This past Friday night was a huge milestone for our organization. To kick off spring semester in the spirit of Jewish solidarity, we held a JGO Shabbat Across America with big Shabbat dinners simultaneously in five different cities – drawing a record 704 grad students and alumni in LA, Chicago, DC, Philly and NYC!

We divided up the cities among our talented JGO staff and I chose New York (although I’ve lived in LA for 18 years, I’ll always be a New Yorker at heart). I rarely leave my family for Shabbat, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to experience this important JGO Shabbat dinner in my hometown. So, I flew out with 3 of our daughters then dropped them off for sleepovers at their camp friends in Jersey while I headed over to Manhattan for Shabbat.

I expected about 100 grad students to show up. To my surprise, 340 students and alumni showed up! I met so many new people who were coming to show support and connect to the Jewish community, some of them for the first time in their lives. Since October 7 and the rise of antisemitism on campus, so many young people are actively seeking out Jewish connection and students are coming out in droves to JGO programs.

A few years back I started a tradition: whenever I attend one of these events, I do my best to work the room and inspire and build relationships with as many people as possible. But I always try to identify one person who looks uncomfortable and devote time to making them feel included.

My eyes fell upon one student who was wearing what I could only describe as a Rambo headband. Why was he wearing a Rambo headband at a grad students Shabbat dinner in the middle of the Upper East Side? Maybe it was a new fashion thing? I was curious. I decided to keep my tradition and quickly approached him.

Rambo proceeded to tell me that this was his first Shabbat in years. When he saw our Shabbat dinner advertised on his campus, he felt that this was a good time to finally connect to his Jewish roots before he graduated in June. I spent about 15 minutes talking to my new friend. Why the Rambo headband? I still have no idea, but I'm happy he came regardless!

Walking back to my hotel in the frigid New York night, I felt warm inside knowing that JGO exists and is successfully providing Jewish community for so many different types of grad students and alumni, connecting them to our beautiful traditions. No matter their fashion sense or where they stand politically or religiously, now is the time for us to welcome those who are inspired to connect meaningfully to their heritage. Together we will help each one of those students nurture the Jewish roots within them. Even Rambo.

My very best,

Dave