Hi! I’m Morgan Raum, a born-and-raised New Yorker and founder of Shabbat Club and ToooMuchFoood. I’m 28 and graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University in 2019 with a degree in Jewish Studies and Political Science.

With a decade in food and social media, and four years of experience in the Jewish space, including as Head of Membership at Lox Club, my focus has always been on building community, supporting small business, and…also eating.

Shabbat Club has been featured in Tablet Magazine, CBS News, NY Post, JTA, NY Jewish Week’s “36 to Watch,” Ha’aretz, NYLON, and more.

Christmas Eve dinner party @ Shalom Japan

WHAT IS SHABBAT CLUB?

A culturally Jewish, curated pop-up dinner party series and community that I wish existed in my early 20s, when I was looking for low-pressure ways to meet cool Jewish people. Open to young professionals and welcoming to everyone (Jewish or not).

Inspired by my beautiful Safta, Yaffa Algava, who loved gathering friends and family around her dining table, Shabbat Club blends tradition, music, great food, and connection into every event.

We’ve hosted over 25 dinners and parties at majority Jewish-owned businesses across NYC and LA, with Miami coming soon. From 18-person Shabbats to 300-person Purim parties and a group tour of the Nova Exhibition, our focus is on fostering pride in our heritage, in partnership with incredible restaurants and businesses, while creating memorable experiences. We believe there’s no "right" way to be Jewish—our events are for everyone looking to learn, create, grow, and celebrate together.

SO…WHAT IS FRIDAY FILES?

Your guide to all things Shabbat Club and beyond—for anyone who loves good food, great company, and discovering new ways to connect with their heritage (and each other).

WHAT DO YOU WRITE ABOUT?

  • Unsolicited advice from my parents.

  • Member spotlights featuring the cool people who make up our community.

  • Jewish business highlights showcasing brands and restaurants you should know about.

  • Cool people and fun stories to talk about at Shabbat dinner.

  • Updates on Shabbat Club events (duh).

  • Community events + chat (if you’re a paid subscriber).

  • Whatever else pops into my head. Feel free to send ideas.

HOW TO ATTEND

RSVP through the POSH event links shared on our social channels. Please note that the Google form in our bio is just an interest form used for a future membership program and is not consulted for event approvals. Make sure to keep an eye on our IG stories or this newsletter for the latest updates!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Looking for more ways to connect? Become a paid subscriber for access to our chat on Substack and our Community Events Board, where we’ll be sharing a curated, ongoing list of vetted events in NYC and beyond.

*Reach out via DM if you have an event you’d like me to share—no guarantees though.

STAY CONNECTED

Let’s make Fridays the best day of the week. Subscribe now and join the Friday Files community!

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Subscribe to Friday Files by Shabbat Club

Official newsletter for Shabbat Club, a culturally Jewish pop-up dinner party series and community in NYC and beyond.

People

Founder of Shabbat Club. Food creator at ToooMuchFoood. Writing about community, culture, and Jewish life in New York (with input from my parents).