Jew in the City (JITC) is rolling out the red carpet as it gears up for this year’s All Stars premiere party to take place Sunday, November 5, in midtown Manhattan. Dubbed the Orthodox Emmys, this year’s line-up promises to be both entertaining and inspiring. Now in its fifth year, the All Stars Awards celebrate an exceedingly accomplished and diverse group of individuals who have maintained a Torah-observant lifestyle through their professional ascent.
JITC, a non-profit organization founded and directed by Allison Josephs in 2007, is dedicated to dispelling stereotypes about Orthodox Jews to the world through digital media outlets such as a website (Jewinthecity.com), YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. Integrating both humor and substance into the mix, Josephs’ mission is to accurately explain orthodoxy to both non-Jews and Jews alike who are interested in learning more about the many facets of observant Judaism. There are many misconceptions circulating about Orthodox Jews and their lifestyles, explained Josephs. The objective of JITC is to dismiss these myths and present to the world the myriad accomplishments among Jews who are living a Torah-observant lifestyle while soaring to great heights in their professional sectors.
This year’s All Stars include David Mazouz, teen star of Fox’s hit show Gotham; the Honorable Ruchie Freie, the first Chasidic New York Civil Court Judge; Neil Schloss, Ford Motor Company’s vice president and treasurer; Frayda Ginsburg, Burberry’s director of legal, Americas; and A. Zayat, owner and breeder of American Pharaoh. They are joined by Samuel Rascoff, former director of the NYPD’s Intelligence Analysis Unit; Chaim Lebovitz, CEO of BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, the first biotech company to produce a treatment that has been clinically shown to reverse the symptoms of ALS; and David Adler, author of the international best-selling Cam Jansen children’s book series.
Last year’s All Star, Baroness Ros Altmann, who was the Pension’s Minister in the House of Lords said, “The Jewish All Stars Event was a wonderful experience for me. To know that there are so many other ‘frum’ Jewish men and women doing wonderful work in the secular world and succeeding while sticking to their Jewish principles was really inspiring. The work that goes into the event each year from JITC is phenomenal. The organizers and leaders are doing a fantastic job in spreading the word about combining Orthodox Judaism with success in the broader world. Allison is a real powerhouse and a shining example to all Jewish women.”
Previous All Stars have included former Senator Joe Lieberman, Nobel Laureate Robert Auman, Emmy-winning co-executive producer of the hit TV series Modern Family Ilana Wernick and Sharsheret’s founder Ruchie Shoretz, a”h, a former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Josephs’ crusade began years ago when she worked with Partners in Torah. There she encountered people of different backgrounds who were interested in learning more about Judaism. She recalls speaking with a woman who was interested in becoming more observant but believed that this would interfere with her career goals, as she was led to believe Orthodox women cannot work outside the home. This misconception inspired Josephs to create a video featuring talented Orthodox Jewish men and women describing how they achieved great success while living within the guidelines of the Torah, and how the companies with which they were employed accommodated their religious needs wholeheartedly. The first All Stars event was a celebration of this video and from there it transitioned into an annual event that Josephs describes as “a tremendous Kiddush Hashem.”
A key message Josephs hopes to impart on Jews of all ages and backgrounds is that Orthodox Judaism should be seen as something that gives your life direction, not as something that holds you back. “Being an All Star opened my eyes to the remarkable individuals in different professions and walks of life making important contributions to society while remaining committed to a Torah-observant lifestyle. In fact, that lifestyle enables many of them to continue improving the world around them,” commented last year’s All Star Gregory Zuckerman, Special Writer, The Wall Street Journal.
This year’s All Stars event benefits Project Makom, a division of JITC that helps former and questioning charedi Jews find their place in Orthodoxy. The evening begins with a VIP pre-party where the All Stars, media representation and event sponsors will indulge in sushi, fine wine and an upscale beef jerky tasting. Disney director and former All Star Saul Blinkoff will be directing the hour-long show, which will feature inspirational videos of each All Star, showcasing his or her journey to success, followed by a short acceptance speech. The after party will offer hors d’oeuvres by executive Chef Joshua Masin of NOBO Wine and Grill as well as an open bar. Guests can participate in the All Stars Experience Auction offering a variety of unique prize opportunities, with winners announced by The Big Bang Theory’s Mayim Bialik. The evening will culminate with a chopped contest led by Naomi Nachman, The Aussie Gourmet. To enter the contest, send a short video to [email protected] explaining why you should be selected as one of the contestants. Three contestants will be chosen to go head to head at the after party and will be judged by a panel of celebrity kosher judges.
Often people feel forced to attend an event because of obligation or because it supports a worthy cause. Josephs wants to stress that while this too supports an important organization, the emphasis of the All Stars event is a fun and unique night out in the city. It’s a night that celebrates successful Orthodox individuals. Too often the media spotlights Orthodox Jews who are partaking in crooked activities. This evening exemplifies the positive influence of Orthodox Jews in the public arena. “The All Stars event represents a night to be proud and reminds ourselves all that we can do within the confines of Halacha,” commented Josephs. “The ultimate message that these All Stars give across is that Torah and mitzvot didn’t hold them back in their self-actualization, it gave their success meaning.”
Allison Josephs was named one of the Jewish Week’s 36 Under 36 in 2013, one of NJOP’s Top 10 Jewish Influencers in 2012 and one of Algemeiner’s Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life in 2017.
This year’s event expects to attract more than 500 guests. For more information on how to attend the All Stars premiere party, please visit www.jewinthecity.com/events.
By Andrea Nissel
