(Courtesy of MJE) Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE) is excited to announce that its 22nd Annual Dinner will be held in person on Wednesday, May 16, at Lincoln Square Synagogue with the theme of “Together—More Than Ever.”
The dinner will celebrate MJE’s resilience during the COVID pandemic these past 14 months. Thousands of young Jewish men and women have joined together for virtual programs, online Torah classes and in-person safe Shabbat services as they continue to cultivate the soul and spirit of our community during these challenging times. MJE offers thanks to all the devoted supporters, talented and dedicated staff, and the Almighty for blessing them with the ability to make such a huge difference in the lives of so many people.
Founded by Rabbi Mark Wildes in 1998, MJE has successfully reconnected thousands of previously unaffiliated Jewish men and women with Judaism and the Jewish community, hundreds of whom are today living committed Jewish lives and sending their children to Jewish day schools. Operating from its three locations in the New York City, with a talented staff of 15 professionals, MJE’s inspirational Shabbat dinners, beginner services, retreats, educational classes, holiday events and trips to Israel have touched the lives of thousands of young Jews and provided a venue in which 337 Jewish couples have married.
MJE is excited to celebrate its amazing talented honorees, dear friends and supporters at this year’s annual dinner.
Guests of Honor: Justin and Eliane Karr
Justin and Eliane Karr met at a Shabbat dinner through a mutual friend and fellow MJE participant. Rabbi Wildes and his wife, Jill, have been an essential part of their continuous learning, close confidants and solid supporters through life’s celebrations as well as more challenging moments. Justin and Eliane are active members of the Jewish community, serving on the young leadership Board of Shalva and the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. They are members of Chabad of the Upper West Side in addition to being involved with Chabad of the Upper East Side.
Jewish Leadership Award:
Rabbi Daniel and Rachel Kraus
Together, Rabbi Daniel and Rachel Kraus serve as the co-directors of the Community Education at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun (KJ) on the Upper East Side. Prior to joining the KJ community, they were proud members of the MJE team, where they built a vibrant community of young Jewish professionals in the midtown Manhattan area, with over 7,000 participants from diverse backgrounds. They maintain a very open home, hosting weekly Shabbat meals together with their four beautiful children.
Learning Partnership of the Year Award: Katie Barnett and Erica Pirak
Katie Barnett was introduced to MJE more than four years ago and has never looked back. For the past three years, she has worked in business development for LiveRamp, a data connectivity platform. Erica grew up in Springfield, New Jersey. After high school, she studied at Shaalvim for Women in Jerusalem. She continues to share her love for Judaism through her role as chavruta coordinator in the RRG Beit Midrash at Hebrew University. Though she is no longer living on the Upper West Side, Erica continues to stay connected to MJE overseas through her weekly learning with her friend and member of the MJE Fellowship program.
Student of the Year: Daniel Wallach
Daniel is a curious kid from Palo Alto, California. Bugged by a loud and persistent question, “What does it mean to be Jewish?” Daniel was thrust into a strange, random, and wonderful journey that brought him to MJE one spring Shabbat morning in 2019. Daniel chose Rabbi Wildes as his mentor the day he met him, and continued to say yes to everything MJE had to offer. When in New York, Daniel continues his artistic pursuits, teaches theatre to kids, and dabbles in real estate.
Most Valuable Participant: Scott Shapiro
Scott Shapiro is originally from Pennsylvania and attended Rider University where he majored in finance. He first joined MJE for a Monday night class, and after hearing Rabbi Wildes talk about the Torah, he realized that MJE was a perfect fit. Since then, Scott has been an active member in the MJE community and proud graduate of the 2017/2018 Fellowship class and a current Senior Fellow.
Alumnus of the Year: Jonathan Brody
Seventeen years ago, Jonathan was welcomed into the MJE community where his life was changed from the friendships he made to the lessons and values of the incredibly rich Jewish traditions that he learned and still carries in his life today. While being at home during the pandemic, he is so thankful for MJE offering programming virtually. Jonathan Brody lives in Syosset, with his wife, Beth, and son, Joshua. He currently serves as the chief marketing officer for Veterans Auto Warranty, a national aftermarket auto warranty company.
Manhattan Jewish Experience’s “Together—More Than Ever” Annual Dinner will be held in person on Wednesday, May 16, at 6 p.m. Anyone wishing to participate, inquire about the event, or make a donation to MJE should visit the annual dinner website or contact Rabbi Ezra Cohen at [email protected].
