A Growing NYC Community Rooted in Friendship, Identity, and Shared Strength
Nifgashot (Hebrew for “women meeting together”) is a grassroots community bringing together American Jewish and Israeli women across New York City.
Founded on the Upper West Side in September 2024, Nifgashot was born in the wake of October 7th out of a shared desire to create meaningful connection, cultural exchange, and collective support during a time of profound uncertainty.
The initiative began when two women — one American Jew and one Israeli — met at a community gathering and recognized a powerful opportunity: to build a warm, welcoming space where Jewish women could come together to strengthen ties between American Jewry and Israeli Jewry, learn about each other’s culture, deepen their relationship with Israel, and stand in solidarity against rising antisemitism and anti-Zionist sentiment.
Today, Nifgashot is a growing community rooted in friendship, identity, and action. Since launching, it has grown to over 400 women, hosting monthly gatherings ranging from Israeli cooking classes to walking tours exploring NYC through a Jewish lens to Holocaust remembrance events.
Nifgashot exists to cultivate a vibrant, connected, and resilient community of American Jewish and Israeli women who support one another, celebrate shared heritage, and stand united with Israel.
Through intimate, curated gatherings, including cultural and educational programming, holiday celebrations, and social connection, we create a trusted community rooted in shared values, belonging, and collective strength.
We do this by offering:
A Bridge Between Our Communities
so we can stand together in solidarity with Israel, and keeping love for Israel at the heart of all we do.
Cultural Programming
that deepens connection to Jewish heritage and Israeli life through intentional gatherings, learning, and celebration.
Meaningful Social and Professional Connections
that foster genuine relationships, mutual support, and shared growth.
Opportunities
to
Give Back
through volunteering, charitable initiatives, and community support — turning connection into meaningful action.
December 9, 2026
Nifgashot x Art of the Blue: An Evening of Art, Conversation & Hanukkah Celebration 🕎
Join us for a special Hanukkah gathering in collaboration with Sharon and Anat, two Israeli entrepreneurs, art enthusiasts, and co-founders of Art of the Blue.
Driven by their passion for discovering emerging artists and bringing original art into unexpected spaces, Sharon and Anat will share the story behind their entrepreneurial journey and their vision.
The evening will also feature an artist talk with Mushka Efune, a Brooklyn-born artist raised in a large Hasidic family in Crown Heights. A Modern Orthodox woman with a distinctive artistic voice, Mushka explores Jewish identity and themes through conceptual work and a variety of mediums, while navigating today's contemporary art world.
Guests will have the opportunity to view her exhibition and discover special-edition prints available for purchase just in time for Hanukkah.
And of course, we'll celebrate together with a Hanukkah candle lighting and delicious sufganiyot!
November 10, 2026
The Mirror of the Times – The Poetry of Nathan Alterman
Join Nifgashot for a special evening of poetry, Israeli culture, and meaningful conversation with renowned Jewish educator and Israeli literature scholar Dr. Rachel Korazim.
Together, we’ll discover the poetry of Nathan Alterman (1910–1970) — one of the most influential voices in modern Hebrew poetry — and explore the questions his work raises about Israel, responsibility, morality, and what it means to speak up in times of crisis.
Dr. Korazim will introduce Alterman through The Mirror of the Times, a new bilingual anthology of his poetry, featuring many poems available in English for the first time. Alterman wrote about the challenges of his time. Decades later, many of his questions still feel remarkably relevant.
The Mirror of the Times, a new bilingual anthology spearheaded by Rachel in partnership with the Department of Jewish Peoplehood in the Office of the Vice Chair of the World Zionist Organization, Dr. Yizhar Hess. Many of the poems are available in English for the first time.
Come join us for an evening of poetry, culture, reflection, and connection.
We collaborate with leading Jewish institutions committed to strengthening global Jewish connection, cultural preservation, and Zionist engagement.
Together, we co-create meaningful programming including educational events, cultural tours, social gatherings, and community initiatives that deepen identity, expand learning, and strengthen solidarity with Israel.
