With the goal of engaging St. Louis’ young, professional Jewish population, Rabbi Avi Roberts and his wife Shani launched Ignite YP in 2017 with a big Shabbat dinner. Now, they are planning another one.

“We really haven’t done anything this big, since at least 2019, pre-COVID,” said Shani Roberts, who now serves as director of Ignite YP as well as a primary educator for women.

Ignites YP’s next big Shabbat dinner is Friday, June 23. The Shabbat dinner is geared towards Jewish young professionals ages 22-30. This program will include an open bar and Shabbat dinner menu featuring Rabbi Roberts’ smoked brisket.

“We’re going big again now because there is a new generation of young, vibrant Jewish adults who have just graduated college, or completed their Birthright trips and are getting settled back in St. Louis,” said Shani Roberts. We want to give these people a wonderful experience and the opportunity to meet a new batch of young Jewish St. Louisans who are already here.”

Like other Ignite events, the location is kept secret until just days before the event. The location and final details will be released to all who register online.

What is Ignite YP?

Ignite YP is an organization dedicated to extending Jewish learning opportunities to Jewish young professionals in St. Louis.

“Through timely classes, lively discussions, phenomenal trips, and other programming, our goal is to inspire a life-long love of Jewish learning and living,” said Shani Roberts. “We promote a very non-push, no-pressure environment where Jewish young professionals can learn and connect to their rich Jewish heritage at their own pace.”

Roberts says Ignite YP caters to the full spectrum of Jewish backgrounds.

“Some people involved have already learned a lot about their Judaism. Some know nothing other than the fact that they are Jewish. We provide deep timelines and content that is understandable to one lacking background and stimulating to those with the background,” she said.

“The goal is to give these young Jewish adults a deep connection to their Jewish heritage,” said Roberts. “We believe every Jewish person has a Jewish soul, and we want to help young adults connect to that Jewish ‘spark’ and ignite it. We encourage the development of a vibrant, tolerant community in which every Jew is welcomed and valued.”

Ignite YP Shabbat Dinner
When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 23
Where: Address provided upon registration
How Much: Free
More Information: Visit them online for more information.