We have a new name — and a renewed vision

On Sunday night, we gathered around food and laughter, reflection and visioning, for our second annual Community Town Hall. What a night! Thank you to everyone who came — for your questions, your ideas, your presence, and your deep care for what we’re building together.

That evening, we shared something we’ve been holding close for many months — a new name and a renewed identity for the umbrella effort we’ve been calling Project Harlem.

From the beginning, Project Harlem was never meant to be one thing. It was the vessel holding many things — Shabbat tables and service programs, partnerships and Jewish learning, family meetups and holiday celebrations. And now, it’s time for that vessel to stand proudly in its fullness, with a name that captures its heart.

We’re thrilled to introduce: Tzibur: Jewish Life in Harlem.

So, what is a Tzibur?

The Hebrew word tzibur (ציבור) means both community and public. For us, Tzibur captures both halves of who we are and who we aspire to be.

• We go hard on community — you’ll encounter Tzibur around the dinner table, in living rooms, and in deep, relational conversation.

• And we go equally hard on shared public life — rooted in Harlem, committed to this neighborhood, and striving to be responsible stewards and good neighbors.

We’re in Harlem on purpose, not by accident. Our story is inseparable from the fabric of this place — its rhythm and its spirit.

At the Town Hall, we learned together from Jewish texts that trace the soul of tzibur across generations — from the exhortation “Do not separate yourself from the community,” to the prayers that bless “all who faithfully labor for the needs of the tzibur.”

You can explore the full source sheet we studied here:

Source Sheet: Introducing Tzibur 📃

We invite you to read, learn, and reflect:

• What does it mean to be part of a tzibur?

• How do we care for the tzibur, so the tzibur can care for us?

With a new name comes a new look, a new feel, and a deepened sense of purpose. You’ll start to see Tzibur across all our communications. If you're on Instagram, come follow us and help spread the word: @tziburharlem.

And most importantly — come celebrate with us this Shabbat in Harlem!