone numbers, web site addresses, Rabbi's names, etc. for different Jewish denominations in your area. You can find similar information in the GesherCity Resource Guide to Jewish Boston. In general, there are a lot of synagogues in Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, and surrounding suburbs.
Once you find a synagogue that seems to meet your criteria (at least on paper), it's a good idea to try it out by attending services. You can also call and set up an appointment to meet with the Rabbi to discuss what you're looking for and see if your views on the ideal synagogue meet the Rabbi's/congregation's. That's what they're there for! It's difficult to name one synagogue in the area where a lot of young adults congregate.
Several of them have special programs, reduced membership dues and sometimes even special services for people in their 20's and 30's.
Call the GesherCity hotline at (617) 457-8789 for information on congregations that offer special membership rates and High Holiday ticket discounts to GesherCity members.
If you find a synagogue that you're interested in joining that does not offer a discount to young adults, try calling the Rabbi or the membership chair, explaining your financial situation as someone just starting out, and asking if they can reduce the dues to fit in your means. Most synagogues will grant such requests for those who cannot afford full dues.
In addition to local synagogues, there are several small minyanim (prayer groups) of young people that meet in the area. These are often intimate and spirit-filled services that meet in people's homes, local synagogues, etc. Many of these groups are listed in the Resource Guide. Looking for more guidance? Try posting a message on the GesherCity Bulletin board ( www.geshercity.org) and asking for advice.
7. Where can I find Kosher/Jewish food?
There are a good number of Kosher restaurants, markets, butchers and bakers in the greater Boston area. You can find most of them in GesherCity's Resource Guide to Jewish Boston. On line, you can find listings for Kosher restaurants and stores at www.boston.com and at www.shamash.org.
If you're looking for a concentration of Kosher/Jewish vendors, your best bet is the Coolidge Corner (Beacon and Harvard Street) area in Brookline. In this area there are many Kosher restaurants, a kosher butcher/super market, at least four Kosher bakeries, a couple of Jewish bookstores that also sell Judaica, several synagogues, etc. There are also a few non-Kosher, Jewish-style delis nearby. Just down Beacon Street in Washington Square, you will find another Kosher butcher/super market and a Kosher Dunkin' Donuts.
Many of the grocery stores in the area also carry Kosher foods. Most of the Star Markets and Stop & Shops have special Kosher sections. In addition, most of the major groceries in Allston-Brighton, Brookline and Cambridge carry Kosher poultry and sometimes meat products, both fresh and frozen. All of the Trader Joe's stores and the Whole Foods bakery counters in the area offer a list of all their products that are certified Kosher and the name of the Rabbi that heckshered (certified) them. The Super Stop & Shop in Allston has an all-Kosher bakery. Milk Street Café is the place to go for Kosher food downtown.
The only strictly Kosher restaurant in Boston proper, Milk Street has two locations-a dairy restaurant near Downtown Crossing and a small, glass enclosed place in Post Office Square park, in the heart of the financial district. The Post Office Square location serves both dairy and meat (from separate counters). In the summer, Milk Street runs Kosher hot dog stands (which also carry hot beef and chicken sandwiches) and pizza carts in the park. Milk Street has great soups and excellent baked goods. Like many of the kosher restaurants, they also do catering. Where are the best Kosher deli sandwiches? Our consensus is Ruben's Deli on Harvard St. in Brookline. They also have good hamburgers.
Where are the best Kosher bagels and spreads? The vote goes to Kupel's, also on Harvard St, in Brookline. Who has the best Challah? Try Cheryl Ann's in West Roxbury.
Two thumbs up also go to Andrew's (get it from Creative Pastries or the Butcherie) or Kupels on Harvard St., or Beacon Kosher in Washington Square.
8. How can I find a Kosher roommate?
There are many people keeping Kosher households all over Boston, but especially in Brookline. Other popular communities include the area of Harvard and Central Squares in Cambridge. Try these Boston resources to help you find the perfect living situation:
You can target the 21-35 age group by posting and reading our Housing Message boards: www.geshercity.org/web/boston/messageboards
Tremont St. 20s30s list - this Central Square community sends a weekly email. Send your needs/wants to their newsletter list: Tremont Street Shul List
Contact Harvard for their Orthodox minyan miscellaneous list - great place to post when looking for Jewish roommates, or to find a sublet
Washington Square Minyan wiki (Brookline based community)
Cambridge Minyan community postings - use the link at the bottom to send in a posting
Here are some other great links:
www.kosherroommates.com
www.jewishroommates.com
www.roomster.net/roommates/jewish-roommates.html
See below for more information and ideas about renting in Boston
General Boston questions:
9. Is it a hassle to have a car in Boston?
It can be a hassle to have a car in Boston, but since it is often unavoidable, here are some tips that might help you out:
-You cannot park in many areas without a resident sticker for your car. To get a parking sticker --which is free-- you need to go to your local city hall. You must have an MA license plate and drivers license/registration to do this.
You cannot park on the street overnight in some areas, including Brookline, where you can expect to pay more than $100 a month for a parking spot.
-Transferring a license and getting a MA license can be expensive -- up to $75 for 5 years. You also must pay a tax every year on your car, but that varies depending on how much your car is worth. You can get info on both of these activities at the RMV. To find the one closest to you, call them at 617-351-4500.
-Insurance is high, but variable. Be sure to shop around.
-Driving and parking are both VERY difficult in the city of Boston and many of its neighborhoods. Luckily, we have a good public transportation system (the MBTA or T). Use it!
Check out their website www.mbta.com .
10. How do I find a job?
The Boston Globe is a good place to start, but it can be overwhelming because of ads that are not organized. There are several career fairs advertised in there as well, which are excellent places to scope out jobs.
Other printed resources include the Boston Herald, the TAB (which is free depending on where you live or get it from) and the Boston Phoenix (also free). There are also several job publications that are available for free in those plastic/steel magazine racks on the city sidewalks.
Also, try the careers section at www.boston.com (the Boston Globe online). The Monsterboard ( www.monster.com) and USA Today career section ( http://www.usatoday.com/careers/careers.htm ) are good places to look as well. Even Ebay ( www.ebay.com) has jobs wanted.
Also check out Jewish Vocational Services at www.jvsjobs.org .
JVS posts free job listings from an area of different companies and fields, not just Jewish communal work. JVS also offers career counseling, a research library, etc. Some of their services cost money, but it is a worthwhile resource.
Looking around at the universities in the area is a good idea is well. You can look on their websites, contact their human resources departments, or even look for postings on campuses.
11. I'm new to Boston; where should I live?
Much of the answer depends on your priorities and your individual situation. Some things to consider are your finances, where you work or go to school, and whether or not you have a car.
If you are looking to live in a "Jewish neighborhood", then consider the Brookline and the Allston-Brighton areas.
The Coolidge Corner area of Brookline has lots of Kosher and Judaica merchants and several synagogues. Along with Allston and Brighton, it is also a very popular area for Jewish (and other) young adults in their 20's and 30's. It can be difficult and expensive to have a car in Brookline (there's no overnight street parking and many apartments don't include a parking spot), however, the entire city is very accessible by public transportation and most apartments will be within easy walking distance to stores and restaurants. It's an easy commute downtown and should take no more than 35 minutes depending on your exact location.
Brookline rents are on the expensive side. Median rent for a one bedroom is $1,000, 2BR=$1,400 and 3BR=$1,750.**
But, cheaper apartments do exist.
Allston and Brighton are actually part of the city of Boston. A lot of B.U. and B.C. students live in this area and parts of it are known as "the student ghetto".
Most of this area is MBTA accessible and overnight parking is allowed with a permit. Less upscale than Brookline, median rents in Allston-Brighton are: 1BR=$875, 2BR=$1,200, 3BR=$1,500.**
Cambridge and Somerville are also very popular places for young Jewish adults. Both are accessible to public transportation and most locations are walking distance to stores and restaurants. Street parking permits are available, but like many Boston neighborhoods it can be very difficult to find a spot. There are a few synagogues in Cambridge, as well as Hillels with active community participation. Kosher food can also be found at some of the area Hillels. There is a lot to do, see and eat in Cambridge and it is an easy commute to downtown Boston on the T (subway) or bus.
Median rents for Cambridge are: 1BR+$1,100, 2BR=$1,400, 3BR=$1,800.** Certain areas of this city are much less expensive.
Somerville is a little farther from Boston and not quite as T accessible. It's also somewhat easier to have a car here, and is generally cheaper to live in than Cambridge. Median rents are: 1BR=$800, 2BR=$1,050, 3BR=$1,300.**
Just east of Brookline is Boston's Back Bay. This area has a smaller Jewish population, but houses quite a few young adults. This area is the edge of Downtown Boston and is surrounded by shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture.
Parking passes are available, but it can be difficult to find a spot and traffic is horrible. Median rents are: 1BR=$1,375, 2BR=$1,900, 3BR=$2,250.**
The South End is another beautiful area of Boston, made up of rows of townhouses and a multitude of restaurants and shops. The area is also home to a large gay and lesbian community.
Although far from the hub of the Jewish community, there are young people in the South End. The area is MBTA accessible, and like most Boston areas parking is extremely difficult.
Some parts of the area are very upscale, while other parts are just the opposite. Median rents are: 1BR=$1,250, 2BR=$1,500, 3BR=$1,800.*
**Median rents are from the Boston Department of Neighborhood Development.
12. How can I find an apartment/roommate?
Some popular places to look for apartment listings include the Boston Globe Saturday and Sunday real estate sections and their website www.boston.com , the Boston Herald ( www.bostonherald.com ), Craigslist boston.craigslist.org , and the alternative newspaper, the Boston Phoenix. Another option is the online realtor www.apartmentaccess.com . You can find other online resources at www.mbhp.org .
Popular online roommate services include www.bostonroommates.com and www.roommateaccess.com . You can also find a lot of other young Jewish adults seeking roommates on the www.GesherCity.org Bulletin board.
There are traditional services available as well: Matching Roommates (matchingroommates.com), has offices on Newbury St. in the Back Bay (617) 859-7666, Coolidge Corner in Brookline (617) 232-2600, and Harvard Square in Cambridge (617) 864-2600. The Roommate Connection (roommateconnection.com) can be reached at (800) APT-SHARE and has offices on Newbury St. in the Back Bay and Newton Centre.
Most of these services are fee-based, and they use a screening process to provide potential matches. If you are a student, try the off-campus housing office at your university. Many of them have listings for both apartments and roommates.
Your best bet for finding the apartment of your dreams is probably using a realtor. Realtors and real estate agents (basically the same thing) often have exclusive contracts with landlords, which make it very difficult to get an apartment without using one. Check the phonebook for names and numbers.
Warning: most real estate agents charge a fee for their services-often one month's rent. Some agents have set fees and some will give discounts for students. When you finally find an apartment, be prepared to pay first and last months' rent and a security deposit on top of the fee.
If you plan on being in Boston for a while, buying a home can be more affordable than renting. Try www.chapa.org for homebuyer information.
13. What are good day-trips around Boston that will help me get to know the area better?
One of the great things about Boston is that it's a relatively small city with good public transportation and lots to see and do. A good way to get to know the city better is by taking a Trolley or boat tour.
Some companies are:
The Boston Trolley Tours 617-876-5539
Boston Duck Tours 617-723-3825
Charles River Boat Co 617-621-3001
You can check out Cape Cod with Bay State Cruise Co 617-748-1428
More can be found by searching the web or checking the phone book.
www.bostonusa.com, www.boston.com and www.bostonherald.com are great places to start to find out what's going on in Boston.
14. How about good sight-seeing spots?
Boston wouldn't be Boston without all the historic sights. A great way to see them all is by taking the Freedom Trail walking tour. Visit www.freedomtrail.org or call 617-357-8300 for more information.
There are many good books that can help you plan day trips in the area.
Check your local library or bookstore or call AAA for tourist information. Another good trick is to walk into an area hotel and pick up a free sightseeing map and booklet from the concierge. There's also some good information on the first few pages of the phone book.
If you don't have a car, an excellent book to pick up is Car-free in Boston. If you're interested in checking out Boston's museums, get a library card first. At most local library branches you can check out a free pass to any of the museums in the area good for four people. You can even reserve one in advance. Some of the museums are also free on Wednesdays in the evening or with a student ID card. Call ahead for details. Also, don't forget the rest of New England!
We're only 1 hour from Providence, RI, 2 hours from Hartford, CT and 4 hours from New York City. Even Montreal isn't too far away. To the North, nearby New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont offer great hiking, fishing, camping, outlet shopping, etc. Check out the Ben & Jerry's factory in VT or L.L. Bean in Maine. Climb a mountain, go berry picking, check out the whales.
