Rhode Island’s Double Chai Society kicks off strong

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s newest giving initiative is a success

Michael and Jennifer Oelbaum and Jeffrey Isaacs.PROVIDENCE – Friends old and new gathered on May 7 at Pizzico Ristorante for the Double Chai Society’s inaugural cocktail reception. This group is the Jewish Alliance’s newest Annual Campaign giving initiative designed to engage young donors between the ages of 30 and 50 who give a gift of at least $360. The philanthropic endeavors of this group aim to help the Annual Campaign provide for those in need and sustain the local and global Jewish communities. The society plans social and educational activities to engage members of this frequently missed demographic.

The 25 young community members heard remarks by Double Chai Society chairs, Steve and Emily Shalansky, who spoke about the personal impact the Alliance has had on their lives. Steve and Emily met on the steps of what was once called the JCC. As time went on, and the JCC became the Jewish Alliance, the Shalanskys remain committed to the notion that “without community, you have nothing.”

The Shalanskys’ remarks were followed by those of Alliance CEO Jeffrey Savit, who thanked each attendee for his impactful gift. He proudly reported that Jewish Rhode Island has raised about $5 million for different initiatives for both the local and global communities. He reiterated that the power of the collective is much stronger than the power of the individual, and together, this demographic has the ability to do extraordinary things.

The group enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres while getting to know each other. The belief in the power of the collective was clearly demonstrated, with familiar and unfamiliar faces showing a promise of what’s next for the Double Chai Society.

For more information about The Double Chai Society, or its upcoming events, please contact Hillary Schulman at hschulman@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 127, or Erin Moseley, director of Arts & Culture and NextGen Engagement, at emoseley@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 108.

HILLARY SCHULMAN is a development associate in Philanthropy for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.