Jconnect Seattle

Initially founded in 2000 by the University of Washington Hillel, Jconnect serves post- graduate, Seattle-based Jews in their 20s and early 30s. Independent since 2003, Jconnect has become a “one-stop-shop” that offers five pillars of Jewish life, including social justice, religion and spirituality, arts and culture, Jewish education and social programming. Jconnect believes that “this population’s general lack of involvement in existing Jewish communal institutions is not because of their disinterest in Jewish life, but rather a reflection of their desire for models of community that are more acutely in tune with their particular social, educational and spiritual needs.” 

A creative and capable programmatic team focuses --one sta  member on each of the  ve pillars-- to turn out 30 content-rich events per month. From small Jewish learning circles for Microsoft employees to klezmer and hip-hop holiday events that draw hundreds, Jconnect’s programmatic staff are also members of their target audience and therefore have their fingers on the pulses of their peers—perhaps one of the reasons they have succeeded in reaching 43% of the 6,500 Jews in the local market between the ages of 21 and 32. 

Beyond its own events, Jconnect introduces participants to synagogues and other local Jewish community groups that meet their needs. This is particularly important for the 50% of their population that come from intermarried families and often need help connecting with Jewish organizations. While Jconnect is uniquely attuned to the Seattle milieu, the issues it highlights and the programs with which it responds are applicable across North America. This organization is one from which to learn.