Sociologist
Scholarship isn't just dusty tomes and abstract theories. To me, it's breathing life into untold stories.
As a sociologist and academic, I'm on a mission to reveal the vibrant tapestry of Jewish communities in America. My work shows that Jewish life is far more colorful, complex, and fascinating than most people realize.
It isn’t all bagels and lox
I bring academic rigor to the exploration of Jewish identity and community. My research focuses on Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in America, uncovering nuanced insights that enrich our understanding of all Jewish life in the United States.
My academic journey, including a Ph.D. from New York University, has equipped me with the tools to examine our communities’ complexities with scholarly precision, deep empathy and curiosity.
My work aims to broaden our conception of who Jews are and how they should be studied. By focusing on Sephardic and Mizrahi communities, I challenge monolithic views of Jewish experience, revealing a richer, more diverse portrait of American Jewry.
This research isn't just academic—it's a vital contribution to our communal conversation about who Jews are, what they have built, and who they can become. It informs policy, shapes community initiatives, and opens new avenues for inclusion and representation.
From data to dialogue
My academic work extends beyond the ivory tower, directly informing my roles as:
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Visiting Researcher at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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Director of the National Study of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in the US (Report, comissioned by JIMENA and based at NYU, forthcoming in 2025)
In these capacities, I translate scholarly insights into practical wisdom for Jewish leaders, educators, and communities. My research becomes a catalyst for reimagining Jewish communal structures, educational approaches, and outreach strategies.
By bridging the gap between academic research and communal practice, I ensure that scholarship serves the vital purpose of strengthening and enriching Jewish life.
Here's an example of my research in action:
Check out this popular YouTube explainer on the differences between Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews, for which I served as the educational consultant.