YOUNG LEADERSHIP SHABBAT
On January 31st, AFAH hosted its first young leadership event in Manhattan, bringing together an incredible group for a meaningful and lively Shabbat experience. We partnered with Kibbutz NYC, a vibrant community group that organizes monthly Shabbat gatherings across the city, and we can’t thank them enough for their support in making this event a success.
The turnout exceeded our expectations, with 220 young professionals aged 25-37 filling the space with energy and enthusiasm. Through Kibbutz NYC, Breads Bakery generously provided delicious challah and babka. One of Kibbutz NYC’s organizers dedicated the entire week leading up to the event to preparing an incredible homemade meal featuring chicken shawarma, shakshuka, salmon, quinoa, a bean and spinach salad, and homemade hummus. We were incredibly proud that the entire meal was gluten-free, making it accessible to even more attendees.
As the room filled, we gathered for Kiddush. I had the privilege of speaking about ALYN Hospital and sharing the inspiring story of Noam, a child whose rehabilitation journey was shared last September in Mako. The audience was engaged and deeply moved by the hospital’s impact, setting a meaningful tone for the rest of the evening.
After the meal, the Shabbat gathering effortlessly transformed into a lively dance party. Having attended many of these events myself, I can confidently say that this was one of the most memorable Shabbat celebrations in the city in a long time.
After the meal, the Shabbat gathering effortlessly transformed into a lively dance party. Having attended many of these events myself, I can confidently say that this was one of the most memorable Shabbat celebrations in the city in a long time.
Beyond the incredible atmosphere, the event sparked genuine interest in AFAH’s mission. Several attendees approached Davida and me throughout the night to express their enthusiasm about getting more involved, with many inquiring about joining our young leadership committee. Following the event, we sent a follow-up email with an outstanding open rate of over 90%, a testament to the excitement and engagement the evening generated.
This event was more than just a Shabbat dinner—it was the beginning of a growing community dedicated to making a difference. We can’t wait to build on this momentum and continue fostering connections with passionate young professionals who want to support ALYN’s incredible work.
