Frequently Asked Questions

JICNY provides a community for young Jews who have just moved to the US. Our goal is to integrate our international population into the community and ALL our events are open to Americans with exception of 9 Shabbat Dinners a year marketed as Internationals Shabbat. We feel these dinners are very necessary as International Jews relate to Judaism very differently from Americans. We do have 3 mixed Shabbat dinners a year as well. But don’t forget JICNY events are more than JUST Shabbat dinners! We have Monday night Classes, Film Club, and various Holiday events that welcome everyone!

Americans have strong roots here in New York. They have colleagues, contacts, and connections. So becoming involved in JIC as a host here in this great American city makes a big difference to our internationals. Jews from around the world come to New York, and our American friends feel a responsibility to welcome them and help them establish themselves here. That is what Jewish hosts do, whether it is in their home, or their city, or their country. But don't do it for altruistic reasons alone. Our American friends really benefit from meeting great young Jews from practically everywhere. Our international members give incredible insight at what it is like to live as a Jew in less-friendly places. It is important and beneficial to learn how different we are. And how much we are the same. So if you are American- you should know that with the exception of the always sold-out Friday night Darna dinners, all JICNY events, are open to all of us.

Participants come from all over the globe! From South Africa, Uruguay, India and Zimbabwe. JICNY is a divers community for Jews to meet and relate based on their common heritage.

JICNY programs are strictly targeted towards Jews in their 20's and 30's.

First of all welcome to New York! You are now in one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities. There is so much to do! The best way to meet people and really become part of a community is to start of your week with JICNY Monday Night classes. Details are on our events page. Please introduce yourself to Maral at the front desk or Steve after his class. We’d be so happy to help you create your new New York network.

JICNY Networking Group is a great place to start and a forum for individuals to create a circle of influence. JICNY is a community and network of individuals who are often on the move. Whether it’s a new job or a new apartment, JICNY often has the inside scoop. We’ve helped hundreds find jobs, fill positions, find apartments, etc. Please check out our Networking Page for details on how to network and always contact any of us directly Steve, Jodi or Maral and let us know what you’re looking for.

JICNY offers Shabbat dinners often and you should always check our events page to see whats new. If you’re looking for Shabbat Hospitality with a warm and engaging family Steve Eisenberg set ups 100s of young professionals weekly! email Steve@jicny.com and let him know you’d like to be set up for Shabbat. Also please visit our friends at MJE for Shabbat Services.

No its not true, well not completely true. Like we’ve mentioned earlier, there are certain events exclusively for our Internationals. We feel these dinners are very necessary as International Jews relate to Judaism very differently from Americans. However we welcome and invite our Americans to help us welcome our International members into the NY Jewish Community.

New York City is a great city for singles and for Couples! JICNY has an active Couples program offering Shabbat Lunches, Classes, Holiday and Social events. Please see our Couples Connection page for more details.

The JICNY is a volunteer driven organization. A great way for you to meet new people and get an authentic JICNY experience is through volunteering. There are so many options available, from helping us plan holiday parties to setting up for our Monday night classes. We know you're busy and so the commitment is flexible. If volunteering is something you would be interested in, please contact our event and volunteer coordinator Maral Yashar at Maral@jicny.com

Most JICNY events are oversubscribed and JICNY ensures that those who RSVP and pay in a timely matter can join us for our events. To that extent at times we cannot accommodate all those who would be happy to join us. Please see www.jicny.com/policies for further details on the JICNY Cancellation Policy.

Yes! That means sharp! We understand that in some cultures the start time is not the actual estimated time of arrival for the guests. The JICNY is a very diverse international community and all the members work on different cultural standards of time. In our efforts to keep everything fair to everyone, we ask that you show up on time to our events.

We’d be happy to help you connect! Please email Maral and Jodi at Events@JICNY.com with details on the individual. Names are the most helpful. It would be great if you could remember the name of the person you’d like to meet. But if you can’t that’s fine too, just try to give us as many details as you can remember. And next time don’t drink so much wine!

What am I your mother? Are you really coming for the Chicken? Just sit down and eat! If you must know we have options for meat eaters, chicken eaters and veggie eaters.

Yes. The food at every single JICNY event is kosher certified.

No! You don’t have to be a religious/observant Jew to attend or enjoy a JICNY event. JICNY prides itself as a community of diverse individuals. Our events are designed so that our observant and non-observant guests can all enjoy themselves in a sophisticated, exciting and supportive environment based on our common Jewish heritage, values and spirituality.

What am I your mother? Wear whatever you like! Come as you are! JICNY is a forum for you to meet new people, make connections, take pride in your heritage. That being said. Its always nice for you to put your best foot forward and dress in the manner that will enable and empower you to meet others. You don’t have to wear a tie, or a skirt. Most guests dress are coming straight from work and are dressed business casual. But no matter. Just be the best you! We’re so excited to meet you!

That’s great news! New York has a thriving community of Jewish singles and families. JICNY has helped with matchmaking and dating counseling as well. Please see Life in NY for more details on Dating in New York.

A great way to give back to the JICNY is with sponsorship of an event or a donation. This is also a great way to honor a loved one or life cycle event. Please see our Donate Page for more details.