Scholar
The power of an idea can ripple through generations.
It's this transformative potential that drives my work as a thought leader in the Jewish community and as a Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund.
A label that stuck
When The Jewish Week named me one of their "36 Under 36" in 2018, they coined a phrase that struck a chord:
"Public Intellectual, with Public Values."
This unexpected label ended up capturing an important part of my mission: to ensure that scholarly pursuits serve the vital needs of our communities and society at large.
As a Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund, I dive deep into the currents shaping North American Jewish life. In particular, I am investigating what has become known as “the Surge”—a phenomenon of renewed Jewish engagement, pride and a desire for connection that's sweeping across the continent since the atrocities of October 7th.
I am committed to advocating for new stories to better understand this moment, how we got here, and where we can go. It’s not enough to fight against Jew hatred - we must reexamine who we are as Jews and create communities where individuals are empowered to write new chapters in the American Jewish story.
To see why this challenging moment holds so much potential, read my CNN op-ed on how anti-Zionism is strengthening Judaism and support for Israel among U.S. Jews.
Learning from giants, walking with peers
My public scholarship is fueled by the teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, whose wisdom I was fortunate to absorb firsthand during his tenure at NYU. His insistence on faith's crucial role in public discourse echoes in my work as a Sacks Scholar.
But understanding isn't a one-way street.
I’m honored to have been selected as an inaugural fellow of the New Pluralists Collaborative. Having engaged in interfaith dialogue for years, I am committed to learning from diverse perspectives, championing viewpoint diversity, and fostering a pluralistic civic society.
Presentation at Pfizer in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month
Honored by New York City's mayor for my contributions as a New Yorker of Arab heritage
