Project Inspire Convention Recap

The Embrace That Said It All At the Project Inspire 2.0 Convention, one powerful moment captured a movement of connection, responsibility, and action.

March 2026 // Nissan 5786

Oren Laufer and Shalom Brickman share a powerful reunion at the Project Inspire Convention Gala Melave Malka.

Dear Members of the Project Inspire Family, Pesach is not just the story of Hashem redeeming individuals from slavery, but the creation of a nation where each individual becomes part of a whole - responsible for one another. The korban Pesach is brought in groups and the Seder begins with “whomever is hungry let him come and eat” - an invitation to care for those beyond our family unit. Geulah begins when we stop living as isolated individuals and start living as a unified people.

At Project Inspire we see every day how powerful it is when members of the community step forward, opening doors, extending invitations, and use their natural talents to connect with another Jew. The stories in the pages that follow may seem like small moments, but they reveal something much bigger: when one person acts, others are inspired to act as well. Each of us has the ability to strengthen Klal Yisrael, one relationship, one invitation, one meaningful connection at a time.

Wishing you and your family a meaningful Pesach.

Chag Kosher V’Sameach.

Rabbi Chaim Sampson Founding Director of Project Inspire

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Inspire 2.0

By C.B. Weinfeld

From One Powerful Moment to a Movement The embrace lasted only seconds, but it captured everything Project Inspire stands for.

At the Motzei Shabbos Gala, Oren Laufer, an October 7 survivor and rescuer, had just finished sharing his experience. On that day, he drove back into the line of fire near the Gaza border to rescue young people fleeing the Nova Festival massacre. Among them was a young man, Maayan Tsuberi, who had been critically wounded and left bleeding in a ditch for hours. Oren stayed with him, shielding him and applying pressure to his wounds until they reached a field hospital, helping keep him alive.

The room sat in silence, absorbing the weight of the story.

Then came a moment no one expected.

In a surprise arranged by Project Inspire, Maayan himself walked onto the stage. The audience froze as Oren turned and saw him. Rescuer and survivor embraced for the first time since that day, a moment that instantly brought the entire story full circle.

As featured guest Shulem Lemmer began singing One More Dance, the entire room rose – united in a powerful expression of resilience, gratitude, and shared responsibility.

But the roots of that moment began months earlier.

During a Project Inspire leadership trip to Israel, Shalom Brickman, a Project Inspire partner, found himself standing with Oren at the Nova site.

Though deeply involved in kiruv, he realized there was one simple step he had never taken: personally asking someone if they would put on tefillin.

He turned to Oren and asked.

Oren answered yes.

Within days, arrangements were made for him to receive a pair, and he has been putting them on ever since.

The meeting of Shalom, Oren, and Maayan on stage was more than a powerful reunion. It was the embodiment of a core Project Inspire belief: meaningful change begins when an ordinary person takes one small, courageous step toward another Jew.

(From Top) Oren and Maayan reunite in an emotional embrace. Shulem Lemmer graces the evening with his beautiful voice. Rabbi Shlomo Farhi encourages the room to step forward.

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That spirit defined every part of Project Inspire 2.0.

From the moment participants arrived at the Tarrytown House Estate on Friday afternoon, the atmosphere was charged with purpose.

This was not a passive conference, but an immersive experience designed to engage and activate. Through dynamic workshops and open discussions, participants explored how to initiate conversations, extend invitations, and build authentic, lasting relationships.

One of the most impactful moments came on Shabbos afternoon with the launch of the “Teach It Forward” program. Designed as a hands-on workshop, it gave participants the experience of teaching Torah ideas, without requiring extensive knowledge. Attendees were divided into groups, each learning different material. They then reconvened, and representatives from each group taught what they had learned to everyone else.

By the end, every participant had both learned and taught, reinforcing the idea that even the smallest piece of knowledge can be shared and passed forward.

The message was simple but powerful: you don’t need to know everything to teach something.

If you know alef, you can teach alef. If you know beis, you can teach beis.

For many, it was their first time actively sharing Torah rather than just absorbing it.

The room buzzed with energy as participants leaned in, ensuring their ideas were clearly understood. When they succeeded, the sense of accomplishment was tangible and deeply motivating.

This message echoed throughout the weekend.

Rabbi Chaim Sampson, Founding Director of Project Inspire, emphasized that meaningful change begins with personal responsibility.

Drawing on the teaching of Rav Noach Weinberg, he highlighted the idea that real impact starts when individuals step forward and take ownership of the role they can play.

Participants were also joined by Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, Rov of Aish Kodesh, whose farbrengen and unforgettable Shalosh Seudos created an atmosphere of warmth and spiritual elevation that lingered long after the final zemirah.

(Top, L–R) Exchanging ideas at the Erev Shabbos Toameha. Project Inspire Chairman of the Board, Stuart Hytman, with board member Ephraim Berger. Shabbos candle lighting. (Bottom, L–R) Yehuda Green leads Havdalah. Enjoying the Gala Melave Malka.

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(Top, L–R) Project Inspire leadership at the Gala Melave Malka. Yaakov Friedman discusses the success of Project Inspire’s Torah 2.0 program, a joint initiative with the Village Shul in Toronto. Post-Gala kumzitz with Shulem Lemmer and the Blue Melody Orchestra.

(Bottom, L–R) A symbolic gift presented to Rabbi Dovid Greenblatt by Rabbi Menachem Nissel. Meaningful Minute’s Nachi Gordon interviews members of the Yeshiva University basketball team.

On Friday night, the women gathered for an intimate discussion circle that fostered openness and connection. Conversations continued late into the evening, strengthening bonds and deepening the shared sense of mission.

Zevy Samet, a standout Yeshiva University basketball player, attended together with several teammates and became a source of inspiration throughout the weekend. Over time, he has taken personal responsibility within his circle, strengthening his teammates’ connection and encouraging growth. Through Project Inspire, this effort recently led to transformative Shabbos experiences in Lakewood and Inwood, moments that introduced many of his teammates to a deeper level of engagement and connection.

Between sessions, hallways buzzed with conversation, networking, and idea-sharing.

Participants formed new partnerships and began envisioning how to bring what they had experienced back to their communities in practical, tangible ways.

That momentum reached a peak at the Motzei Shabbos Gala, where it became clear that this was more than an inspiring event, it was a movement taking shape.

By the weekend’s close, inspiration had turned into commitment. Concrete next steps were already underway. Partnerships were forming.

Initiatives were beginning.

Because the true measure of Project Inspire is not what happens at the convention, but what happens after.

Across the country, mentorship networks, Shabbos experiences, and community partnerships are already bringing more Jews into connection. Participation continues to grow, and the momentum is only building.

This is not a moment for inspiration alone.

It is a moment for action.

Step in. Take responsibility. Join the movement today at projectinspire.com or call 646-291-6191 and be the one who says: I’m in.

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When the Convention Follows You Home One of the most powerful outcomes of the Project Inspire Convention is not only what happens over the course of the weekend—it’s what happens afterward.

One Step Further Following the powerful reunion at the Motzei Shabbos Gala, that moment of connection continued to unfold in a new way.

At the Gala, Shalom Brickman asked Maayan Tsuberi and his brother Guy, who was also in attendance, the same simple question he had once asked Oren: do you have tefillin, and if you did, would you wear them?

They answered honestly. They didn’t have tefillin, but they would want to.

With the support of Project Inspire and its network, that conversation quickly turned into action, as Maayan and Guy received their own pairs of tefillin.

What began as a single question became something ongoing, a reminder that inspiration doesn’t end at the convention – it continues to grow.

Participants return home inspired, more aware, and more attuned to the opportunities around them.

Often, those opportunities appear in the most ordinary moments.

When Inspiration Turns Into Action The following stories offer a glimpse into what happens when the inspiration of the Project Inspire Convention doesn’t stay behind— but travels home with those who experienced it.

Shalom Brickman, Rabbi Yoni Zakutinsky and Rabbi Chaim Sampson present tefillin to Maayan and his brother Guy.

••• Turning Around Another participant encountered his moment while walking down the street shortly after the convention.

He noticed a new neighbor moving in on Shabbos and wondered if the man might be Jewish. At first, he kept walking. Then he caught himself: This is exactly what Project Inspire is about.

He turned around, introduced himself, and welcomed the new neighbor.

After Shabbos, they connected again and began discussing the possibility of a Shabbos meal.

Sometimes it begins with something as simple as turning around.

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Not Just a Return

Building Something That Lasts

Shortly after returning from the convention, a woman had a small but meaningful encounter while making a return at TJ Maxx.

For one Miami couple who attended the convention, the inspiration didn’t stop with a single interaction.

As the manager counted the items, she paused.

“Did you just say sheva?” she asked.

The manager smiled – she explained that she had grown up in a home where Hebrew was spoken.

They exchanged a few words, and the woman left.

On the drive home, she told her husband about the interaction.

“You just came back from Project Inspire,” he said.

“Go back and invite her for Shabbos.”

She didn’t return that day. But as Purim approached, she went back with a mishloach manos.

When she explained the gesture, the manager became emotional – hugging her and saying todah rabbah through tears.

It didn’t lead to a Shabbos invitation – at least not yet. But something had shifted. Without the inspiration of the convention, the moment might have passed. Instead, she returned and turned it into a real connection.

Sometimes it begins with noticing, and choosing to act.

After returning home, they began organizing a weekly learning program to bring people in their community together to learn and connect on a regular basis.

What began as a weekend of inspiration is now taking shape as an ongoing learning community.

Sometimes it begins with a single step, and grows into something lasting.

••• Taking It Home For one father and daughter, the impact began on the drive home from the convention.

As they spoke about what they had experienced over the weekend, the conversation turned to a girl in the daughter’s class who was not frum.

Together, they made a simple decision: they would invite her for Shabbos.

The last update they shared was that she was planning to come.

Sometimes inspiration travels home, and turns into action along the way.

These are just a few of the early results already emerging from the convention.

Each moment may seem small on its own – a conversation, an introduction, an invitation, a decision to begin something new.

But together, they reveal something much bigger.

When the frum community is inspired, supported, and connected through Project Inspire, people begin to notice the opportunities around them—and feel a responsibility to act on them.

And that is how kiruv grows: one relationship, one conversation, and one moment of responsibility at a time.

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Project Inspire is building a movement of kiruv powered by the frum community itself.

We equip and activate everyday frum Jews to turn their natural strengths and relationships into personal, sustainable outreach. When communities are empowered, kiruv becomes contagious — a shared responsibility and simply what we do for one another.

Project Inspire partners hand-in-hand with kiruv organizations and communities, strengthening the people and infrastructure that help their impact grow. Recent initiatives include:

Project Inspire/Olami Mentorship.

Project Inspire pairs young professionals with experienced frum mentors worldwide for career guidance and meaningful Jewish growth.

TorahLinks East Brunswick.

Project Inspire partners with the local organization to run inspiring community events, including an Achdus Challah Bake and women’s siyum.

Community Shabbatons.

Project Inspire mobilizes local ambassadors and families to host relationship-driven, transformative Shabbaton experiences.

Prepared Programming.

Project Inspire runs and scales ready-to-use programs like Wine, Whiskey & Wisdom and the Black Box Breakfast, with practical playbooks that empower baalei batim to consistently build connection and growth.

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Recent Successes 24

A PROJECT INSPIRE INITIATIVE

Partner Organizations with whom we support Kiruv efforts

110+

High-Level Professionals that have been recruited in eight months

641

Volunteers who are actively engaged and participating in Kiruv

100%

Tracking of volunteer participation and program outcomes using a customized CRM

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Partnership Programs including Project Inspire on the Road, Challah Bakes and Shabbos Hosts

Join one of our impactful initiatives.

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Spark Awareness.

Strengthen Connections.

Project Inspire’s Easy Outreach offers an easy, meaningful way to connect with less-affiliated Jews through Yom Tov– themed gifts and thoughtful educational materials. Designed for Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, and Purim, it makes outreach feel natural, warm, and accessible—a simple way to spark real connection.

Community Ambassadors extend Project Inspire’s presence and programs into their local communities. As trusted points of contact within their shuls and neighborhoods, they help implement Project Inspire initiatives on the ground—mobilizing others, coordinating outreach efforts, and facilitating meaningful opportunities for connection. From leading Easy Outreach campaigns to helping run Shabbatons and community programs, Ambassadors partner with Project Inspire to turn our tools and ideas into real, local impact.

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A PROJECT INSPIRE INITIATIVE

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Your Profession.

Their Future.

Experienced professionals and accomplished individuals from all career paths have a unique ability to

influence others through both their expertise and their example. Students are deeply inspired by seeing successful men and women living committed Torah lives. These experiences highlight the powerful impact seasoned professionals can have through speaking engagements, professional panels, one-onone mentorship, and visits to campuses and communities. Whether supporting students, mid-career professionals, or organizations in need of guidance, experienced individuals are uniquely positioned to guide, influence, and mentor others while modeling and reinforcing Torah values in all areas of life.

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Learn Together.

Grow Together.

Meaningful Jewish learning happens through personal connections. With

guidance, resources, and content provided by Project Inspire, participants engage in weekly 30-minute learning sessions—whether in person or over Zoom—helping others grow in their Jewish journey. No advanced background is needed, just consistency, an open heart, and a commitment to learning together.

A PROJECT INSPIRE INITIATIVE

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Host.

Connect.

Uplift.

A warm home can become a gathering place for connection. Through Shabbos meals, sleeping accommodations, Challah bakes, or casual discussions, hosts create an inviting Jewish environment that fosters meaningful relationships. No public speaking or expertise is required—just an open door and a welcoming atmosphere.

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Your Boardroom.

Their Inspiration.

A conference room can be more than just a space for meetings—it can be a space for impact. By hosting groups of students and young professionals in a dynamic setting, executives and business leaders provide opportunities to network, connect, and learn from successful, dedicated role models while providing Torah Hashkafa and a new way to approach business. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression on their Jewish and professional journeys.

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Scan. Learn. Donate. Join. projectinspire.com/initiatives