(Courtesy of MJE) Rabbi Mark Wildes, founder of the Manhattan Jewish Experience and author of “Beyond the Instant,” hosted a charity drive and book launch on September 5 at the Manhattan Jewish Experience. The first chapter of his debut book, written after 20 years of mentoring young professionals, delves into the secret of lasting happiness, which scientific studies show benefits from volunteering and giving to charity.

Rabbi Mark dedicated the event to fighting hunger in honor of Rosh Hashanah this year, raising over 100 pounds of canned food for local food shelters. Representatives from nonprofits Gabriel Project Mumbai, JASA, DOROT, Save a Child’s Heart and The Lone Soldier Project enlisted people to volunteer in the new year.

Rabbi Mark wrote “Beyond the Instant” to help young adults find meaning and happiness in their lives “beyond the instant” in our fast-paced, social-media-driven world:

“‘Beyond the Instant’ represents my humble attempt to demonstrate how much contemporary relevance there is to Judaism and, ultimately, how its teachings, if studied and applied, can fill our lives with the kind of purpose and meaning so many of us seek. I have been privileged to personally witness the transformative impact Jewish values can have on people, and how its profound insight and wisdom give the kind of meaning and direction so many young people are looking for today.”