Spotlight: Ben Abrams

Introducing a father of twins and avid golfer — Ben Abrams is an Urban Dor OG, going all the way back to our very first Latke Vodka in Hartford!

Ben Abrams (middle) with his wife, Rachel.. Simon Lichter on right. Saturday night, December 6th 2025 at Latke Vodka 100 at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, CT.

Urban Dor: Tell us about what you like about the Greater Hartford Jewish community?

Ben: The community is the perfect size.  It comes together to sustain critical institutions (day schools, the mikvah, JCC, the Federation, Crown, the eruv), but still has spaces for Jews from across the spectrum of backgrounds, observance levels, and ages.  The community is very open to newcomers and transplants (like me from Minnesota and my wife, Rachel, from California), in addition to those who grew up here and stuck around.

Urban Dor: When did you first hear about Urban Dor?

Ben: Around 2021 I saw a social media ad for the first Latke Vodka event for Chanukah; it was hosted at Simon's old apartment building in downtown Hartford. I've been going ever since!

Urban Dor: What do you do professionally?

Ben: I am an attorney at the Connecticut Attorney General's Office in Hartford and represent State agencies, officials, and employees in a wide spectrum of civil litigation in courts and in administrative proceedings.  

Urban Dor: You were part of the Krav Maga self-defense program, Legion, with our founder, Simon Lichter, and many other members of the local Jewish community. How has the Legion program changed your life?

Ben: It was eye-opening - it taught me the importance of being situationally aware and capable of defending yourself.  I trained with wonderful people from all sorts of backgrounds and ages, and it was great to be part of a group in the Jewish community dedicated to learning how to defend ourselves, our families, and the community together. 

Urban Dor: We love that you have twins! What’s the most exciting part of being a father with the #TwinLife?

Ben: My twins are toddlers and have extremely different personalities, but have an extremely close bond and truly love each other.  As a parent it is a joy to see!

Urban Dor: As an avid golfer, where do you enjoy hitting the greens in Connecticut?

Ben: Wintonbury Hills Golf Course in Bloomfield, Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, and the Ranch Golf Club all are solid public courses in the Hartford-area. Connecticut National Golf Club is a great course if you don't mind going for a bit of a drive.

Urban Dor: If people want to connect with you further, what’s the best way for them to reach you?

Ben: Reach out to Simon and he can get you in touch with me via e-mail or cell.

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Our next event is our annual Wine & Cheese Social on March 5th 2026 - Buy Tickets.

We had 130 young Jewish adults at our last event for Latke Vodka 100 on December 6th 2025 at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, CT.

Whether you’re from Greater Hartford, New Haven, Springfield, Boston, NYC or beyond, come experience the warmth and energy of the Greater Hartford Jewish community!