Kahal Abroad / Part 1

The Bridging Connections Podcast

“I was looking to feel like people cared about me, that I am a part of something bigger than myself, deeper than myself and more important in many ways,” explains Alex Jacubowski about seeking connections in Jewish communities while studying and traveling abroad. Alex’s life experiences led him to deep sense of connection to Jewish tradition. His grandparents, holocaust survivors, shaped his passion to help preserve Jewish peoplehood. Alex created Jewish experiences for himself and other Jewish students. While doing this he learned that interest in Jewish global connections was not unique to him. Few international students knew of the opportunities to connect with diverse Jewish communities. Alex discovered that studying abroad is a transformational and impactful experience. Although, not always a Jewish one. The Jewish community was missing a critical opportunity. These discoveries led Alex to create Kahal Abroad.

This episode of the Bridging Connections podcast covers many topics. Alex Jakubowski, founder of Kahal Abroad, and I talk about his Jewish life journey. We learn what led him to the founding of Kahal and the process he took to create it. We also chat about Kahel’s transformation since its start. Alex also explains the out-reach methods they use to engage their target population. Alex shares how Kahel is envisioning its future.

Although Kahal has changed since its inception in 2013, it has stayed true to its core mission. "KAHAL aspires to give the tens of thousands of Jewish students studying abroad each year the resources, tools, and connections they need to meaningfully engage with the Jewish community and deepen their Jewish identity during one of the most important, meaningful, and enduring experiences of their lives" (see their mission here). Kahal continues to tap into diverse opportunities. It creates a variety of experiences and encounters. Alex wants to be sure that every Jew knows that they don’t have to feel alone while traveling abroad.

Key takeaways from this episode are :

1. Our world is growing smaller. There is much opportunity to learn from the diverse global Jewish community.
2. Outreach works best when it is multitiered. Partnerships, direct communications and individualized connections are key components to a layering outreach.
3. Research is key when launching something new.
4. Take advantage of the connections throughout the community. The Jewish community relies on who you know and who can connect you.

Learn more about Kahal Abroad here.

Follow Kahal on here on Facebook and on Instagram.

Email Alex Jakubowski.

Episode Glossary :

kahal- community or gathering

mifgash-encounters or experiences

shadkan-matchmaker / connector

Tisha b’av - The 9th day of Av in the Hebrew calendar. This is an annual fast day commemorating the date that a number of disasters occurred in history, primarily the destruction of both Solomon's Temple by the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the Second Temple by the Roman Empire in Jerusalem.

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