Since its founding in 1992, SHAI’s mission as a donor supported non-profit organization has been to preserve the ancient Persian Jewish heritage and to enhance the lives of the Iranian Jewish community living in the metropolitan New York area. SHAI’s programming and events serve to unite this diverse community across Long Island, New York City, and beyond. With a robust and varied range of offerings, including social events, holiday celebrations, cultural programs, and educational forums, SHAI serves the entire community – from youth to singles to seniors.
The crown jewels of our efforts and programming are the SHAI Senior Center and providing scholarships for yeshiva and university students. Our scholarships have assisted hundreds of families in acquiring Jewish education and higher educational degrees, enhancing the entire community. Our fully kosher and complimentary Senior Center program allows our seniors to enjoy social activities with peers in their native Persian language.
Through community partnerships and collaborations we hope to continue to build an environment of tradition, connection, and support for our vibrant community long into the future.
News & Events
From social gatherings and professional networking events to family-friendly festivals and cultural celebrations, SHAI fosters connection and engagement. Our programs cater to various age groups, including young professionals, families, and singles, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive community. Stay updated with our latest news and events by visiting our website.
Our Impact
SHAI effectively serves as a Jewish Community Center without walls. It serves as a community center without a building. We are closely connected to all the public officials, schools, shuls and community centers.
SHAI provides the needs and wants of the community with is rich programming in all different and diverse areas. Funded by donor generosity, boasting a thriving and active volunteer Board, SHAI helps the Persian Jewish community and our neighbors in innumerable ways.
Strengthening Community Through Dedicated Committees
Our committees are at the heart of building a strong, supportive community. Whether it’s through organizing events, fostering education, or creating charitable opportunities, there’s a place for you to make a difference.
Our dedicated committees focus on strengthening and enriching the Persian Jewish community. These committees oversee various initiatives, including cultural preservation, social events, professional networking, young family engagement, and charitable efforts. By organizing programs that foster connection, education, and community support, our committees play a vital role in upholding traditions while addressing the evolving needs of the community.
Seniors
The Senior Center, directed by Parvaneh Khodadadian, supports senior citizens’ health and wellness as the largest not-for-profit sponsor of the Town of North Hempstead Senior Social Center.
Seniors
SHAI Young Families / SHAI NYC
Providing fun, dynamic, and meaningful programming and chessed opportunities for the whole family.
SHAI Young Families / SHAI NYC
SHAI Young Professionals
Bringing together a diverse group of young adults in a fun, hip environment.
SHAI Young Professionals
Community Education
Partnering with local institutions to provide quality, informative educational opportunities.
Community Education
Community Programming
Building community through powerful shared experiences, events, and programming.
Community Programming
Cultural Arts
Cultivating programs that conserve and promote our unique Persian Jewish background.
Cultural Arts
Youth Camp
Empowering our young leaders through a blend of sports, outdoor activities, education, community service projects, and Sephardic traditions.
Youth Camp
Scholarships
Awards in total confidentiality need-based scholarships to enable deserving students to pursue higher education, with over $2 million awarded to date
Scholarships, Grants & Loans