Jewfolk, Inc. is is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that informs, connects, engages, and inspires Jewish adults using innovative methods, strategies, and communication. Our goals are to:
- Connect people and deepen personal relationships;
- Build awareness about Jewish efforts; and
- Strengthen Jewish communities.
We envision a Jewish community that embraces diverse ways to be Jewish, offers wide-ranging entry points into Jewish life, fosters meaning and pride in personal and Jewish communal identity, and empowers people to experience Judaism in their own way.
We work towards this vision by connecting Jews to the community, the community to Jews, and Jews to Jews. This work is carried out on four levels of engagement: through the individual, through Jewish organizations, through the community, and through becoming a model for national/international expansion.
Our work is aligned with what we believe. We are:
- Curious
- Creative
- Collaborative
- Responsive
- Open-Minded
We believe in the power of connection to create and sustain welcoming, thriving, vibrant, engaged, Jewish communities.
Click to view a copy of our 2022 Impact Report
Who is Jewfolk, Inc.?
Our Staff
Libby Goldstein Parker (she/her) is the Executive Director of Jewfolk, Inc. Libby grew up in warmer climes (think southern California and Las Vegas) but has made Minneapolis her home since 2007 where she happily takes full advantage of the fantastic schools, the quality of life and, of course, the weather. With three kids, there isn’t much free time, but Libby’s husband keeps insisting they are going to get out into nature and be very active. Libby comes from a career in non-profit, foundation, and Jewish communal work and could not be more excited to meet you at a local community event, get a coffee with you, or hear from you via email at [email protected].
Lonny Goldsmith (he/him) is the Editor of TC Jewfolk and Director of Communications for Jewfolk, Inc. Lonny is an award-winning journalist who is involved in his third Jewish community after growing up in Michigan and spending a three-year stint in Chicago. He is not a native of Minnesota but hopes people will learn to deal with it. He likes to write, cook, and watch sports (sometimes in that order). He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @lonny_goldsmith.
Lev Gringauz (he/him) is the Associate Editor for Jewfolk, Inc. He was born and raised in Plymouth, Minnesota, and recently graduated from the University of Minnesota after several years of traveling. Lev has been an award-winning contributing writer and podcaster for TC Jewfolk for several years, alongside freelancing for other Jewish publications, and is excited to bring his Russian-speaking quirks to the Jewfolk team. Guilty pleasures include lots of anime, romcoms, playing guitar, and attempting to cook. You can reach him at [email protected].
Sam Fisher (he/him) is the Cincy Jewfolk Editor and Engagement Associate. After spending half a decade in Los Angeles writing sketch comedy, he moved back to the Queen City. Sam is an active member of the Cincinnati theater and comedy community. When he isn’t working you can find him teaching improv at one of Cincinnati’s excellent record stores, or bouncing around the river. You can reach him at [email protected].
Galit Breen (she/her) is the Operations and Development Manager for Jewfolk, Inc. Galit’s claim to fame is that she is the original Minnesota Mammaleh, having been a regular contributor and writer for TC Jewfolk when it was first launched over a dozen years ago. In the intervening years, Galit has been staying busy raising her 3 children with her husband and co-producing and co-directing Listen to Your Mother Twin Cities. Reach Galit at [email protected].
Genevieve Parker (she/they) is the Community Engagement Manager for Jewfolk, Inc. She is a transplant to the Twin Cities from California/Nevada and comes to us with a background in nonprofit program and development management. Genevieve’s spare time is spent cooking delicious meals, reading three library books at a time, biking to get around, and appeasing her dog, George, with daily walks and games of tug. Please be in touch at [email protected]!
Izzy Wellman (she/her) is the Social Media and Marketing Strategist for Jewfolk, Inc. She was born and raised in New Jersey, where she was involved in the Jewish community through NFTY and Hillel. She relocated to the Twin Cities in June of 2020 to pursue a career in social media management. When she isn’t working, she can be found binge-watching TV and TikTok, wandering the aisles of the local Target, or arguing about whether or not Central Jersey exists. Reach out at [email protected].
Emma Pelc (she/her) is the new part-time Social Media Associate of Jewfolk, Inc. Minnesota born and bred, Emma is the product of a NFTY marriage. She was involved with her local temple youth group and NFTY’s Northern region. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2021, Emma is looking forward to helping the local Jewish community while having an opportunity to be creative. When she is not working, you can find her obsessing over movies, spending far too much time looking at internet memes, and eating an embarrassing amount of ice cream. Reach her at [email protected].
Dana Gilbert (she/her) is our part-time Assistant. She handles invoicing, gift acknowledgements, database management, and generally helps in whatever way is needed. She also occasionally contributes articles for publication.
Our Donors
Jewfolk, Inc. would not exist without YOU, our donors – with special thanks to the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, which funds Cincy Jewfolk with a generous two-year grant through the Reflect Cincy initiative.
Our Board of Directors
Effie Cohen (Vice President), Matt Erickson, Nancy Getzkin, Drea Lear, Jennifer Lewin, Andrea Nadel-Tikh, Sarah Nathan, Mark Price, Rachael Rosen, Andrew Seiler (Treasurer), Amy Shapiro, Jim Stein (President), and Alon Ventura.
Jewfolk Media, Inc. is a nonprofit organization. Its EIN is 27-4463056 and here’s our IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status letter. Copies of our tax filings may be requested at any time by contacting us.