What brings communities together better than music? Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh will host its annual Taste of Third Space event on Sunday, June 7 from 12–4 p.m. featuring a wide variety of music, activities, and of course, schmoozing.
To celebrate entering its third year, Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh will bring the community together for performances and cultural experiences that celebrate the role of music in our lives. Attendees can enjoy a participatory singing circle, a live klezmer band, and interactive experiences like beatbox bingo. Taste of Third Space will be an exploration of how music shapes Jewish identity, with opportunities to hear, participate in, and learn about a joyful and diverse repertoire of sounds.
The concept of a “third space” derives from the notion that a healthy society is supported by three environments: a private space, a space of contribution, and a third space where people connect and experience community. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg first coined the term in his 1989 book “The Great Good Place,” in which he described third places as “havens of sociability where conversation is the main activity and conviviality prevails.”
Taste of Third Space will have Jewish storytelling, a panel of performers, a Judaica swap for attendees, and guided tours for exploring the space. The event is family-friendly, free, and open to all, though registration is required. People of all religious backgrounds are invited and welcome
Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh is a Baltimore-based organization bringing people together through learning, cultural events, and joyful community celebrations in the Jewish tradition. It aims to animate and continue Jewish tradition with events that invite people to both learn and feel new things, try new rituals and practices, and discuss new ideas in a safe, comfortable atmosphere.
Rabbi Jessy Dressin, founding executive director of Third Space, was on WJZ in February 2026 to talk about their programming and mission. About a month after this appearance, Third Space hosted the screening of “Sabbath Queen” at The Charles, about a rabbi who also is a drag performer.
“We offer all kinds of unexpected things that you don’t expect to find in a synagogue, but stand on the shoulders of Jewish wisdom, Jewish learning, not just for Jews alone,” Dressin said. “We have book talks, we have concerts, we have film screenings, and we’re trying to make a timeless tradition relevant to those in the lives that they’re living here in the 21st century here in Baltimore.”
Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh is located at 2001 Liberty Heights Ave. in Baltimore.
