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Hi, I’m Allison Josephs

People call me “Jew in the City,” but Jew in the City is so much more than one person!

Our Mission

To learn more about the JITC Hollywood Bureau for Jewish Representation, visit JITCHollywoodBureau.org

Jew in the City began as a YouTube channel in 2005, the moniker coined to mimic another popular YouTube channel at the time – LonelyGirl15. What has developed as a leading voice in the Jewish world, over the last two decades, is a deeper meaning to the name. To be a Jew in the City, is to be able to fully lean into one’s Jewishness with pride and confidence while engaging with the larger world. As so much of the hatred and misunderstandings about Jews center around traditional Jewish practice, history, homeland, traditional readings of the Torah and Orthodox Jews, Jew in the City (a 501(c)3) is the only nonprofit dedicated to changing negative perceptions of religious Jews and making engaging and meaningful Orthodox Judaism known and accessible. This is achieved by highlighting an approach based on kindness, tolerance, sincerity, and critical thinking.

Painful experiences within the Orthodox world, caused by dysfunction and ignorance have tarnished the opinions of a sizable minority of insiders who find themselves Jewishly displaced. These traumatic versions of Orthodoxy then get amplified in modern day media and entertainment without the much needed nuance they require. This results in a distorted public perception of Orthodox Jews and Judaism, pushing less observant Jews away, creating shame around being Jewish, and fueling antisemitism.

Jew in the City addresses these challenges on every level:

  • Repairing systemic issues from within – through our Tikun branch
  • Rehabilitating and re-educating disenfranchised Haredi Jews – through our Makom branch
  • Holding traditional media accountable for accurate reporting and depictions of Jews through its Hollywood Bureau and creating original positive Orthodox content – through our Keter branch.

Our programs cause Jews to lean into their Judaism, create Jewish pride, and reduce antisemitism, bringing about lasting change for generations to come.

Keter is the media arm and the original branch of JITC that restores the good name of Orthodox Jews and Judaism. With our reach of over 1 million people every month around the world, we are able to be present in the areas where most negativity takes place, reversing stereotypes, negative associations, and antisemitism. Moreover, we are further able to inspire less observant Jews (both those raised secular and those who left observance) to explore their heritage, motivating them to reconsider their relationship to Judaism as well as strengthen already religious Jews. The result of these efforts creates tolerant understanding in families, social, and professional settings. Keter wouldn’t be as impactful if it were not working in tandem with the Makom and Tikun branches of JITC.

Launched in 2014 as a result of the positive impact of Keter, which led ex-hasidic Jews to ask for our help, Makom helps disenfranchised Haredi Jews find a positive place in Orthodoxy. Social events, educational classes, Shabbos placement, Shabbatons, and one-on-one encouragement is offered to those seeking support. We call this moving from darkness to light and allows JITC to move from discussing the conflicts within the lives of members to finding solutions to them. Through hundreds of events and classes, we have been able to transform the lives of countless Makom members in a positive way. This would not be possible without the positive impact of Keter and Tikun branches of JITC.

In 2015 we began a grassroots initiative to address unhealthy upbringings and systemic issues within the Orthodox community. It became clear through our work at Makom that we needed to further expand and partner with communal leaders and organizations to diminish the frequency of problems arising from within the Orthodox community and schools. These projects became the Tikun branch. Tikun repairs systemic issues  within the Orthodox Jewish community to prevent Jews from being displaced and negative media from being created. Out of respect and privacy to those involved, the majority of our efforts cannot be publicized, but are broken down into school issues, home issues and issues in both school and home. JITC continues to leverage efforts from the Keter and Makom branches making Tikun an essential part of generational change, with the understanding that if something is broken, it can be fixed.

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Our Team

Allison Josephs

Founder and Executive Director

Allison Josephs has been involved in the field of Jewish education for over twenty years and is the Partner in Torah mentor to actress Mayim Bialik. Variety named her as an advocate for inclusivity in the entertainment industry in its 2022 Inclusion Impact Report. Allison has been quoted or written about in numerous publications, including Variety, Newsweek, Daily Mail, Vanity Fair, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, People Magazine, NYPost, Daily News, TMZ, The Daily Beast, and Hollywood Reporter. She has appeared on numerous television and radio networks including CBS, ABC, Chris Cuomo’s News Nation, Fox5, TLC, Associate Press TV, and NPR; her articles have appeared in publications including Variety, The Washington Post, NYPost, Daily News, JTA, Jewish Week, Jerusalem Post, and The Forward.

Pearson Education, the largest textbook company in the world, produced a video segment on Allison’s life for the Judaism chapter of their textbook. She is a sought-after international lecturer who has spoken at Congress  and whose corporate clients include Con-Edison and NYU Langone and hosts a weekly podcast on the Nachum Segal Network. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University in Philosophy and lives with her husband and four children minutes from the George Washington Bridge.

Tammy Friedman

Director of Operations

Tammy started her career in finance, working as a credit analyst in JPMorgan Chase’s middle market group. She enjoyed the team aspect of her job and helping clients achieve their financial goals but lacked passion for the industry. During a long hiatus to focus on her children, Tammy volunteered for a variety of Jewish nonprofits and put her organizational and creative skills to use running her school’s PTA for several years. Tammy enjoys modest fashion, historical fiction and any good food she doesn’t have to cook herself. She earned a BA at Barnard in Economics.

Bonnie Schwartz Nolan

Program & Financial Analyst

Bonnie is an experienced finance and operations professional who has managed projects in industries ranging from technology start-ups to summer camps. She specializes in creating stable financial infrastructure and using data analytics in both the for-profit and non-profit industries. She’s an expert in SalesForce and Quickbooks and has swum the English Channel. She earned an MBA from Columbia Business School, a BA from Johns Hopkins in Economics, and is pursuing a second Masters in Accounting from Baruch.

Cindy Kaplan

Consultant, JITC Hollywood Bureau

Kaplan is an award-winning writer/producer and directed multiple short documentaries for NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change. She is the co-founder of Hollywood Resumes, a career services business dedicated to entertainment industry professionals and spent 8 years at Endeavor-owned agency Signal Entertainment Marketing, where she executed brand integrations with Disney, Paramount, and other major production partners. Previously, she worked at Kids at Play, where she wrote and produced content for Disney Jr., Yahoo!, VEVO, and Electus, and managed a development slate of reality series. Originally from Brooklyn, she graduated from the Yeshivah of Flatbush and Brandeis University with a BA in American Studies, Creative Writing, and Journalism.

Alex Abel

Editor-in-Chief, Keter

Alex is an editor, writer and content creator. Most recently she served as the Editor-in-Chief of 2.0, Mishpacha’s business magazine. Before that she was the News Editor at People Style where she covered entertainment, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. She has interviewed dozens of celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Hudson, and Melissa McCarthy. She’s worked and created partnerships with influencers, hosted and produced videos and managed the brand’s social media accounts. Previously, she worked as an assistant editor at Seventeen. Her work has also appeared on POPSUGAR.com, People.com, Time.com, SHAPE and the website she launched, Chai on Life, which profile and highlights inspirational Jewish women. She is a graduate of Binghamton University with a degree in English.

Ben Michals

Social Media Manager

Ben Michals is a creative producer and content developer with experience in technology, music production, and social media. With a combined TikTok and Instagram following of nearly 200,000, Ben has fist-hand experience producing meaningful content to build an online community. Thought his career, Ben has collaborated with industry leaders such as Google, Instagram, HBO, and Reddit, contributing through impactful content creation. His work has been featured in digital outlets such as Buzzfeed and 9Gag. Ben holds degrees in both Computer Science and Music from Brown University and also serves as producer at Trivium Interactive in Boston.

Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

Educational Correspondent, Keter

Jack Abramowitz is the editor of OU Torah www.ou.org/torah. Among the many educational initiatives he has created over the years are the Orthodox Union’s Nach Yomi – a daily chapter of study followed by thousands worldwide – and NCSY’s “Torah on One Foot” series. He is the author of six books, including The Tzniyus Book and The Taryag Companion. For more Q&A, follow his new video series, Ask Rabbi Jack, on YouTube.

Elie Gabor

Director of Photography, Keter

Elie is the Creative Director and owner of Elie Creative LLC. With a dual degree in film and photography from The Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, and over 18 years of photography and video production experience behind him, Elie has produced work for numerous corporations, non-profits and schools, including NBC, Hilton, Yeshiva University, The Maccabeats, and many more. Elie also enjoys creating stories from precious moments in people’s lives. Working with Jew in the City allows Elie to express his creative side and have a little fun with it. Action!

Chaya Teitelbaum

Graphic Designer, Keter

Chaya is the founder and creative director of Teitel Creative. With close to 10 years of experience in design and marketing Chaya combines her knowledge, inspiration and keen eye for detail to provide custom design solutions along with the highest levels of customer service in the industry. Chaya’s obsession with logo design and deep understanding of branding and identity development makes her the go-to designer for any startup

Zeldy Trieff

Program Director of Makom, Certified Mental Health Coach

Zeldy grew up in a very close and tight-knit chasidish community in Brooklyn. She yearned to find her spiritual individuality and gain a deeper emotional and intellectual understanding of G-d. Zeldy became a certified life coach in order to help others find the same happiness she was able to find on her journey. In her spare time, Zeldy loves to dance and exercise. Before Makom she taught children in a local Jewish school. Zeldy lives in North Jersey with her husband and four beautiful children

Ben Madsen

Director of Member Services, Makom

Ben Madsen is a school psychologist at a Yeshiva High School in New Jersey. He grew up in a Reform/Conservative Jewish community in Boston, Massachusetts. After encountering his Jewish identity as a young adult at Tufts University, he decided to expand his Jewish education after finishing his college degree in Clinical Psychology at Tufts University in 2013. After two years in yeshiva, Ben met his wife, they got married, and they spent a year in Israel learning Torah in Yerushalayim. They returned to the states so Ben could pursue his dream of becoming a therapist. In grad school at Rutgers, Ben learned experientially in four different school settings and a clinic in New Jersey, all while taking classes and being an active member of the Edison Chabura, run by Rabbi Billowitz. Beyond his professional interests, he likes biking with his kids, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and hosting fire-pit kumzitses in his back yard.

 

Tzophia Stepansky

Intake Coordinator, Makom

Tzophia Stepansky graduated Yeshiva University with a double major in Judaic Studies and Psychology. She feels passionate about both subjects which is why she is currently in a full-time program, GPATS, dedicated to learning Torah at an advanced level for Orthodox women. She also plans to pursue her passion of psychology by training to be a therapist. Tzophia loves broadening her horizons by meeting people from all walks of life, which is why she loves conversing with people about their lives and traveling to see other cultures.

Anna Yolkut

Follow-Up Coordinator, Makom

Anna Yolkut spends most of her time in her other roles as Judaic teacher, community rebbetzin, wife and mother. She is the daughter of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, and she was raised with a strong Jewish identity, if not a fully observant lifestyle. As a young teen, inspired by her extended Lubavitch family, as well as local friends in her NJ suburb, with the help of NCSY, she embarked on a journey towards a fully immersive, committed, halachic lifestyle. That journey included time studying in Israel as well as a degree from Yeshiva University. She has been involved in Jewish education in one way or another ever since. Anna is passionate about the idea of Orthodox Judaism as a big tent with room for many different approaches to serving G-d. She loves raising her family in Pittsburgh, PA, a Jewish community that does its best to embody that idea.

Nechuma Schweitzer

Follow-Up Coordinator, Makom

Nechuma works as a school reading specialist in Brooklyn and maintains a private practice. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham method and holds an MS in special education. Nechuma was raised in a Hasidic community and at the age of 25 found herself on journey of redefining her Judaism and connection to God. She now lives as a modern Orthodox Jew in Brooklyn. Nechuma brings the experience of her journey to Makom, a branch of Jew in the City which helps disenfranchised Haredi Jews find a positive place in Judaism. In her spare time, Nechuma enjoys traveling, hiking and being surrounded by nature.

Our Board

Mayer Fertig

Board Member

Mayer Fertig is a communications and public relations executive who served in senior communications roles at the American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, the Orthodox Union, and Yeshiva University. Earlier, he was a journalist in both print and broadcast media, including as managing editor of WCBS Newsradio 880 in New York City, and publisher and editor of a weekly newspaper on Long Island called The Jewish Star. He co-founded a volunteer ambulance corps and serves at his synagogue both as a member of the board of directors and on the congregation’s security team.

Mark Hager

Board Member

An entrepreneur turned angel investor, Mark has been investing in early-stage ventures full time for the last 5 years. He founded Regah Ventures to invest in visionary entrepreneurs who are transforming the world and improving lives. Mark’s deep network in the VC community and startup venture space has propelled Regah Ventures to amass an impressive track record including 51 portfolio investments, 13 exits, and 7 unicorns. According to PitchBook’s “2018 Unicorn Report”, Mark is listed as one of the top unicorn investors at the seed stage

 

Elliot Press

Board Member

Elliot Press is a Partner on the Private Transactions team at Deerfield Management Company, a healthcare investment firm located in New York City. Elliot joined Deerfield in 2016 to work on structured transactions for the Deerfield Funds. Prior to joining Deerfield, Elliot was a Partner in the corporate department at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where he practiced for 20 years and co-headed the New York securities group. At the firm, he represented investors and issuers in various public company investment transactions, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions and other securities-related transactions and advised investors and issuers on various securities law-related issues. Elliotreceived a B.A. from Yeshiva University, a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and an M.B.A. from Fordham Graduate School of Business Administration.

Michael Sage, Esq.

Board Member

Michael Sage is a founding partner of Sozo Investment Partners LLC (SIP) and is a well-respected bankruptcy lawyer for over thirty years. Michael is an active member of his community and recently received the Community Leadership Award by the Jewish Family Service of Clifton/Passaic, NJ. Prior to SIP, Michael was the co-chair of the Dechert LLP’s financial restructuring practice. Michael is a member of the Board of Contributors of The Bankruptcy Strategist and has authored several bankruptcy related articles appearing in Practicing Law Institute publications. He is also a contributing author of Contested Valuation in Corporate Bankruptcy: A Collier Monograph, “Value Allocation,” (2011). Michael received his law degree from Emory University, with Honors, and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont.

Daniella Wrubel

Board Member

Daniella Wrubel is the founder of Saribelle Skincare, an all-natural skin care line for kids and tweens. She launched this business in 2016. Her products are currently sold on Target.com, Amazon.com, and her own ecommerce website Saribelle.com. She lives in Tenafly, NJ with her husband and three children. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 1991. Prior to owning her own business, she was a yoga and wellness instructor for Bristol Meyers Squibb, Johnson and Johnson, and The Mind Body Wellness Center in Summit, NJ.

Herman Friedman

Board Member

Herman Friedman is a dynamic entrepreneur with almost two decades of start-up success in multiple industries. Launched in 2018, he is the founder and president of QRM (Quality Rehab Management), servicing 35 states. Previously, he was the founder and president of BluePax Pharma, licensed distributor and wholesaler of generic pharmaceutical products. He was also the founder and former president of Apra International LLC, a manufacturer and distributor of premium fragrance celebrity lines for mass markets. In addition to his professional achievements, he has made a broader impact as one of the first visionaries to lobby for prison reform through the First Step Act, which passed in 2018. Though hailing from the hasidic community, Herman is passionate about all Orthodox Jews making a kiddush hashem in society and he is committed to eliminating division within the Jewish community.

Our Advisory Board

Joyce Azria

Board Member

Joyce Azria is the founder and CEO of Aven Les Filles which debuted its apparel collection to 155 Macy’s stores in February. Prior to that, she was the Creative Director of BCBGeneration. In her five years leading the company, she took it to over a quarter billion dollars and brought it to over two hundred locations–spanning twenty-nine states. They partnered with Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Mike Sweica

Board Member

Mike Swieca helps manage alternative investments at Talpion Fund Management, a private investment firm based in NYC. He has a BA in Middle Eastern & Asian History from Northwestern University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. He is also on the board of his family’s philanthropic foundation which supports a number of Jewish and Israel related causes.

Sarah Hofstetter

Board Member

Sarah Hofstetter is the president of Profitero. Before that she was the president of Comscore and the Global CEO of 360i, a firm which was named No. 2 on Ad Age’s Agency A-List as well as Mashable’s best Digital Agency of 2013. Her clients included Coca-Cola, Ben and Jerry’s, Oreo, Verizon and HBO. Hofstetter has won numerous industry honors, including being named to Ad Age’s “40 Under 40” for 2013 and CableFAX’s Digital Hot List. She has been honored as a “Social Media All-Star” by the Social Media Society and as one 2012’s Female Advertising Executives of the Year at The Stevie Awards.

Testimonials

People are learning and becoming observant due to Jew in the City.

I grew up in Atlanta and attended Yeshiva Atlanta for high school. I came from a relatively religious family, but I knew that I wanted something more, I always felt like something was missing. One day while sitting in class we discovered your youtube videos and they did amazing things for us. We used to sit there (while we were supposed to be learning Nach) and watch them, they truly opened up a world for me that I hadn’t really ever experienced and showed me what I could aspire to. Thanks to you, our parents, and many, many other positive Jewish leaders in our lives, 9 out of 14 girls in my grade ended up attending amazing Seminaries in Israel – schools that had been unheard of before in the Atlanta Jewish community. I just wanted to let you know what an impact you had on my community before you ever got there (I graduated a few years ago) and how happy I am and how much hope I have for the future generations now that you are actually visiting. Please continue to do the incredible and life changing things that you do and please realize how much you can affect one small Jewish school for the better.

C.F.

I have to tell you something about your video about headcovering–my husband and I had decided that we wanted to move towards more observance, but hadn’t really taken any big steps. And then I saw your video and it made such perfect sense; I started covering my hair full-time, and that one mitzvah has snowballed to tzniut, Shabbat, taharat hamishpacha, having a kosher kitchen. And it all started with your video and covering my hair so that it would be only for my husband.

Michelle

I love your site. You have deeply affected my life and helped me become more observant. Thank you so much. I can’t wait until your next episode!

Jaclyn S.

The road to JITC has been an incredible one. I was raised in a non-kosher, conservative jewish home as a “3 day” Jew. I thank you for rekindling my faith, as I have become more observant, daven with tefillin, and now practice regularly!

Anon

After seeing your Shabbat video I was very inspired to keep observing today, instead of skipping a day and then two and so on…it’s not an easy process, so thanks! 🙂

Galit

Honestly you have changed the way I look at Orthodox people, I used to think they were so much different, weirdly enough ! And I kinda secretly (like no one knows this) but I feel like I’d want to be more religious when grow up.

R

“Whew! You have really opened my eyes to a lot. I am actually going to start studying with my local rebbetzin. Much of that has to do with you.”

Barri

Your blog has such value. You are a huge positive influence for me becoming observant. You make it accessible.

Hannah

I’m fifteen years old and about 6 months ago I was online and I was searching along the lines of what Judaism is about. I was raised reform so I knew nothing really about Judaism. Anyways, I came across JITC thanks to Hashem, and I stayed up all night watched all of them went on your website, etc. I was starting to get really interested in our faith and realized how extremely beautiful it is and how finding G-d can change your life. I just started on my spiritual journey, and my life has changed so much. I go to a secular school, live in a non-kosher home, I keep shabbos by myself, been starting to dress modestly. My family is noticing a change and I think they think I am someone who is weird and has lost their mind, when really I am just a girl who is finally happy because I found purpose to life. Thank you for all you do, its amazing.

Sarah

I am very thankful you have made this information available. I am trying to determine where I belong and the direction of my life. In seeking a more connected life with Judaism I keep looking for ways to understand it and make it relevant in my life when for so long is has not been. Your journey is helping me start my journey in my search for a connection.

D. L.

Dear Jew In the City, Thank you for your videos. They are fantastic. I went to the synagogue for the first time in my life last evening for Shabbat, and it was fantastic. I’m going to continue to go, and practice the faith of my forefathers. Thank you for educating me and making me laugh with your videos!

R. M.

I just found your site and am now on your mailing list. I am so excited after reading some of your articles and watching a few videos to get started in my path to becoming more observant. I am going to put in a call into our AISH rabbi’s wife to come and help me to having a kosher kitchen. Thank you so much. I hope some day you will come to Minneapolis

M. N.

Thank you for your posts and your blog. Your writings have had a big influence on me becoming more observant, including keeping Shabbat and me going to Mikvah. These have added meaning to the lives of me and my family. Thank you!

Kelsi

About two years ago, one of my friends told me about Jew in the City, and it has truly changed my life. I’ve read many of her blogposts, seen her videos and was in awe. Jew in the City was one of the people who inspired me to become more religious. She sparked my love for Judaism and created a new perspective of what it meant to walk with Hashem. Since the first time I saw a Jew in the City’s video (the one about Olam Ha’ba), I now go to an Orthodox shul, daven Shacharit daily, keep Shabbos, tsniut, and Kol Isha, and am working on becoming shomer negiah. Because of Jew in the City’s enlightenment, I will G-d willing be going to seminary next year. I would’ve never been inspired to become a ba’alat teshuva without Jew in the City. Thank you, Jew in the City, for changing my life.

R. L.

People's perception about Orthodox Jews and Judaism are changing

As a Reform Jew, I am not a shamed to admit *I* need to see videos like this that give me a deeper view into Orthodox Judaism.

T. L.

As a Jew myself.. I am guilty of assuming the stereotypes of the Orthodox community. Very enlightening! I think a lot of people.. even myself ..thought of the orthodox community as being very seclusive.

R. Z.

You’re the best!! You’ve really shown me an alternative look into a different side of my own people that I was very ignorant about before!

Anon

just watched all your videos in a row… I love them! I love JITC! It has me thinking about orthodox judaism in a whole new way and I’m eager to learn more. Thanks for your amazing work! I didn’t know there was so much beauty.

A. M.

Non-observant family members are better understanding and accepting the ba’alei teshuva in their family due to Jew in the City.

I love Jew In The City!!! I’m a senior college student with a secular family and a very religious sister. I’ve been sending JITC episodes to my dad and aunt to help them better understand my sister’s Jewish decision. Thanks for tackling things that can be really tough to explain!

Mary

I am so happy I found JITC, not only is it hilarious, it has also sincerely strengthened the relationship between me and my mother. I have recently become observant. Its been difficult to explain to my parents why I love Judaism & why I choose to follow certain laws now, however, JITC has been a great medium of explaining the Jewish faith that we never truly understood. JITC, you’re doing a great mitzvah!

Will

Don’t tell my ba’al teshuva sister that I watch your videos to try to understand her better, it might give her a big head 😉 haha

Tammy

Those who left observance are being encouraged to re-examine Orthodoxy due to Jew in the City.

I tend to have a hard time hearing ‘the laws’ and the ‘shoulds’ and the ‘musts’..but I have to say, your wit and humor in getting these messages across got me listening..I watched every video on Youtube and immensely enjoyed each one. Looking forward to more of your stuff..thanks for doing the ‘Work’ you are doing; Jew in the City… is definitely on to something BIG. 🙂

Mindy

I’m a formerly Orthodox person who is now sorta…nothing and seeing your videos does make me more open to Shabbos dinners with family and trying to keep kosher again. Keep up the great work!

Elke

Being off the derech (having left the fold) i have my own issues with orthodoxy, but i very much appreciate what you are doing… just wanted you to know even our OTD community thinks youre pretty great…ill be honest, there have been posts that made me rethink my inobservance.

R. S

The observant are getting strengthened to continue observing due to Jew in the City.

Love your videos (especially the one about hair covering) – can’t wait for more! I often feel like a fish out of water covering my hair here in a city where there are only a few frum families – your video gave me chizuk to continue!

Elisheva

I wanted to thank you for all the support you have given me recently. I used to be ashamed of the fact that I had to wear a kippa and tzitzit, and having to keep kosher and shabbos, and pretty most all things that would hold me back from excelling in my career. Because of your awesome website, especially the All-Star Video, I have realized that being orthodox in no way will hold me back from my carrer, but actually helps it. It has given me so much inspiration, both in regards to my career and my religious observance. If there is anything that I can do to help the awesome cause of Jew in the City, please don’t hesitate to ask. It would be an honor to give back to all the inspiration you have given me. Forever Grateful

Y. S.

Non-Jews are better understanding and appreciating Orthodox Jews and Judaism due to Jew in the City

I’m a Christian… I love JITC because it helps me to learn more about a culture I know basically nothing about. I’m a college student and, in part because of the curiosity about other faiths that your work instilled in me, I’m a religious studies minor. I want you to know that you are making a difference not only in the lives of Jews, but in the lives of gentiles as well.

Anon

Just wanted to thank you for sharing your light through your `{`YouTube`}` channel. I was going through a few rough patches in life, but your videos really helped me to get through them and in the process they helped me to develop on my own spiritual path. As a Sikh I saw that so many of the concepts transferred between our faiths (ie. covering our heads, etc.). Anyway, just wanted to thank you and wish you and your family a very blessed Chanukah. Keep that light shining! God knows we need all the light we can get.

M. S.

Hey I really enjoy watching your Videos. I’m Christian (not really religious though) and I live in Switzerland where most of the jews are ultraorthodox so they appear a little odd to Christians at first sight… But watching your blog brought me a whole diffrent perspective. Most of the Mizwas that appeared pretty silly to me made actually a lot of sense after your explanation… Thanks for opening up my mind! Keep up with the good work!

L. N.

I live near a large Hasidic Jewish community and have had a lot of questions and misjudgments about them. I just love watching your videos because they help answer my questions! God bless!

Molly

I am from a different world, a different religion, and when I say different, I mean it… I am an Arab, a Muslim who totally respects you and admires you and I mean it with all my heart. You are in a quest to break down stereotypes… and no matter how each of our backgrounds fear the other and view each other as the bad people, I am here to tell you, you have made me understand more and respect more.

Your Fan

from Kuwait

Hey Jew in the City, I am a 21 year old, Christian girl, from Canada! I just wanted to thank you for writing such wonderful articles! I enjoy reading about your devotion and commitment to your faith! I may not be Jewish, but seeing your faith has encouraged me in areas of modesty, reverence, and boldness in my own faith journey. God Bless 🙂

Rachel

Awards

Jewish Week’s 36 Under 36 in 2013

NJOP’s Top Ten Jewish Influencers in 2012

ROI Community Member

Rabbinic Approval

Allison Josephs, founder and director of Jew in the City, has an unusual gift of an ability to explain and clarify Torah concepts analytically yet humorously, genuinely yet non- threateningly, deeply yet refreshingly, and perhaps most important of all, non-apologetically. She has created an entire niche through her online posts and videos. Though Jew in the City’s mission is to break down stereotypes about Orthodox Jews to the non-Orthodox Jewish world, I personally believe that the Orthodox world can also greatly benefit from Jew in the City: the Modern Orthodox, the unlabeled uninspired Orthodox Jew, and even, and perhaps especially, Yeshiva and Bais Yaakov students and graduates who do not really understand what they are doing. Her work is remarkably good, and my hope is that she continues writing these posts and making these videos, as they are undoubtedly helping many people, helping the Jewish people, and creating a Kiddush HaShem.

Rabbi Chaim Malinowitz

Editor of the Artscroll Talmud

Allison Josephs, founder and director of Jew in the City, is a bright new star in the Orthodox world. Her enthusiasm for Torah living is infectious. I’ve consistently been impressed with the way she handles and explains some of the most sensitive topics within Orthodoxy, like family planning, homosexuality, conversions, and more.

Rabbi Steven Weil

Executive Vice President of the OU

I just wanted to say that you are doing an incredible job! Keep up your amazing work! I just posted your website on my facebook!

Rabbi Avraham Lehr

Chabad rabbi of the Chai Center

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