We’d like to welcome one of the newest members of the OneTable team, Jess Spivack! Jess will be serving as our Community Specialist in the New York office, and cannot wait to get to know all of our dinner hosts. Learn more about her below!

Q: Where are you coming to us from?

I grew up in New Jersey right outside of the city. I went to the University of Michigan for undergrad where I studied English and minored in Community Action Social Change and received a Master’s Degree from Touro College in Education.

Q: What is the role of the Community Specialist and what’s your vision?

As the Community Specialist, I connect with every OneTable host to help them have a seamless posting and hosting experience. If they have questions about menus or redeeming nourishment credits — I am their go-to direct resource for immediate answers. I have a lot of different ideas for where the role can go. I love meeting new people and enjoy talking to anyone and everyone. My vision is to see the number of hosts grow around the country and to be an integral part in inspiring and giving people the confidence to try out or re-introduce Shabbat dinner into their lives. 

Q: What makes you happy?

Well, for the past two years, a few friends and I have had a running list of life’s “simple pleasures” I’m extremely proud of, so I’ll give you some of my favorites from that list…

• When I go to the bathroom at a restaurant and the food is on the table when I come back
• When no one else gets picked up in your UberPool
• When someone gives me their leftovers
• Photobooth props
• Waking up and realizing you have more time to sleep
• Reading a book on the beach
• When the subway pulls up right as you get to the platform
• Pizza
• Putting on chapstick

On a more serious note, I love working with people of all ages and backgrounds and genuinely adore the moment when I’m working with someone and see the lightbulb go off. Whether it’s talking about new and creative ideas or helping someone learn a new concept, I love working and helping all types of people. My favorite thing is to connect on a deep level with my friends, family and strangers who quickly become friends.

Q: What do you do outside of work?

Some would say I’m a bit too obsessed with food, but we all know that’s not possible. I love researching and discovering new restaurants and dishes in NYC, as well as cooking new recipes. I spend way too long looking at pictures of food, but when I’m not gawking at #foodporn, I love to explore the city and do fun activities throughout New York. I’m also a huge bookworm and love to read, so if you ever need book suggestions, hit me up! My favorite thing is to spend time with my friends and family and I love to go out and have a good time.

Q: What accomplishment makes you most proud?

In college, I studied abroad with a program called Semester at Sea where I traveled around the globe on a ship, traveling throughout Southeast Asia and Africa. Throughout this transformative and life-changing journey, I kept a blog documenting my travels that received over 39,000 views from 58 countries! Check it out-Babe on a Boat. I adore travel and think it’s the most amazing thing a person can do.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

Obviously one of the hardest questions, but I’m going to go with pizza and pasta, it just never disappoints. I’m also a huge fan of sushi, as well as veggie sides-think Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and caramelized onions. Honorary mention goes to tuna fish.

Want to chat with Jess? Send her a welcome email at Jess@OneTable.org.