Press Release 2 - July 2005

Press Release 2 - July 2005

Jewish International Connection is a hub for singles and couples looking to forge new ties with Jews from other parts of the world. It started out in 1991 as a social group for South Africans and then people from Commonwealth countries, and has blossomed into a full-fledged organization. With an emphasis on high-quality programming and wide scale affiliation, JICNY is a United Nations of sorts, with people from all over the world gathering on a regular basis for social, cultural and religious events. Examples are a highly successful weekly Torah class, led by Steve Eisenberg at Congregation Ohav Shalom on the Upper West Side. These are followed by a unique second class, held in multiple languages – typically English, Spanish, French, Russian and soon, Farsi – covering contemporary issues in Judaism. Other recent events included lectures by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, couples classes given by her daughter, Slavi Wolf, walking tours of the Lower East Side, picnics, Shabattons and retreats. There is a book club, and also a film club that raises money each month for a different charity. Hebrew classes are offered in addition to the monthly Shabbat lunches and dinners, which attract guest speakers from around the world. An Israel trip is planned for the fall.

With 2500 members to date, JIC is going to the next level. At their first-ever fundraising event, JIC attracted more than 230 people, including prominent members of New York's Jewish community. The event demonstrated strong grassroots support, which will allow the co-founding trio, which includes Jodi Samuels, her husband, Gavin, and Steve Eisenberg, to hire some staff and expand their programming.