By Pini Steiner
The popular “CHYE L8 Huddle” business empowerment event has arrived in Jerusalem!
On a cold and rainy Wednesday evening, tens of young Jerusalemites made their way to the Nachlaot municipality building to gain inspiration, insight and empowerment in the quest for Parnosoh.
Seeds for the event were planted more than a month ago, during a phone-call with CHYE and L8 Director Rabbi Yehoshua Werde and leader of the LYJ community in Yerushalayim, Yisrael New. After describing the wonderful benefits such an event has brought to countless other communities, Yisrael says that the decision to go for it was a “no-brainer.”
Rabbi Werde explained the impetus to make this event happen, “We’ve done these events across the US, and with the growing Jerusalem Anglo community, it was time to bring the huddle to Yerushalayim.”
A group of talented young professionals assembled, a venue and compelling topics were quickly identified, the effort was in motion!
At the event, attendees were met with a delicious spread of pastries, fresh salad and yummy vegetable soup exceptionally coordinated by Batsheva Davidoff, originally from the UK. With food in their bellies and warm guitar playing in the background by musician Zalmy Cohen, the sound of happy people conversing got progressively louder.
Tzvi Shapiro, founder of First Israel, led off the program with an inspiring fireside conversation highlighting hard-work, resilience and faith in Hashem. Following the keynote, the audience dispersed into four separate roundtables led by an awesome cast of experienced business leaders and personalities:
Zalman Olive, founder of Zalman’s Chef hotdogs, an international Kosher food chain, led a vibrant discussion on how to build a business in Eretz Yisrael
Yosef Gutman Levitt, an tech entrepreneur and talented musician shared insight on how to identify your career.
Danielle Renov, renowned food-blogger and author of the acclaimed cookbook “Peas, Love & Carrots,” inspired many with her experience of finding Hashem in her work, and how her cooking has brought Judaism to so many.
Shmueli Bell, graphic designer specializing in the use of AI and other innovative technology, gave tips to many eager listeners on marketing and how to grow your freelance business.
All-in-all, the experience was very rewarding!. Young men and women got to network, hear and engage successful business people.
“It was a sincere pleasure to share my experiences with the young entrepreneurs,” commented Zalman. “My hope, G-d willing, is that our discussion will shorten their path to financial success and security!”
