Nearly 2,000 people attended the Orthodox Union’s Seventh International Jewish Community Home & Job Relocation Fair on Sunday, showcasing a record-breaking 63 communities from the United States and Israel at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.
In the exhibition hall, visitors went from booth to booth perusing resources and geographical areas that cater to Jewish singles and families.
Those interested in moving learned about the amenities, schools, local infrastructure and potential employment opportunities of the participating communities. Workshops were available for first-time home-buyers and for those contemplating aliyah, which were facilitated by Nefesh B’Nefesh.
The event brought together 57 communities from 19 states throughout North America and six communities in Israel.
“For various reasons, including the high costs of tuition and housing in the New York City area, there is a growing cadre of Orthodox families exploring other locations throughout the country and Israel to establish their homes,” said Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane. “We are pleased to have been able to assemble so many Torah communities and to enable them to showcase to these families the attractiveness and advantages of their respective communities.”
Orthodox Union executive vice president Allen Fagin added that “each of these communities shared common characteristics and common goals: the desire to grow in an environment rich in educational facilities, active synagogue life and supportive communal infrastructure. It was a matchmaking festival made in heaven.”