CURRENT MISSION

I'm trying to become a more vulnerable, open-hearted person. Couchsurfing has taught me to be open to new ideas and experiences and to connect with people on a deeper level, and I'm eager to continue surfing (and to host people when my schedule allows)!

ABOUT ME

I currently live in Chicago and work for a small Jewish non-profit. I’m pursuing an MFA in writing for children and young adults, and I’m also passionate about directing theatre and enjoying the outdoors! Through traveling and exploring other cultures, I hope to form meaningful connections, learn about myself and others, and deepen my appreciation for the natural world. I can be a little quiet at first, but when I’m comfortable with people, my goofy sense of humor really comes out.

PHILOSOPHY

We live on a rock that's hurtling at an impossibly fast speed through an ancient, ever-expanding space. I don't know if there is a reason behind our existence. But I have made it my life's work to try to understand others a little bit deeper, to make connections, to try to love, and to share myself with the people I encounter. What more can we do?

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’ve had great experiences surfing and attending meet-ups in Israel and Belgium! Now that overseas travel has become possible again, I’m excited to reengage with this community. I’m traveling to New Zealand in August, and I’d love to make some new friends, find a couch or two to crash on, or just get recommendations for what to do while I’m there.

I would also love to open up my home in Chicago to travelers when I’m back! I used to be a tour guide, so I can tell you a bit about the history of the city, tell you which touristy spots are actually worth a visit, and give you some recommendations if you want to experience the city like a local.

Interests

I’m a theatre director and writer, and I’m currently working on a middle grade novel about queer identity and Jewish overnight camp. Though I live in a big city, I try to get out into nature at least once a month. I love learning and really enjoy talking to others about their passions!

• writing
• performing arts
• cooking
• traveling
• hiking
• comedy
• queer culture

Music, Movies, and Books

Right now, I’m super into Jukebox the Ghost and Sammy Rae and the Friends. Some other artists that come to mind are Janelle Monae, Lake Street Dive, MisterWives, and St. Vincent. Oh, and I unabashedly love dad rock and musical theatre.

My favorite movie (and musical) is Hedwig and the Angry Inch. I have too many favorite books to list, but I’ll name a few: We Are All Completely Besides Ourselves, Nimona, Gideon the Ninth (and the sequels), A Visit from the Goon Squad, and Station Eleven.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I directed a kick-ass production of Twelfth Night last winter! I’m especially proud of the adaptations I made to the script. I “rewrote” the ending using lines from other Shakespeare plays, Frankensteined together to create a queer love story that sounded authentically Shakespearean to the audience.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you come to Chicago, I’ll give you theatre recommendations you won’t get from the Chicago Tribune. I can also provide my highly subjective opinions on which gay bars are actually fun.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A good attitude! Fair warning, I'll probably make a zillion bad puns. And if you have pets or children, I will befriend them. If we coordinate in advance, I can also bring English books and American goodies.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Israel, United States

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