Rabbi Mark Wildes is the Founder of Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE), a highly successful Jewish outreach and educational program that engages young unaffiliated Jewish men and women with Judaism and the Jewish community. He is also the author of Beyond the Instant: Jewish Wisdom for Lasting Happiness in a Fast-Paced Social Media World (Skyhorse Publishing, 2018) and The 40 Second Challenge: Daily Jewish Insights To Prepare For The High Holidays (Kodesh Press, 2021)
Rabbi Wildes earned a BA in Psychology from Yeshiva University, a Law Degree from the Cardozo School of Law, a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (Yeshiva University). After serving in rabbinic positions at Ohab Zedek, Kehilath Jeshurun and teaching at Ramaz and Stern College, Rabbi Wildes established MJE – dedicated to engaging NYC’s unaffiliated Jewish professionals. In its 23 years of existence, MJE has reconnected thousands of previously unaffiliated Jewish men and women with Judaism and the Jewish community, hundreds of whom are today living committed Jewish lives and sending their children to Jewish Day Schools. Operating from its three locations in the city, with a talented staff of 15 professionals, MJE’s inspirational Shabbat dinners, beginners services, retreats, educational classes, holiday events, and trips to Israel have touched the lives of thousands of young Jews and provided a venue through which 346 Jewish couples have married.
Rabbi Mark also teaches an outreach training seminar at RIETS, Yeshiva University’s rabbinical school, training new leaders for the future. He and his wife Jill and their 4 children live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where they maintain an open home for newcomers and friends.