Kugel’s President Simone Weichselbaum is a product of an interfaith marriage between an Orthodox Jewish father and an Episcapalian mother. She’s undergone not one but two Orthodox conversions: one at the age of 7, and a giyur l’chumra a few years ago. Due to Simone’s background, Kugel believes that a big part of Jewish community-building revolves around family.  We openly promote the importance of halachically Jewish unions. Also, as half-Jamaican, Simone ensures that Kugel is a place where diversity is the norm, rather than the exception.

CEO Yossi Rosenberg, raised religious and Yeshiva-schooled until the age of 19, is no longer fully observant. He saw a need to build space for those who also have a strong affinity for the traditions, yet at the same time, don’t adhere to the many details and laws that came with the frum label. In order to promote this type of inclusivity, Kugel respects the laws of Shabbat and Kashrut during all of our events. Although a typical Kugel event attracts Jews who aren’t religious, we want all Jews — from the fully observant to those who are new to Jewish thought — to feel welcome.