2021

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Coach: Miryam Pomerantz Dauber
Peer: Samuel Fischer
Social: www.writereli.com
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Venture Description

It took a graduate thesis for me to finally write about being transgender and Jewish– subjects I’d deemed too difficult, raw, and multifaceted to properly explore, but once I started to write, I knew I owed it to my younger self– and the communities I frequented– to keep going. Hineni! aims to contribute to the growing representation around transgender Jewish characters in contemporary fiction. My first novel, finished during the Fellowship, portrays a transgender Jewish father readjusting to life in his Southern hometown.

About the Founder

Elijah Tomaszewski (Eli Aharon) studied creative writing at Susquehanna University, where he was a Janet Weis scholar, and Rosemont College, where his nonfiction thesis, “the wakeful heart,” was received with distinction at graduation. Elijah works a day job in the Philadelphia suburbs that gives him plenty of character ideas and moonlights as a literary magazine copyeditor, contest screener, and conference volunteer coordinator.

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Coach: Andrea Jacobs
Peer: Ariella Werden-Greenfield
Social: habonimdror.org
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Venture Description

Habonim Dror North America is a Jewish youth movement that is built not only on its ideology, but it’s ability to create and strengthen personal relationships. When the relationships we have are fraught with tensions, our ability to trust the decisions we make collectively greatly decreases. My venture aims to revitalize the ability of our members to build healthy, meaningful, and dialogical relationships as a foundation for critically examining our current democratic structures.

About the Founder

Erica Kushner is the current Mazkirol of Habonim Dror North America, a Jewish youth movement of which they are a long-time member. They have a passion for all things Jewish and queer, along with being an avid bread baker. Once the role of Mazkirol is passed to the next youth leader, they hope to move to Israel and upbuild the Socialist-Zionist dream of a just and equal Jewish state.

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Coach: Jeff Hurok
Peer: Nuriya Neumann
Social: @hanab_ot www.hanab-ot.com
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Venture Description

I created HBOT as a resource, sounding board, and hands-on collaborative therapeutic means, to help families navigate the developmental milestones that are unique to children of ALL abilities and needs. As your personal Developmental Care Guide, I am here to provide individualized resources and recommendations to support your child’s developmental skills as well as incorporate your families’ values. As a pediatric occupational therapist with over a decade of experience, I am able to draw on my thorough background and understanding of developmental milestones to create an approach that integrates a variety of methods and techniques to create a holistic, yet comprehensive plan that is tailored to each family. HBOT offers families the ability to define their level of service need.

About the Founder

I am Hana Bernett and I’m a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, born and raised in Haverford, PA. I received my master’s in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University, where I also studied fine art. My unique background allows me to approach various activities with my families creatively, with the goal of enabling every child to reach their greatest potential. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of pediatric settings including, outpatient, early intervention, acute care, and rehabilitation.

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Coach: Stu Maleef
Peer: Alanna Raffel
Social: @civio.studio
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Venture Description

civio.io is a web app that helps Occupational and Physical Therapists easily provide customizable packages of devices and services for patients before discharge, so they can recover faster with less stress and more information.

About the Founder

Eli has built his career at the experiential intersection of the built environment and digital interaction. Since his recent hospitalization with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, he is refocusing his career on accessibility, inclusivity, and equity.

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Coach: Amy Krulik
Peer: Caleb Murphy
Social: https://pjff.org/
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Venture Description

As Film Festival Manager of one of the oldest Jewish Film Festivals in the country, I believe that we can expand and diversify our audience by uniting with other film festivals of the city. There is no doubt that Covid-19 has put a huge damper on movie theaters and film festivals in the past year. Through this official Film Festival Alliance, we, the festivals, can become a go-to resource for the latest news regarding our upcoming events. This will allow us to intermix our audiences and let them discover and engage with a variety of different film festivals they may not have been familiar with before. This Alliance won’t only increase the Jewish Film Festival audience but other film festival audiences as well. Together, we can help celebrate the diversity of these film festivals and open doors for collaborations, newer audiences and more!

About the Founder

Matt joined the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF) in 2016. GPJFF is Philadelphia’s first film festival and the second oldest Jewish film festival in the country. He assists with curating their annual programs like Fall Fest and Lindy CineMondays Spring Series, marketing, moderating interviews with guest speakers, community relations, customer service, and much more! A Film & Media Arts major at Temple University, Matt has been obsessed with movies for as long as he can remember. On the side, he also works as a film studio representative for Allied Global Marketing, a full-service integrated marketing agency, assisting with advance screenings of upcoming films throughout the city for press and patrons. Judaism has improved his life on so many levels, so much so that he officially converted in 2020!

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Coach: Lori Tuner
Peer: Jess Bird
Social: @PartnerinParenthood
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Venture Description

Partner in Parenthood’s mission is to give you easy to implement tools and resources to set your child up for success, so you can soak in the moments and enjoy your time with your family. Partner in Parenthood is a subscription service that gives you unlimited messaging with experienced teachers, and childhood experts who understand the challenges of parenthood. We specialize in giving you expert advice and instant strategies/tools via text to handle your toughest kid challenges.

About the Founder

Becca is a proud mom to her daughter, Charlotte. She has her Master’s Degree in Education, has been an educator for years, and has helped countless families gain confidence and stress less.

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Coach: Gayle Smith
Peer: Amber Emory
Social: @curlyfishprod
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Venture Description

Curlyfish Productions is a dynamic, contemporary theatre company which brings shared life experiences together through a Jewish lens. We do this by producing plays by artists of all cultures, holding interactive workshops and creating partnerships with BIPOC arts organizations, and playing an active role in the Jewish community. Curlyfish has existed in concept for several months and is now taking a leap into fruition. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help Curlyfish become a gateway for interfaith artistic expression, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @curlyfishprod, or email us at curlyfishprod@gmail.com.

About the Founder

Aimee is a Philadelphia based theatre artist with main focuses on singing, acting, producing, and improvising. Recent theater work includes being a resident producer with Chickadee Theatre Co. and on Untold: A 10-Minute Playfest, an all-audio-based experience. Aimee is also the founder of Jewkebox and The ChaiLights Jewish A Cappella. Additionally, she co-hosts a podcast called 2 Years til 30! Aimee currently is a Project Coordinator at Bresslergroup.

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Coach: Carolyn Hochstadter
Peer: Danielle Brief
Social: pasukart.com & etsy.com/shop/pasukart
Press: Jewish Exponent 

 

Venture Description

Sonia deepens people’s connection to Torah through her Hebrew and English calligraphic artwork. She creates artwork with a wide range of Jewish texts and is particularly passionate about reviving the Kabbalistic tradition of the “name pasuk”- a biblical verse that connects to the letters of one’s name. Sonia guides adults and youth in choosing a resonant biblical verse, delving into the layers of their names and identity. She creates original artwork that visually links a person’s name, self and verse.

About the Founder

Sonia Gordon-Walinsky is a Jewish artist and educator. She grew up with a rich Jewish and artistic life, taking on Jewish leadership roles from a young age. She studied Jewish texts and art in a range of settings including an art ulpan in Israel, the Jewish Theological Seminary, Columbia University and the Drisha Institute Arts Fellowship. She finds meaning in exploring and teaching the intersection of text and art and designing ritual.

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Coach: Leora Mallach
Peer: Jonathan Wetstein
Social: https://grillja.wixsite.com/naturetoplay
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Venture Description

Nature to Play is family-focused outdoor play – providing fun, educational, guided, local programs in your neighborhood where your kids can explore nature in all of it’s forms. Plus, while they are playing, you are learning some of the best techniques to support their growing brains, bodies, and the future of our planet! It’s in our Nature to Play, because every child deserves the opportunity to develop into resilient, healthy, happy, and creative members of the community.

About the Founder

Jessica is an explorer by nature and an environmental educator by profession, with a master’s degree in biology (though she’d be the first to tell you it’s really for playing in the dirt). She loves inspiring people of all ages to learn through play and will gladly point out all the cool, gross, interesting things all around you.

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Coach: Scott Aronow
Peer: David Kieve
Social: libconsultinggroup.com
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Venture Description

LIB Consulting Group is a marketing team for hire. Our goal is to help small and medium-sized organizations connect with their targeted audience. We listen and help business leaders actualize their goals.

About the Founder

Benni has a background in design and working with startups. She finds joy in listening to people, understanding their motivations and working to translate those values into unique marketing initiatives.

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Coach: Kimberly Klayman
Peer: Serena Shapero
Social: @michalmatches
Press: Jewish Exponent

 

Venture Description

Sex Positive Mama empowers parents to talk about sex and sexuality with their children, leaving shame and taboo behind. Good communication surrounding sexuality can have a lasting, positive impact on parent-child relationships, help children develop positive body image, and give parents important opportunities to share their values. Using a bio-pyscho-social methodology, SPM helps parents demystify sex education at home, so parents can be the parents they wish to be.

About the Founder

Michal Naisteter is a trained sex educator, professional matchmaker, and a Sex Positive Mama to her own 2-year-old daughter. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a Master of Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University. Her mission is to support and empower parents to raise their young kids in a sex-positive manner by furthering awareness and education via social media and coaching. In 2022, Tribe 12 was pleased to welcome Michal to the team as an in-house matchmaker. 

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Coach: Matt Pincus
Peer: Josh Silverbauer
Social: libconsultinggroup.com
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Venture Description

LIB Consulting Group is a marketing consulting company that specializes in helping small businesses refine their brand, define their space, and connect with their targeted audience.

About the Founder

Jamie is an experienced marketer and content creator. Driven by wholehearted human connections, she takes great care to ensure positive experiences for both clients and customers alike. As the Co-Owner of LIB Consulting Group, along with her sister Benni, her goals are to help other small business leaders actualize their dreams.

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Coach: Jessica Yankell
Peer: Michael Saks
Social: @gabrielleiris215
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Venture Description

My ultimate goal regarding my venture is to respectfully de-ostracize the Cannabis industry by formulating a safe, welcoming community of fellow Cannabis advocates to harmonize throughout the environment. The overall infrastructure will consist of well-documented marketing content as well as community engagement, accurately sourced educational content, and industry trends/news. Ideally, my target audience originates within major Philadelphia Counties, primarily focusing on the female demographic.

About the Founder

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, raised in the Northeast Philadelphia area. I proudly hold a Bachelors of Science in Marketing from Penn State University and a Masters of Business Administration in Marketing/International Relations from Thomas Jefferson University. Currently, my professional resume consists of over 15+ years of Cosmetics experience, primarily client service and merchandising ecosystems.

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Coach: Mallory Hanfling
Peer: Michael Gotlib
Social: www.peacelilycounselingservices.com
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Venture Description

Peace Lily Counseling Services is an online mental health practice serving young adults in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina who are in the midst of a life transition and struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and the uncertainty that often comes along with a new phase of life. Peace Lily Counseling Services got its name to represent the growth that can occur if you step into the light. Peace Lilies grow in low light, but when moved into more sunlight they sprout beautiful flowers.

About the Founder

Danielle is a licensed clinical social worker, supporting young adults through individual counseling, who are in the midst of a life transition. She earned her Master of Social Work from Winthrop University and has several years of experience working in medical settings, schools, domestic violence shelters, and outpatient therapy. Danielle is new to the area and can’t wait to explore more things in Philly!

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Coach: Deb Weinstein
Peer: Katie Rabinowitz
Social: www.theconfidenceclass.com
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Venture Description

The Confidence Class is yoga for women and girls’ confidence. Using physical postures, meditation, communication tools, and more, it is a practice in learning unconditional self-respect and self-esteem. Through private and group classes in both personal and professional settings, The Confidence Class is for women and girls who want to feel less self-doubt when they walk in a room or open their mouths.

About the Founder

Amanda Thum is an encouraging, joyful, purpose-driven entrepreneur and proud alumna of Barnard, the women’s college of Columbia University. In her senior year, she realized her love for public speaking and passion for positive self-talk! Originally from Brooklyn, she left her corporate New York job in 2015, and booked a one-way ticket to Hawaii. While teaching hundreds of women’s yoga classes there, Amanda saw the need for a class that teaches confidence—and decided to go create it!

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Coach: Lorin Decker
Peer: Samantha Hyman
Social: poshmark.com/closet/alexathrifts @alexathrifts
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Venture Description

Aleysunflower LLC, newly rebranded as Mitz + Mar, is a virtual second-hand clothing and accessories store. Its mission is to help people, mainly women, feel good about themselves by finding clothing and accessories that they love and in which they feel good, for an amazing price. In addition, the business focuses on sustainability through preventing the ever-increasing amount of textiles that end up in landfills and the reduction of carbon emissions produced by the mainstream fashion industry.

About the Founder

Alexa Stango was born and raised in Lower Merion, attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she double majored in Psychology and Spanish, then traveled all over the country and the world, finding herself back with her family and friends in her favorite city, Philadelphia. Throughout her life, she has always enjoyed the “thrill of the hunt” and the environmentally friendly factor of thrifting for clothing and has now been able to turn that passion into a career and open her own online secondhand store.