Here’s an idea. What if we take the concept of LinkedIn and, instead of connecting everyone online through a cyber, impersonal forum, we connect professionals who live in the same city and have the same broad interests in an actual room together? What if we gather a large group of like-minded businesspeople and create an opportunity for them to explore new concepts and ideas together and, of course, to network and accept in-person invitations to connect further? What if we go back to basics and promote handshakes and business-card-swaps?  You just never know where your next referral may come from.

This not-so-novel concept is the impetus behind the Federation's newest affinity group, the Jewish Professionals Network (JPN). JPN brings together a diverse group of Jewish professionals in the greater Pittsburgh area, and members will take advantage of Jewish learning, networking, and community service opportunities while connecting with other business professionals from around the city.

JPN is a giving society – members are expected to make a minimum $1,000 commitment to the Federation's Annual Campaign. (Young Adults – those 45 and under – will be expected to commit a minimum of $365 to the Federation's Annual Campaign.)

"JPN has been designed in a way that its members will continuously provide value for one another," said Colin Rosenberg, Chair of the JPN Executive Committee.  "We've created the infrastructure to accomplish two key objectives: 1) enrich our community members' personal and professional lives through quality, content-driven networking opportunities and 2) create in-depth Jewish learning experiences that enhance Jewish values."

JPN will host a minimum of three programs per year, all of which will provide opportunities for deep engagement in the Jewish community and will help form a cohesive network for creating connections and helping one another meet their goals.

JPN extends membership to all professionals and is actively recruiting those in the fields of accounting, advertising and marketing, architecture and interior design, finance, high-tech, real estate, and entrepreneurship, among others. The Jewish Federation has similar groups for Attorneys (the Cardozo Society) and physicians and dentists (the Maimonides Society) but these professionals are encouraged to attend JPN programs as well.

For more information about the Jewish Professionals Network or to learn more about upcoming events, please contact Emily Richman at 412-992-5217 or erichman@jfedpgh.org.