It was a picture-perfect evening as more than 450 people attended the 15th Annual Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE) dinner at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City on April 2, 2014. MJE is a cutting-edge program for young Jewish professionals in their 20s and 30s with little or no background in Judaism who are interested in connecting more to each other, to their community, and to their religion.

MJE is a place where young men and women can explore Jewish life and meet new people in a wide range of inclusive, engaging, and innovative programs. Each year, thousands of young Jewish professionals attend the parties, annual ski trip, spring retreat, classes and beginner prayer services; march in the Israel Day Parade; join in Friday night dinners and much more. MJE was founded in memory of Ruth B. Wildes, z”l.  For more information about MJE, visit http://www.jewishexperience.org.

Special honors were given to Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Chancellor, Rosh Yeshiva and Founder of Ohr Torah Stone, in honor of the launch of a new partnership between MJE and Ohr Torah Stone. Ohr Torah Stone is a Modern Orthodox movement shaping Jewish communities worldwide, inspired by Rabbi Riskin’s unique vision. Fueled by a unique combination of educational institutions, rabbinical training, women’s empowerment programs, leadership development, outreach initiatives and social action projects, OTS is illuminating the relevance of authentic Torah Judaism in the modern world.

Together, Rabbis Wildes and Riskin hope to continue to inspire young men and women who wish to explore their Jewish heritage and meet new people in a warm and open environment.

By Michael Wildes