Community
is always
the answer
Community is always the answer
Community is
always the answer
A home for Jewish life in Harlem — always welcoming, always growing, always connected.
A home for Jewish life in Harlem —
always welcoming, always growing,
always connected.
A home for Jewish life in Harlem — always welcoming, always growing, always connected.
What is
“Tzibur”?
(Tap me)
The word Tzibur (ציבור), which means both “community” and “public” captures this spirit. We go hard on community. You’ll encounter Tzibur around the dinner table, in living rooms, and in shared encounters and real, relational conversation. And we go equally hard on a vision for shared public life. We’re in Harlem on purpose, not by accident, and we are committed to being responsible stewards of our neighborhood and in deep relationship with our neighbors.
What is
“Tzibur”?
(Tap me)
The word Tzibur (ציבור), which means both “community” and “public” captures this spirit. We go hard on community. You’ll encounter Tzibur around the dinner table, in living rooms, and in shared encounters and real, relational conversation. And we go equally hard on a vision for shared public life. We’re in Harlem on purpose, not by accident, and we are committed to being responsible stewards of our neighborhood and in deep relationship with our neighbors.
What is
“Tzibur”?
(Click me)
The word Tzibur (ציבור), which means both “community” and “public” captures this spirit. We go hard on community. You’ll encounter Tzibur around the dinner table, in living rooms, and in shared encounters and real, relational conversation. And we go equally hard on a vision for shared public life. We’re in Harlem on purpose, not by accident, and we are committed to being responsible stewards of our neighborhood and in deep relationship with our neighbors.
What is
“Tzibur”?
(Click me)
The word Tzibur (ציבור), which means both “community” and “public” captures this spirit. We go hard on community. You’ll encounter Tzibur around the dinner table, in living rooms, and in shared encounters and real, relational conversation. And we go equally hard on a vision for shared public life. We’re in Harlem on purpose, not by accident, and we are committed to being responsible stewards of our neighborhood and in deep relationship with our neighbors.
Meet Rabbi Dimitry & Erica
Meet Rabbi
Dimitry & Erica
Since 2014, we’ve been steadily and devotedly building Jewish life in Harlem
as grassroots community organizers — one relationship at a time.
Since 2014, we’ve been steadily and devotedly building Jewish life in Harlem as grassroots community organizers — one relationship at a time.
Since 2014, we’ve been steadily and devotedly building Jewish life in Harlem as grassroots community organizers — one relationship at a time.
Dimitry Ekshtut
Rabbi Dimitry Ekshtut is a community builder, educator, musician, spiritual entrepreneur, and the Co-Founder of Tzibur Harlem. As a Harlem resident since 2009, Dimitry has helped spark a revival of Jewish life in Harlem, rooted in deep relationships across lines of race, class, and faith. He and Erica have set well over 10,000 place-settings at their table for Shabbat meals, learning circles, holiday gatherings, conversations, and neighborhood partnerships over the last decade.
Erica Frankel
Erica Frankel has spent nearly two decades shaping the future of Jewish life — founding bold organizations, training hundreds of educators and rabbis, and building communities that meet people where they are.
Rabbi Dimitry Ekshtut
Rabbi Dimitry Ekshtut is a community builder, educator, musician, spiritual entrepreneur, and the Co-Founder of Tzibur Harlem. As a Harlem resident since 2009, Dimitry has helped spark a revival of Jewish life in Harlem, rooted in deep relationships across lines of race, class, and faith. He and Erica have set well over 10,000 place-settings at their table for Shabbat meals, learning circles, holiday gatherings, conversations, and neighborhood partnerships over the last decade.
Erica Frankel
Begin your all-electric road trip today
Rabbi Dimitry Ekshtut
Rabbi Dimitry Ekshtut is a community builder, educator, musician, spiritual entrepreneur, and the Co-Founder of Tzibur Harlem. As a Harlem resident since 2009, Dimitry has helped spark a revival of Jewish life in Harlem, rooted in deep relationships across lines of race, class, and faith. He and Erica have set well over 10,000 place-settings at their table for Shabbat meals, learning circles, holiday gatherings, conversations, and neighborhood partnerships over the last decade.
Erica Frankel
Begin your all-electric road trip today
Our Community
At the heart of Tzibur are people. Not programs (though our calendar is always full). Not vibes (though we’ve got lots). People. Community is powered by relationships. So here are some of our people and what they have to say:
“When I first came to Dimitry and Erica’s home, I only knew Judaism from books — not from life. I feel so blessed that my Jewish journey took root in the launch pad of home and community they’ve built with such care. For anyone exploring or redefining their Judaism, this is the place to be and the people to do it with.”
Anmol Agarwal
“Dimitry and Erica create spaces that deepen the journeys we’re already on and open doors to new ones. For us, one of the most meaningful experiences was the Mixed Heritage couples cohort and retreat, which gave us insight and direction. From there, we’ve gone on to join circles, study Talmud, and share festive meals in their home. Their leadership continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for our family.”
Dov Schreiber
"When I first moved to Harlem I had no idea there was an active Jewish community here, much less one as beautiful and meaningful as what Erica and Dimitry have worked to cultivate. Thanks to Tzibur, I have deepened my connection to Jewish community and my own personal Jewish practices in ways that will impact how I approach community building for the rest of my life. I know that no matter where I go or what I do, part of me will always be tied to this community and what I've learned from this community will always exist within me."
Olivia Brenner
"I really think the most meaningful gift you can give someone is to give a space for others to feel safe and accepted for who they are, so thank you for actively creating that environment. It takes a lot of work to do what you do, and I hope you know how impactful you are. This community has had and actively has such a positive impact on me especially during hard times. Like for real for real.”
Tzvia Waronker
"I am so grateful to have found (and landed so close to) the community you are building and humbled to be a part of it at this moment of expansion. The warmth that I've experienced in your home has been one of the best and most unexpected parts of my (very new) life in New York so far. I feel so lucky to be a part of this and to have the chance to grow with it!"
Aviva Strong
"When I first moved to Harlem I had no idea there was an active Jewish community here, much less one as beautiful and meaningful as what Erica and Dimitry have worked to cultivate. Thanks to Tzibur, I have deepened my connection to Jewish community and my own personal Jewish practices in ways that will impact how I approach community building for the rest of my life. I know that no matter where I go or what I do, part of me will always be tied to this community and what I've learned from this community will always exist within me."
Olivia Brenner
“When I first came to Dimitry and Erica’s home, I only knew Judaism from books — not from life. I feel so blessed that my Jewish journey took root in the launch pad of home and community they’ve built with such care. For anyone exploring or redefining their Judaism, this is the place to be and the people to do it with.”
Anmol Agarwal
“Dimitry and Erica create spaces that deepen the journeys we’re already on and open doors to new ones. For us, one of the most meaningful experiences was the Mixed Heritage couples cohort and retreat, which gave us insight and direction. From there, we’ve gone on to join circles, study Talmud, and share festive meals in their home. Their leadership continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for our family.”
Dov Schreiber
"When I first moved to Harlem I had no idea there was an active Jewish community here, much less one as beautiful and meaningful as what Erica and Dimitry have worked to cultivate. Thanks to Tzibur, I have deepened my connection to Jewish community and my own personal Jewish practices in ways that will impact how I approach community building for the rest of my life. I know that no matter where I go or what I do, part of me will always be tied to this community and what I've learned from this community will always exist within me."
Olivia Brenner
"I really think the most meaningful gift you can give someone is to give a space for others to feel safe and accepted for who they are, so thank you for actively creating that environment. It takes a lot of work to do what you do, and I hope you know how impactful you are. This community has had and actively has such a positive impact on me especially during hard times. Like for real for real.”
Tzvia Waronker
"I am so grateful to have found (and landed so close to) the community you are building and humbled to be a part of it at this moment of expansion. The warmth that I've experienced in your home has been one of the best and most unexpected parts of my (very new) life in New York so far. I feel so lucky to be a part of this and to have the chance to grow with it!"
Aviva Strong
"When I first moved to Harlem I had no idea there was an active Jewish community here, much less one as beautiful and meaningful as what Erica and Dimitry have worked to cultivate. Thanks to Tzibur, I have deepened my connection to Jewish community and my own personal Jewish practices in ways that will impact how I approach community building for the rest of my life. I know that no matter where I go or what I do, part of me will always be tied to this community and what I've learned from this community will always exist within me."
Olivia Brenner
“When I first came to Dimitry and Erica’s home, I only knew Judaism from books — not from life. I feel so blessed that my Jewish journey took root in the launch pad of home and community they’ve built with such care. For anyone exploring or redefining their Judaism, this is the place to be and the people to do it with.”
Anmol Agarwal
“Dimitry and Erica create spaces that deepen the journeys we’re already on and open doors to new ones. For us, one of the most meaningful experiences was the Mixed Heritage couples cohort and retreat, which gave us insight and direction. From there, we’ve gone on to join circles, study Talmud, and share festive meals in their home. Their leadership continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for our family.”
Dov Schreiber
"When I first moved to Harlem I had no idea there was an active Jewish community here, much less one as beautiful and meaningful as what Erica and Dimitry have worked to cultivate. Thanks to Tzibur, I have deepened my connection to Jewish community and my own personal Jewish practices in ways that will impact how I approach community building for the rest of my life. I know that no matter where I go or what I do, part of me will always be tied to this community and what I've learned from this community will always exist within me."
Olivia Brenner
"I really think the most meaningful gift you can give someone is to give a space for others to feel safe and accepted for who they are, so thank you for actively creating that environment. It takes a lot of work to do what you do, and I hope you know how impactful you are. This community has had and actively has such a positive impact on me especially during hard times. Like for real for real.”
Tzvia Waronker
"I am so grateful to have found (and landed so close to) the community you are building and humbled to be a part of it at this moment of expansion. The warmth that I've experienced in your home has been one of the best and most unexpected parts of my (very new) life in New York so far. I feel so lucky to be a part of this and to have the chance to grow with it!"
Aviva Strong
"When I first moved to Harlem I had no idea there was an active Jewish community here, much less one as beautiful and meaningful as what Erica and Dimitry have worked to cultivate. Thanks to Tzibur, I have deepened my connection to Jewish community and my own personal Jewish practices in ways that will impact how I approach community building for the rest of my life. I know that no matter where I go or what I do, part of me will always be tied to this community and what I've learned from this community will always exist within me."
Olivia Brenner
Join us at one of our upcoming offerings!
Join us at one of our upcoming offerings!
Whether you’re looking for a soulful Shabbat experience, a way to connect with other Jewish families, or a smaller group to explore Judaism through shared interests, Tzibur has a place for you.
Whether you’re looking for a soulful Shabbat experience, a way to connect with other Jewish families, or a smaller group to explore Judaism through shared interests, Tzibur has a place for you.
Address shared upon RSVP
Women's Learning Circle
December 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Erica & Dimitry's Home, West 136th Street
Shalom Harlem Family Meetup
November 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Temple 5
Shabbat at Temple 5
November 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Address shared upon RSVP
Women's Learning Circle
December 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Erica & Dimitry's Home, West 136th Street
Shalom Harlem Family Meetup
November 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Temple 5
Shabbat at Temple 5
November 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Address shared upon RSVP
Women's Learning Circle
December 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Erica & Dimitry's Home, West 136th Street
Shalom Harlem Family Meetup
November 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Temple 5
Shabbat at Temple 5
November 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Temple 5
Shabbat at Temple 5
October 31, 2025 at 6:00 PM
This is how we do community.
This is
how we do
community.
Like what you see?
Help us keep things running
Since 2014, we’ve been steadily and devotedly building Jewish life in Harlem as grassroots community organizers — one relationship at a time.