Moishe House is thrilled to announce the opening of Moishe Pod Charlotte, which officially launched on Oct. 1, 2024, in the vibrant NoDa neighborhood. This latest iteration of Moishe House programming in Charlotte provides a welcoming space for young adults to connect, engage, and build lasting friendships within our Jewish community.
At the heart of this new Pod are residents Alexa Hulse and Arianna Fronzaglia, both 22 years old and longtime friends from Waxhaw, N.C. Their commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community will shape the future of Jewish life in Charlotte.

Meet the Residents:

Alexa Hulse is a social media manager for “Lilith Magazine” and “jGirls+ Magazine.” A recent graduate of Hollins University, where she majored in Gender and Women’s Studies, Alexa discovered her passion for community building through her involvement in Near East Fine Arts and the Jewish Students Alliance. “I began connecting with my Jewish identity during my internship with ‘Lilith Magazine” and fell in love with Jewish tradition,” she reflects. Alexa has also worked as a teen mentor at Beth Israel Synagogue in Roanoke, Virginia, leading discussions on the weekly Parshah, and is now a religious school teacher at Temple Beth El. Currently learning Hebrew, she hopes to learn Yiddish soon. In her free time, Alexa enjoys matcha lattes, writing poetry, swimming, and stargazing.

Arianna Fronzaglia, also from Waxhaw, recently graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is starting her career in a nurse residency program at a hospital in uptown Charlotte, where she will work in various adult acute care units. “I was raised in an interfaith household and a predominantly Christian community,” Arianna shares. “I am eager to connect more with my Jewish roots and build a network among other Jewish people who have had similar experiences.” In her free time, Arianna enjoys reading and exploring new hobbies as she settles into her new role.

Alexa and Arianna are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for young Jewish adults, where individuals can gather, celebrate Jewish traditions, and forge meaningful connections. They envision hosting events that cater to diverse interests and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels welcome in this new community.

Moishe House is committed to engaging Jewish young adults in meaningful ways, empowering them to be the creators of their own communities. Through an ecosystem of interconnected programs — Moishe Houses and Pods, Immersive Jewish Learning, and Moishe House Without Walls MHWOW) — this model ensures that Jewish young adults around the world have access to gatherings nearly every night of the week.

Since establishing a presence in Charlotte in 2013, Moishe House has reached over 16,000 young adults across the Carolinas through more than 1,100 diverse programs. This has enabled emerging Jewish leaders in the region to create meaningful, welcoming communities for themselves and their peers by hosting ongoing events.

The opening of this new Moishe Pod in Charlotte comes at an important time, as many young Jewish adults seek spaces to explore their identities and build connections. In light of rising antisemitism and social divisions, this Pod symbolizes a commitment to cultivating a resilient and vibrant Jewish community in the Queen City.

Alexa and Arianna expressed their excitement for this new chapter, emphasizing their desire to create a home that embodies warmth, support, and inclusivity. “We want to make our space feel like a true community hub, where everyone can come together and celebrate our shared values and traditions,” they said.

Moishe Pod Charlotte has already begun fostering community connections through its initial events. The residents kicked off their programming with a “New Year, New Pod” Rosh HaShanah Happy Hour at Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden, where attendees enjoyed wine, apples, honey, and challah to celebrate the new year and the start of this exciting venture. They also hosted a Sukkot-themed Sunday picnic at First Ward Park, featuring festive fall snacks and crafts, bringing people together in a joyous atmosphere.
Looking ahead, Moishe Pod Charlotte has plans for various programs, including Shabbat dinners, cultural events, and opportunities for volunteerism. This initiative aims to enrich the lives of its residents while positively impacting the broader Charlotte Jewish community.

As Moishe Pod Charlotte begins this journey, we invite the community to support its mission. To learn more about upcoming events, connect with residents, or contribute to the Pod’s activities, visit moishehouse.org. Your involvement can help strengthen and enrich our Jewish community, ensuring that young adults have a place to gather, celebrate, and express their identities. Together, let’s build a bright future for Jewish life in Charlotte!

Photo: “New Year, New Pod” Shabbat happy hour at Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden in NoDa