  |
About the JICNY
The Beginning
Moving to a new country can be intimidating and the frantic pace of New York makes the move even more challenging. People come to our great city looking for a career move, all the social life that New York has to offer, perhaps that perfect soul mate and of course participation in what the larges and most vibrant Diaspora Jewish Community in the world has to offer. Jewish International Connection (JICNY) is a hub for internationals from all over the world. It is a place to meet, find out about what is going on in the City and connect to the one thing that unites us from all corners of the world - our Jewish heritage.
Photo by Michael Findling, michaelfindling.com
Jewish International Connection
In December 2000 we had our first Shabbat dinner for Australians and South Africans living in the New York. From this event our community has grown to over 5,000 people over the past six years. With an emphasis on high-quality programming and wide scale affiliation, JICNY is a United Nations of sorts, with people from all over the world gathering on a regular basis for social, cultural and religious events.
Our programs include a highly successful weekly Torah class, led by Steve Eisenberg, on the Upper West Side, followed by a unique second class, held in multiple languages which typically include English, Spanish, French and Russian. Other events include lectures, tours of the Lower East Side, picnics, Shabattons and retreats. We host a film club that raises money each month for a different charity. We also plan an annual learning mission to Israel that has enjoyed great success.
Our monthly Shabbat dinners feature guest speakers from around the world. We have less formal Shabbat meals and social events throughout the month, as well. Founder, Steve Eisenberg sets hundreds of young professionals up with welcoming places to have the Shabbat meal every year. Over the years founders, Gavin and Jodi Samuels have had over 6000 people attend meals in their home. We recognize the interest and value of the Jewish international community in New York through all of our successes and for this reason we have created the JICNY Networking Group in order to expand on what we have previously been able to offer in the way of networking.
Living in a foreign country that is so diverse and independent, it is comforting to know that there is a place you can go where you will always be welcome; you will be able to explore your heritage and spirituality; and you will be supported by the community that surrounds you.
The JICNY team
Steve Eisenberg - Founder, JICNY
An active founder in JICNY, Steve juggles a high-flying career on Wall Street with a passionate commitment to Jewish outreach programs.
Steve was former Managing Director of investment firm Ehrenkrantz King Nussbaum, Inc., having previously served as a Vice President at Bear Stearns, specializing in Risk Arbitrage.
Steve serves as a lay leader in kiruv, and as a consultant, developing programs for many outreach organizations across the United States. Steve's Monday night classes in Manhattan attract over 100 people and he is frequently invited to speak and lead programs around the world.
Gavin Samuels - Founder, JICNY
Gavin Samuels is currently Senior Vice-President for Quark Pharmaceuticals. From 2000 to 2007 he held several positions in Pfizer Inc's Worldwide Business Development and Worldwide Product Development Groups. His experience included licensing, M &A and Venture Capital. Between 1998 and 2000 Gavin served as Senior Associate - Healthcare Strategy & Corporate Affairs at Merck Sharpe & Dohme in Australia. Prior to that Gavin held several clinical positions in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Gavin obtained his medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, an M.B.A. from the University of New England, Australia and a degree in Health Economics from Monash University, Australia.
Jodi Samuels - Founder, JICNY
JICNY is the brainchild of Jodi Samuels. JICNY is one of many Jewish outreach programs Jodi has initiated: She started the Australian branch of Aish Hatorah - an international Jewish outreach movement - and grew Aish Australia into a flourishing organization within 2 years. In New York, where she is now based, Jodi has hosted over 6000 different people at her popular Shabbat table on the Upper West Side in the past few years. She arranges talks and learning programs at her home, and provides strategic and logistical support to a number of Jewish organizations in New York. With 12 years of diverse, international experience in business startup and marketing, Jodi has worked in the not-for-profit, finance, fashion, beauty and automotive sectors. Her expertise in strategic and relationship marketing, as well as business development, has given her the foundation to acquire and retain a strong membership base with JICNY. Jodi has an MBA from Bond University in Australia and a degree in Psychology.
