Creating Virtual Communities: Rabbi Novak’s Zoom-agogue – Seekers of Meaning 10/3/2025
Description
</figure>On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Richard Address speaks with Rabbi Mark Novak, founder of MOSH, a unique online spiritual community that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the evolution of MOSH, the challenges and successes of creating a virtual community, and the importance of pastoral care in a digital age. Rabbi Novak shares his personal journey from theater to rabbinical leadership, emphasizing the role of storytelling and community in spiritual growth. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of American Judaism and the ongoing adaptation of religious practices.
Takeaways
- MOSH stands for Minyan Oneg Shabbat, a spiritual community founded by Rabbi Mark Novak.
- The community transitioned online during COVID-19, leading to significant growth and engagement.
- Creating community involves giving people the opportunity to share their personal stories.
- Rabbi Novak emphasizes the importance of being seen and heard in a virtual space.
- Pastoral care is an integral part of the MOSH community, providing support to members in need.
- Rabbi Novak has dedicated himself fully to MOSH, leaving behind other professional commitments.
- The community operates on a freewill offering model, allowing for inclusivity without membership fees.
- Rabbi Novak’s journey to becoming a rabbi was influenced by his background in theater and music.
- The future of American Judaism may involve more online and hybrid models of community engagement.
- Rabbi Novak seeks to mentor younger leaders to continue the work of MOSH and adapt to future needs.
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Listen to the Audio Podcast
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Amazon MusicAbout the Guest
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</figure>Reb Mark Novak
Rabbi Mark Novak received ordination as a Rabbi and Mashpia Ruchani from AOP, and is the founding Rabbi of MInyan Oneg Shabbat, Washington, DC’s Jewish Renewal community. (MOSH) In addition to his work as a mashpia, he is a hazzan, musician, composer, storyteller (Jewishstorytelling.com), and playwright. Mark experiences the creative process as a conduit in his relationship with the Divine. R’ Mark has been described as a ba’al simcha, a master of joy, and he brings that G!d given gift to all his work. Together with his wife, storyteller/juggler Rene Brachfeld, R’Mark has served as Scholar/Artist in Residence at over 140 synagogues throughout the U/S and Canada.His project, A Year of Stories, is dedicated to the memory of Reb Zalman and can be found atwww.rebmarko.com. R’ Mark leads all ALEPH chaverim in number of websites!
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