Young Professionals Committee
The Young Professionals Committee is a circle of individuals who share a meaningful connection to Anshey Sfard and are committed to its future.
Some have helped shape Anshey Sfard by being involved in rebuilding the community. Others have been inspired by events or simply enjoyed being part of the experience. Some come from families connected to the synagogue for generations. Each of them, in their own way, carries a piece of the community’s story forward.
We highlight their faces to recognize those who are not just attending — but actively supporting, contributing, helping, and above all, committed to building the future of Anshey Sfard and bringing its vision to life.
“Co-founding First Friday Sephardic Shabbat Dinner connected me deeply to Anshey Sfard — seeing it thrive means everything.”
Elijah heads Finance & Operations at an SF-based tech company and is committed to creating vibrant Jewish community spaces.
He grew up in the U.S. and abroad and started a gaming business as a kid. After graduating college, he began his tech career in the Bay Area before relocating to New York City, where he now resides, heading Finance and Operations at an AI startup. Having experienced what it means to lack community, he’s dedicated to creating welcoming spaces for others. In his free time, he’s an avid traveler and surfs whenever he’s in California. He recently co-founded and sits on the board of SAPA (South African Penguin Alliance), working to conserve South Africa’s iconic penguin populations.
“I’ve never missed a First Friday Sephardic Shabbat—unless I’m out of San Francisco”
Fred Serfati is a Data Scientist at Microsoft and holds a Master’s in Data Science from the University of San Francisco.
He specializes in analytics and machine learning, applying a data-driven approach to uncover insights and drive impact at scale. Off the clock, Fred enjoys the finer things — especially sipping Boukha Bokobsa paired with kosher caviar (Boutargue Classique). He affectionately refers to Congregation Anshey Sfard in San Francisco as “La’ Restaurant” — like they say in French — because the food, the vibe, the whole experience? Très magnifique.
“Inspired by the vibrancy of Sephardic Shabbat at Anshey Sfard - Elijah, Avigdor, and I co-founded First Friday Sephardic Shabbat Dinner — introducing Anshey Sfard and its spirit to Jewish students at Stanford”
David is a graduate student at Stanford University, specializing in quantum physics.
He is deeply passionate about Jewish community life and actively involved in fostering connection and identity among his peers. Outside the lab, David is a hands-on enthusiast who loves disassembling and reassembling cars—especially convertibles, which he has a particular fondness for. In his downtime, you’ll often find him lifting weights, relaxing in a hot tub or sauna, and fully embracing the balance between intense study and a vibrant, active lifestyle. David is committed to setting aside daily time for Torah learning (kovea itim laTorah), with a particular love for halacha and Talmud study. He also finds meaning and joy in attending daily minyanim.
“It was truly an honor to put Anshey Sfard on the map — going from a synagogue hardly known among young professionals to a vibrant community hub for Jewish life”
Leya Aronoff is a community marketing strategist building vibrant Jewish communities across the country through Open Circle, her initiative focused on young adult engagement and strategic growth.
From leading Moishe House Nob Hill to advising on major Jewish community programs in San Francisco, Leya brings deep experience in strategic growth, engagement, and event design. At Anshey Sfard, she played a pivotal role in establishing First Friday Shabbat, which tripled attendance in just a few months through smart marketing, strong partnerships, compelling programming, and key sponsorships.
Anshey Sfard proudly honors Leya for her impact and dedication.
“Sephardic zemirot after Shabbat dinner — that’s what brings me back to every First Friday”
Isaac Dayan (Es-haugh) is a UCLA alum currently in San Francisco for his dental studies.
He speaks fluent Farsi, loves sports, and brings a sharp, magnetic energy wherever he goes. Currently diving deep into one of the top dental programs in the country, He’s passionate about making sure Jewish communities have spaces that feel strong, safe, and unshakably theirs.
“Whenever I’m in the Bay Area — whether for business or pleasure — I make sure to spend Shabbat at Anshey Sfard.”
Zev is a Stanford graduate (Computer Science, Class of 2023) and a serial entrepreneur with a strong commitment to Jewish life and community.
He currently serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Jewish Alumni of Stanford University, where he plays a key role in building lasting Jewish networks. Zev is also an enthusiastic tennis and golf player. Recently, he’s become involved in a conservation project focused on protecting African penguins, particularly in the Western Cape region of South Africa, where their populations are critically endangered. His diverse passions reflect a blend of leadership, community service, and global environmental awareness.
“Anshey Sfard has been my community since I moved to San Francisco, it reminds me of home. I come here for services on Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and my friends and I love to come to the young professional Shabbat dinners”
Tovael Hagai is a Marketing Strategist based in San Francisco’s Richmond District.
From Rikud By The Bay to Hummus Bodega, she’s one of the most well-known faces in the local Jewish community. And beyond her marketing talents, she’s famous for making the best Kubbeh in the world — a unique recipe passed down through generations from her father’s Iraqi side of the family.