I'm a life long Chicagoan and love to show off my city, warts and all. I'm a former teacher, social worker, and currently, the Midwest Manager of A Wider Bridge. We are a 501c3 that works towards equality in, and for Israel, by partnering directly with Israeli LGBTQ NGOs.

I have cat named Tzporah-which is Hebrew for bird (cue my sense of humor). More than anything, I love a good conversations that provide insight, laughter, and human connection.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I enjoy meeting others and hearing their side of life, especially when it comes to their home town. I would love the opportunity to meet with/stay with others who can tell me about their city's hidden treasures. These hidden treasure's could be as simple as photos spots, the best local dish, a micro brew , or a lively community happening. While not required, I'd love to stay with someone who has a good handle on their city's history and current social issues and wouldn't mind sharing them to a tourist like me.

Interests

I love meeting people, learning about different cultures, seeing new sights and experiencing new adventures. I'm passionate about my job, Judaism, Israel, and LGBTQ rights, but above all else, I welcome respectful dialogue and engagement on these topics, and others. I'm an avid fan of NPR, craft beer and a recovering comic book nerd.

• cats
• writing
• books
• cheese
• beer
• meditation
• traveling
• socializing
• sports
• archery
• business
• social work
• thrift shopping
• game of thrones
• walking around
• ax throwing

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm pretty eclectic when it comes to music. My Google account is filled with everything from indie rock, to classical, to Judaic, to the 80's as well as show tunes.

Movies are again all over the map. Shaw Shank is perhaps, the greatest film I have ever and will ever see. I appreciate the classics such as Citizen Kane and My Fair Lady. My guilty pleasure is the first Sex in the City the Movie-( I usual screening after a break up). Comic book films ,loved the first Avengers Film, all Thor Films, and all Guardian films. As for DC, my top pick, "Wonder Woman" (shocker)

Books again vary. Ones I've enjoyed in the past few years are, "Shogun","I know this Much", "Dreams of my Father" , "Craft Beer Bar Mitzvah", and "Who Thought This was a Good Idea?" (the title alone was worth it but it really was a great book)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Since 2015 I have had a job that takes me at least once a year to travel in, and meet people who live in Israel and the West Bank.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you are ever in Chicago, I can show you how to have a night on the town on the cheap, or how to access social services if you end up staying longer than you planned on. I'm a pretty good writer when it comes to grants, professional communications, or sprucing up a paper. I can also give feed back on public speaking.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have an allergic reaction to bug bites dust and some pollen,however, it's nothing a little Zyrtec can't clear up. I'm a sound sleeper and I can sleep on anything when I'm armed with a make shift pillow and a sheet (ie, I once fell fast asleep on an air grate at the JFK during a four hour layover). Happy to help out with chores during my stay or cover dinner for a night. I might pepper you with questions on the sights to see and the best way to get around town-but after that I'm pretty much on my way.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica, England, Greece, Israel, Italy, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Turkey