Couples Connection
JICNY has many programs for couples in our community. From Holiday events to couples classes JICNY offers couples a social outlet in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Meet JICNY Couples
Jake and Megan Kluger are pictured on the left. They are from South Africa and Texas and were married on January 2, 2005. They first met in Hebrew school when in the sixth grade! They met for the second time when they were 22 and doing bukkur cholim. They have had countless memorable experiences with JICNY including fun brunches and meeting new couples in town and introducing them to new friends. They have a great time sharing experiences with other couples in the groups offered by JICNY.
Andrea and Ari Pfeffer are pictured on the left. They are from Virginia and Pennsylvania and met at Steve’s Torah Class. They sat opposite each other for weeks and then one night began talking – five weeks later they were married! They were married on June 30, 2006. They enjoy the couples group as a great way to meet other couples in a sea of singles in New York City.
Frances and Allen Ganz are pictured on the left. They are from the United States (New York and Delaware) but are first generation Americans with Cuban and Israeli roots. Allen interviewed Frances only to find out that both their mothers were childhood friends from Cuba, who had lost touch when Allen was four years old. They instantly became friends, reunited their families and the rest is history! They were married on August 23, 2003.
The couples group has been an amazing way for Frances and Allen to connect with other people. They have forged wonderful friendships through the group, not only for them, but for their daughter, Noa, as well. While there are many activities for singles in New York City, and ways for parents of school-aged kids to meet, there are not many for those who are in-between this stage. They not only love going to JICNY events, but they have loved hosting them, as well.
Programs Include
Holiday Events
Finding a Sukkah to enjoy a meal in can be a real challenge in the concrete jungle, JICNY offers an annual Couples Sukkoth Lunch where you can enjoy a meal with other couples in a Sukkah! Our annual couples’ Chanukah party are always a big draw. In 2007 our Latke Vodka / Toy Drive was a huge success we enjoyed Exotic Latkes and Home Infused Vodkas, as we collected and wrapped toys for a local Jewish Charity.
Social Events
Whether its meeting up for drinks or Opera in the park JICNY couples get together often. NYC is a thrilling place to be, but we still love to get away and enjoy the outdoors. JICNY couples often meet up for BBQs, Picnics, traveling a short trip out of town together to find a bit of fun.
Shabbat Meals
The Samuels host monthly Shabbat luncheons with special guest speakers. This is a great forum for couples to meet in a relaxed and informal setting.
Classes
Couples/Shalom Bayit Classes
Ensuring peace in the home makes all the difference. Slovie Wolff of Hineni partners up with JICNY every other Wednesday for her inspirational Couple’s Classes.
Expectant Parents Classes
Starting a family is both exciting and intimidating at the same time. Gavin Samuels offers a bi-annual class for JICNY’s expectant parents. Gavin covers Jewish Life-Cycle rituals for your new baby, hot topics in medicine such as whether or not to store cord blood, to the very basic and important Infant CPR.
Parenting Classes
Once again JICNY partners up with Slovie Wolff of Hineni for monthly parenting classes. Slovie shows parents ways to embolden their children and recognize their unique potential.
About our Teachers
Slovie Jungreis Wolff is a noted educator, lecturer, author and leader of Hineni Young Couples. She teaches classes and gives seminars on relationships and parenting. Slovie is the daughter of Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, founder of Hineni. Slovie bases all her universal teachings on the incredible wisdom of the Torah. Her book, Raising a Child with Soul, is soon to be published by St. Martin's Press. Isn't it time you gave thought to your child's jewish soul?
Gavin Samuels is currently Senior Vice-President for Quark Pharmaceuticals. From 2000 to 2007 he held several positions in Pfizer Inc's Worldwide Business Development and Worldwide Product Development Groups. His experience included licensing, M&A and Venture Capital. Between 1998 and 2000 Gavin served as Senior Associate - Healthcare Strategy & Corporate Affairs at Merck Sharpe & Dohme in Australia. Prior to that Gavin held several clinical positions in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Gavin obtained his medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, an M.B.A. from the University of New England, Australia and a degree in Health Economics from Monash University, Australia.
