Spotlight: Rabbi Tuvia Brander

In our next Urban Dor Spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Rabbi Tuvia Brander — a close friend, visionary leader, and the earliest believer in Urban Dor’s mission.

Rabbi Brander is also our Guest of Honor at our next event, Latke Vodka 100, Connecticut's hottest event of the year with 100 young Jewish adults to celebrate Chanukah!

Rabbi Tuvia Brander pictured alongside his wife and fellow community-builder, Miriam.

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

What I love most about the Greater Hartford Jewish community is the deep sense of connection and collaboration that runs through so many parts of our local Jewish life. Seeing things unfold from “the inside,” I’m continually inspired by how people are guided by a genuine spirit of Am Yisrael — caring not only for their own institutions, but for the wellbeing of the entire community.

Hand in hand with this, also, comes a beautiful respect and appreciation for our differences, and a willingness to go the extra mile to create the welcoming, inclusive community we’re all so proud of. In many ways, that spirit is the glue behind so much of our shared success. Think about the annual Purim Carnival Extravaganza or JTConnect’s Shavuot Night Live — they only work because people choose to work together.

And as someone who helped transform the Crown Market into what it is today, I can say with confidence: without that same collaborative energy, even the Crown Market might have faded away long ago. Instead, it’s thriving as a bustling hub of our community.

And behind it all are the close, genuine relationships I’m privileged to share with so many rabbinic and communal leaders across the region. That’s what truly makes this community so special.

When did you first hear about Urban Dor?

I’m proud to say I heard about Urban Dor when it was still just a twinkle in Simon Lichter's eye — before the name, before the domain, before it all came together. Outside of his family, I believe I was his very first Urban Dor donor!

What do you do professionally?

Professionally, I have the privilege of serving as the rabbi of the Young Israel of West Hartford. Beyond that, I wear a number of volunteer hats across the community — I serve as a volunteer chaplain for the West Hartford Police Department, co-chair the Israel & Overseas Allocations Committee at the Jewish Federation, spent six years as a trustee of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and coach the New England Jewish Academy Model UN team (just to name a few!).

Each of these roles connects me to extraordinary people and gives me the chance to help strengthen the fabric of Jewish life here in Greater Hartford.

You’ve been called a “Mover & Shaker” — someone who’s inspired hundreds of people to make West Hartford their home. We’ve heard this line many times from community members: “Rabbi Brander is the best thing that ever happened to our Jewish community.” We agree. So tell us — what’s the secret sauce behind your success in bringing people together?

Thank you, Simon -- that's very kind of you!

While the dictionary might call “community” a noun, I’ve always believed it’s really a verb. We build community by empowering people to discover what’s meaningful to them and by creating multiple portals of entry so everyone can find their way in.

My goal is to help each person feel that they truly belong — that their presence and participation matter.

Nearly five years ago, we both saw a gap — there just wasn’t much happening for young Jewish adults in Greater Hartford. You encouraged me to start Urban Dor (a cute little lizard that grew into a crocodile). Today, Urban Dor consistently sells out events, partners with 30+ nonprofits, has 10 business sponsors, and has hosted over 30 in-person social networking-style events. No question here — just a heartfelt #HumbleBrag and thank you for believing in that little lizard early on.

Simon, I am so proud of what you’ve accomplished. It’s been a joy to watch Urban Dor grow from a spark of an idea into a powerhouse for Jewish young adult life in Greater Hartford. I’m honored to have played even a small part in helping this incredible initiative get off the ground.

At the heart of my vision for community is a simple belief: everyone has something unique and holy to contribute. Our job is to help bring those contributions to life. That same spirit has helped with Urban Dor, Grassroots Jewish Women of CT, and Greater Hartford for Israel — empowering people to step forward, identify needs, and let their passion and purpose propel us all forward.

What's the best way for people to connect with you and find out about your upcoming events? 

The best way to reach me is by email, rabbi@youngisraelwh.org. You can also follow me on social media — Facebook @RabbiTuviaBrander — or keep up with our synagogue’s events on Facebook and Instagram @YoungIsraelWeHa or visit our website at youngisraelwh.org.

And please, don’t hesitate to reach out! I love meeting new people over a cup of coffee (or orange juice) and a good schmooze.

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

All donations are tax-free. Please consider supporting us by making a donation!

Our next event is our BIGGEST YET - Latke Vodka 100 - click here for details.

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!

Over 70 young Jewish adults already registered for the Dec 6th 2025 event.