Spotlight: Max Beede

Meet Max, raised in West Hartford, and a pillar of the Greater Hartford young Jewish adult community.

Urban Dor: Tell us about what you like about the Greater Hartford Jewish community and when did you first hear about Urban Dor?

Max: Greater Hartford has an amazing Jewish community! I love the diversity of thriving synagogues, each with their own traditions that span the spectrum of religious observance and cultural identity. I’m also incredibly proud of the work Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford does to support our entire community. We have so many incredible Jewish organizations in the Greater Hartford area that celebrate Jewish joy, help those most vulnerable in our community, keep us safe, and build bridges with neighbors and friends.

There’s something special about being in a place that both has a substantial enough Jewish population where you’re always meeting new people, yet still feels close enough to connect with familiar faces on a frequent basis. And there continues to be an influx of young Jewish people moving to the area, which only strengthens our community.

I remember first hearing about Urban Dor when Simon approached me about partnering on events. I work at Jewish Federation as the Director of Emerging Leadership and I also spearhead “Good. Great. Greater Hartford,” the Federation Initiative that connects new (and newly involved) residents to the local Jewish community. Simon approaching me was a great opportunity. He is a great example of the kind of person that this place raises – someone who deeply cares about the Greater Hartford Jewish community and then leads by example in hosting events and building up others (the spotlight series is a great example of this!).

Urban Dor: We often tell new members, "Grab a coffee with Max—he’s the nicest guy in West Hartford and will help you feel right at home." What excites you most about welcoming others and helping them connect in the community?

Max: That's a very kind thing to say! But honestly, nice interactions with one person don't sustain a community.  We’re blessed with so many community members who are willing to invite people over for Shabbat, share a coffee, lend a hand, and just be kind to each other. That's what's so great about welcoming people – I may be someone's early touchpoint, but I get excited knowing that I can connect them with such a broad network of friendly people! And it’s easy to tell people about my own experiences and why I love living here, but the Greater Hartford-area continues to be highlighted in publications across the nation as an amazing place to live, generally and Jewishly. I love introducing people to new activities, outings, and restaurants – by far the most fun part of my job!

Urban Dor: You’ve lived in NYC—what was that experience like, and what perspectives or energy have you brought back with you to your hometown?

Max: Like anywhere, life in NYC has its pros and cons. I was really lucky to meet my wife, Marisa, while we were both living there – honestly, that was the best thing to come out of living in the city for me. People often talk about New York as such an exciting place, with so much to explore and such a rich Jewish community, and there's certainly truth to that. But coming back to Greater Hartford, I've learned a few things that I wish more people knew. For one, Connecticut has so much more to offer than many people realize – world-renowned museums and cultural celebrations, local family farms that have operated for generations, phenomenal restaurants and bars, beautiful state parks and beaches, the list goes on! And we’re centrally located in a way that lends itself to easy day trips (or longer!) across New England, including New York City and Boston.

Living in New York, I also found myself needing to create my own smaller community. It can feel like a draw to live somewhere with such a large Jewish population, but the number of people with whom I have developed deep and meaningful relationships here in the Greater Hartford Jewish community isn’t all that different from when I lived in New York. If anything, I think my community here is stronger, more authentic, and more connected. I found the pace of life in NYC more of a barrier to nurturing friendships – people have packed schedules and don’t generally like to venture outside of a narrow radius between their work and home.

I spent much of my childhood in Newington, CT, and my parents and cousins are in Bloomfield, CT, but Marisa and I love living in West Hartford. There is a beautiful blend of bustling areas like West Hartford Center and Park Road, and tranquil places to explore like the Reservoir and Elizabeth Park.

Urban Dor: Word on the street is you know all the best spots in town for food and events! How do you unwind, and what do you like to do for fun?

Max: Do you have space for a small novel? Honestly, I have a lot of interests so my choice in favorite activities varies day to day. I love being with the Jewish community, both participating in and organizing events involving learning, social opportunities, celebrations, and networking. I’m always down to sing and play board games after a delicious Shabbat dinner. I also love comic books, reading, seeing movies, going on walks, visiting museums, listening to music, going to fairs and farmers markets, playing video games, learning new things, trying new restaurants, being around animals . . . I really could keep going. Feel free to contact me anytime for advice on some great spots and things to do!

Urban Dor: What’s the best way for people to connect with you?

Max: Connect with me on the Greater Hartford Jewish and young(ish) Folks WhatsApp group (text or email me to join the community!).

1. Text/call me at (860) 727-6127

2. Email me at mbeede@jewishhartford.org

Join Urban Dor on Tuesday, Sept 9th 2025 for our 4th annual Rosh Hashanah Celebration! RSVP here.

Urban Dor is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit organization for Greater Hartford young adult Jews and founded by Simon Lichter - connect with Simon on LinkedIn.

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