In 2005, JGrads started on the Washington University campus with a few Shabbat dinners, a couple of ambitious grad students and the idea that St. Louis needed something more for Jewish graduate students.

The thought was to create something that wasn’t just social or religious, but a way to stay connected while juggling life in medical school, law school and everything else.

“I came to WashU for my master’s in mechanical engineering,” said Zachary Bram, who arrived in 2017.

“JGrads had a booth in Whitaker Hall one day, and the rest was history. I ended up joining the board to help organize events. It was a way to keep being involved in Jewish life during grad school.”

That blend of Jewish connection, community and consistency across hectic schedules is what has made JGrads a lasting part of St. Louis Jewish life.

A WashU program with citywide reach

While rooted at Washington University and supported by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, JGrads has grown into a citywide community for Jewish graduate students and young professionals in all fields. Medical students, law students, graduate student researchers, engineers and artists have all come through the program.

“Because I’ve attended JGrads events, I see so many familiar faces on campus,” said Ariella Levy, a current occupational therapy student at WashU. Some of my non-Jewish friends ask how I know so many people, and I tell them — JGrads.”

In 2023, leadership of the program transitioned to Rabbi Yankel and Chana Oster, who now run JGrads through Chabad on Campus.

“People are looking to connect with purpose and meaning,” said Rabbi Oster. “Our social events with a clearly Jewish angle — Shabbat and holiday dinners — are our biggest drivers of engagement.”

“We hope to have a dedicated space where students can drop in anytime,” added Chana Oster. “We want students to experience programming that’s vibrant and welcoming, while making Judaism meaningful and inspiring.”

New city, new friends, old traditions

Many JGrads alumni say the friendships and community they built stayed with them — even after leaving St. Louis.

“One of my closest friend groups happened through JGrads after a Shabbat dinner,” said Bram. “We used to play music, go to the botanical gardens, just hang out. We’ve all moved away, but we’ve kept in touch.”

That was true for Rafi Nemes, too, who served as JGrads president during law school at WashU in 2011.

“Being a grad student can be isolating,” said Nemes. “JGrads helped me meet people outside the law school — people I’m still in touch with today. The ink of friendship almost always outlasts that of a diploma.”

Even brief moments can make a difference. Marne White, who recently moved to D.C., said JGrads gave her an important anchor during her WashU graduate program. Alexandra Braun, who stayed in St. Louis after graduation, said she still feels a connection to the group years later.

A legacy that lasts beyond grad school

JGrads began with a simple goal: to help Jewish grad students feel at home in a new city. One of the first to get involved was Michele Nudelman, who helped launch the program alongside Rabbi Hershey and Chana Novack in 2005.

“It was never just about religion or just about socializing,” Nudelman said. “It was about helping people feel rooted at a time when everything else in their lives was in motion. That was true back then, and I think it still is.”

Two decades later, Rabbi Novack says that same spirit continues to guide the program.

“JGrads provides a foundation of Jewish community that lasts well beyond grad school. For many students, it’s their first experience of a Jewish environment that feels both social and intellectually engaging,” he said.

“The friendships formed, the traditions celebrated and the leadership opportunities offered create a sense of belonging that alumni carry with them — whether it’s staying involved in Jewish life in their careers, maintaining friendships in St. Louis or simply having a home base to return to when they visit.”

Looking ahead, he says, the future is bright under new leadership:

“With the focused energy that Rabbi and Chana Oster have brought,” Novack said,

“I’m excited to see JGrads continue innovating — welcoming new ideas, strengthening traditions and creating lasting bonds that carry forward within and beyond St. Louis. They bring a warmth and intentionality that helps every student feel like they belong, whether they’re here for a semester or for years.”

Starting the next chapter — together

To kick off its 20th year, JGrads hosted its annual Labor Day Rooftop Party last month, with dozens of students gathering in the Central West End.

“We had an incredible JGrads 2025–26 kickoff,” said Chana Oster. “Lots of good food and drinks, a mix of familiar and new faces, great energy and conversation. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

As the next generation of grad students gets settled in St. Louis, JGrads continues to offer something simple but hard to find: a community that says, welcome — we’re glad you’re here.