Spotlight: Esther Schlossberg

Esther is the kind of person who makes the Greater Hartford Jewish community feel smaller in the best way—warm, connected, and one “Jewish geography” moment away from a new friend.

Esther (right) with Amanda Zinkerman, volunteering at Urban Dor's Rosh Hashanah Celebration 2025.

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

The Greater Hartford Jewish community truly feels like a family. As a fourth-generation Greater Hartfordite, that sense of connection and continuity is especially meaningful to me. The community is large enough to offer diverse institutions, programming, and perspectives, yet small enough that relationships genuinely matter and people really know one another. I love that no matter where I’m traveling, when I mention I’m from West Hartford it immediately sparks a round of Jewish geography and there’s almost always a shared connection or mutual friend. That closeness is something I really value and don’t take for granted.

When did you first hear about Urban Dor?

I’ve been aware of Urban Dor since its launch, although I wasn’t living full-time in West Hartford at the time. When I moved back to West Hartford shortly before October 7, I became much more involved in the local Jewish young professional community, including Urban Dor. 

What do you do professionally?

I work in clinical research as Program Coordinator for the InSTRIDE Lab at the Yale School of Medicine. Our focus is at the intersection of substance use disorders and infectious diseases. One of the most exciting aspects of my role is that our team helped launch the first Mobile Retail Pharmacy and Clinic in the United States, (essentially a CVS on wheels minus the snacks!), and successfully advocated for the legislation that made it possible.

We hear you’re incredibly generous with your time (and we love that Urban Dor made the cut!). Where else do you like to volunteer, and what inspires you to show up for others? 

I currently serve on the JTConnect Executive Board, the Jewish Federation’s Emerging Leadership Board and the Kol Zahav Chorale Planning Committee. Each of these roles allows me to contribute in a different way, whether it’s building community for high schoolers, shaping meaningful programming for young professionals, or using music to bring people together. What inspires me to continue showing up is seeing how consistency and care can strengthen a community over time. I’m motivated by the idea that giving of your time, through leadership, planning, and song, creates space where people feel connected, supported, and truly seen.

Word on the street is that if you need a connection, people say: “Start with Esther.” How did you build such an amazing network, and what’s your best advice for anyone hoping to find — or build — real community?

I feel truly honored that people say that, and I hope I live up to it! I’ve been fortunate to have so many incredible opportunities growing up, and along the way, I’ve met amazing, like-minded people. My advice for anyone hoping to build real community is to show up consistently and genuinely care about the people you meet. It is amazing how those connections create a supportive and lasting network.

When you’re not working or volunteering, how do you like to have fun around Greater Hartford? Any favorite spots or go-to activities?

I’m an avid spinner, so you’ll often find me at CycleBar West Hartford on early mornings. I’m also a bit of an iced coffee connoisseur, always on the lookout for new spots around town to try. 

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

I’m always happy to connect! You can catch me at events like the next Urban Dor event, reach me by email at eschloss98@gmail.com, and/or connect with me on LinkedIn.

----

Urban Dor's next event is Taste of Israel: A Wine & Cheese Social on March 19th - 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 with Urban Dor.