For many young adults, finding meaningful Jewish connection can be challenging. Through our Young Adult Division (YAD) programs like Shuksburgh, we’re creating opportunities for Jewish young adults to build community, celebrate their identity and strengthen their connection to Israel.

On May 29, more than 100 young adults ages 22 to 45 gathered in Squirrel Hill for Shuksburgh, a shuk (market)-themed evening filled with food, conversation and Jewish joy.

The event featured a conversation with Ben Siman-Tov (@BenGingi), an Israeli-American chef, cookbook author, restaurateur and proud Zionist whose social media content reaches more than one million followers. Ben shared his personal journey, his passion for Israeli cuisine and the importance of living openly and proudly as a Jew.

Guests enjoyed appetizers in a festive marketplace atmosphere before sitting down to a kosher Israeli dinner. Throughout the evening, attendees connected with friends, met new people and experienced the power of gathering as a Jewish community.

"Shuksburgh was such an accomplishment for the Federation. So many of my friends are involved in different facets of Jewish life and don’t typically interact, and it was delightful to see so many of them in the same place! Everyone was happy to be there and happy to make space for new people, and it was a really beautiful entry to Shabbat."

-Danie Oberman

Shuksburgh was one of more than 60 YAD events hosted this year, each designed to help young adults find community, deepen Jewish engagement and build lasting connections. These experiences are made possible through donor support of the Federation’s Community Campaign.

By investing in young adult engagement today, our community is helping ensure a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come.

That's connection.
That's pride.
That's Federation.