The mere fact that the founders of the JIC--Gavin and Jodi Samuels and Steve Eisenberg--set out to create such an organization while holding down full-time jobs and leading an observant lifestyle is inspirational in and of itself. I have attended many of Steve Eisenberg's Torah lectures and have found them to be quite moving and entertaining, and Mr. Eisenberg, especially given his layman's perspective, made the lectures uniquely relevant to us. Similarly to what I said above, just the fact that Mr. Eisenberg regularly devotes the time after a tiring, sometimes unpleasant day of work to teach and inspire fellow Jews is very moving in and of itself. I have also enjoyed many "Torah in the Park" lectures given by Mr. Samuels. His lectures were well-prepared, memorable, interesting, and moving. He was able to offer a perspective on many topics that was different from a Rabbi, since Mr. Samuels had worked as a doctor in South Africa. Shalom, Jeffrey Stark
JICNY is an incredibly important organization. The organization helps Jewish people from around the world. JICNY provides valuable resources and programs. Being a member of JICNY provides a sense of community and belonging, which is especially important for foreign Jews around the world who move to NY. The Friday night Shabbat dinners are my favorite. It brings me closer to the Jewish tradition without judgment. People from all backgrounds share stories from their history and these dinners foster great, life long connections.
For many years JICNY founders have been making amazing, fun and informative events possible as well as generously opening up their homes and their hearts to so many Jews from diverse backgrounds. They’ve devoted enormous amounts of time and energy to creating countless connections for American and international Jews in their personal, professional, and Jewish lives. JICNY makes us feel part of a beautiful Jewish community whether we live on Upper West Side in New York City, in the tri-state area, or are visiting from an exotic country around the globe. Jodi, Gavin, and Steve are fantastic role models who teach by example how to be more educated, caring, and giving Jews. They can’t help but inspire large and small acts of caring and kindness in all of us who’ve been fortunate enough to meet them!
You arrive in NYC and don't know anyone or who to reach to for any type of question? They're there! You are curious about your background and want to learn more about your Jewish heritage? They're there! You want to be involved in an organization that brings meaning to people's life when often everything else lacks authenticity? They're there! You miss your family? They're there! JICNY changes your life, the only question is how can you give back to such a great organization! For my part, I'd like to start by thanking all the great volunteers and tell them how grateful I am for them to be there for us! Keep up the amazing work!
The JICNY Group is one of the very first Nonprofit organizations I have been deeply involved with and I love it! I am a non-Jewish woman of a Chinese Jamaican Canadian desent. I have been embraced by this group and I try to give as much back to the group as they give to me support, knowledge in the various events the organization has put together. I invest my time in participating in the Phone-a-thons to raise money, seminars, workshops, attend the yearly galas and I witness first hand the people they join together who end up sharing their lives together here in New York!
An amazing organization that creates classes and events for foreign Jews living in NYC. This is where knowledge thirsty foreign Jews go to fill their expansively growing need to connect to their heritage and socialize amongst their own people.
the jicny brings together people from all over the world to learn and meet eachother. i really enjoyed how passionate the teachers were about what they were saying, they obviously believe what they say.
