Oshman Family JCC and Hillel at Stanford Name New Manager of ENGAJ Program

Hillel at Stanford and the Oshman Family JCC are pleased to announce the hiring of Jed Rich as the first manager of the ENGAJ program, a collaboration between the two organizations.

ENGAJ (Engaging the Next Generation of Adult Jews) seeks to build new and diverse networks and program opportunities for Silicon Valley Jewish graduate students and young adults.

This program is generously funded by a three year grant from the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation’s Impact Grant Initiative.

Rich is enthusiastic about coming onboard.

“I am thrilled to spark new opportunities for young professionals and graduate students in Silicon Valley to connect with each other and pursue their passions,” he said. “ENGAJ will offer salons with thought leaders, dynamic leadership training sessions, lively networking events, and more.”

Rich cites the changing generational landscape as driving new initiatives like ENGAJ.

“Today’s younger Jews express their Judaism in exciting ways that often diverge from the approach of their parents,” he explains. “ENGAJ will help foster that expression while at the same time bringing young Jewish adults from diverse professional and social networks together.”

The joint partnership is the first of its kind, but Rich says “our ultimate aspiration is to scale ENGAJ to other cities.” Rich is currently recruiting for the first cohort of ENGAJ fellows, and welcomes meeting young adults who might be interested in joining. He can be reached atjrich@paloaltojcc.org.

Rich recently moved back to the Bay Area from Tel Aviv, where he explored how Jewish ethics can inform social action at BINA Secular Yeshiva, the Museum of the Jewish People, and the Center for the Blind. He previously worked as a litigator at Morrison and Foerster’s San Francisco office.

A graduate of Stanford Law School and Stanford University, Rich served on the Hillel at Stanford Jewish student board.

Rich grew up in Naples, Florida and also lived in Marin, Cleveland, and New Jersey in his youth. An avid fan of Sam Cooke’s music and Mel Brooks’ humor, he is eager to combine his interests in Judaism, ethics, and global social justice to engage graduate students and young professionals in Silicon Valley.

About the Oshman Family JCC

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs. The OFJCC is a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome and which fosters new personal and community connections through rich and rewarding experiences. The OFJCC provides a common ground for Jewish institutions, other local groups, organizations and individuals to work, learn and play together for the betterment of the whole community. The OFJCC’s registered trademark is Live Fully®. For more information, visit www.paloaltojcc.org or call (650) 223-8700.

About Hillel at Stanford

Hillel at Stanford is the home for Jewish life at Stanford University. Our mission is to empower Jewish students at Stanford to explore and deepen their Jewish identities, and to envision their futures with choices inspired by Jewish values and commitments. Leveraging the distinction of Stanford University and the global impact of our graduates, Hillel enriches the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. Programs range from Shabbat and holiday celebrations, to Israel advocacy and education, social justice programs and arts and cultural programs. Hillel at Stanford is a non-profit organization distinct from Stanford, with a prominent national board of directors, including students, faculty, Stanford administrators, alumni and parents.

--Image and info courtesy of Oshman Family JCC