Full Circle Moments: How Olami House Is Transforming Jewish Growth In The Five Towns

By: Malkie Hirsch-Magence

“Anyone who spends time with these women can’t help but be inspired by their stories.” Something I’ve always marveled at is how certain people weave in and out of our lives.

Whether it’s timing, geography, or something else entirely, I’ve always loved reconnecting with those who have fallen by life’s wayside and catching up once we’re reacquainted. Lately, it’s been happening more often. And each time, I find myself realizing why G-d placed that person in my life years earlier. Still, it’s no less surprising—or delightful—when I get a WhatsApp message from someone I haven’t heard from in eight years.

That’s exactly how this story began. She reached out and, at first, I needed a little reminder of how we’d met. “Leora,” she said with a smile—and suddenly it all came flooding back. Leora was a high-school friend who became observant through an outreach organization. Since her parents wanted her home on many Shabbosim, a few of us would go to her house instead of her being a guest elsewhere. It was there that I first experienced colorful, flavor-filled American dishes—no Eastern European roots in sight—and, in hindsight, the beginning of my appreciation for food that celebrates color and creativity.

But beyond the food, I remember being in awe of Leora’s resolve. You could tell—even as a teenager—that this wasn’t a passing phase. Her shelves lined with sefarim and photos of gedolim made it clear: becoming a ba’alas teshuvah was who she was meant to be.

Fast-forward twenty years. Leora is now settled in Connecticut, married with children, a successful real-estate broker, and a respected shadchan. When her friend Penina needed to relocate for work, Leora remembered that I was also in real estate and reconnected us. I helped Penina find a home, and soon after, she became my neighbor and friend.

Over time, Penina’s professional path led her into the world of Jewish education—and eventually to an organization called Olami.

The Five Towns community has long been known as a vibrant center of Jewish life. Now, with the opening of Olami House in Woodmere, it is becoming a national destination for young Jewish women seeking to deepen their connection to Judaism, integrate into community life, and grow both personally and professionally. Olami House was launched to fill a long-standing gap: a structured framework for women inspired by campus programming, immersive trips, or one-time events who wanted to continue their journey toward observance in a real-life community setting.

Founded under the vision of Zev Wolfson and Eli Horn, with now continued tireless efforts by Aaron Wolfson and his brothers, Olami’s mission is to nurture young Jewish professionals through mentorship, learning, and community immersion.

Olami House offers a multi-faceted model that combines spiritual growth, professional advancement, and communal integration. The initiative includes:

• Residential living programs in Olami Houses, creating supportive environments that foster mentorship and deep friendships.
• Part-time seminary learning with respected Torah teachers—rigorous yet accessible for working young women.
• Immersive experiences such as Shabbatonim, trips, and retreats that connect personal growth with Jewish identity.
• Professional internships and mentorships, the newest addition to the House’s offerings.

This coming summer will mark the official launch of Olami Internship, a groundbreaking program combining professional experience with Jewish mentorship and learning. The initiative is already gathering internship opportunities from professionals across the Five Towns and Manhattan for Summer 2026.

Organizers emphasize that the broader Five Towns community itself is part of Olami’s draw. With dozens of shuls, schools, and communal institutions, the area offers what one staff member described as “an extended campus” where young women can integrate, learn, and thrive. There are opportunities for any residents in the Five Towns to get involved with as well, by doing what they can—a perfect example would be hosting meals on Friday night or Shabbos.

Olami House has partnered with leading shuls, including Aish Kodesh and Young Israel of Woodmere, and looks forward to expanding its network of community partnerships in the coming year.

At the center of this initiative are two remarkable women: Nalini Ibragimov and Dara Cooper. Both bring years of experience in Jewish outreach and have dedicated countless hours to building programming that helps young women transition into observant life—while feeling supported emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Anyone who spends time with these women—and with the Olami participants—can’t help but be inspired by their stories. Each journey is different, but all share the same goal Leora once had: to build a meaningful, Torah-centered life, often against the odds.

The ripple effect is already visible. Olami House has celebrated engagements, weddings, and the births of children among its alumnae. Families across the community have opened their homes for Shabbos meals, kallahcelebrations, and sheva brachos, creating what participants lovingly describe as “a family away from home.”

For many, the Five Towns isn’t just where they live—it’s where they found belonging.

Strategic planning is already underway to expand into additional homes with space for learning, Shabbatons, and greater residential capacity. The vision is to make Woodmere and the Five Towns a hub for young Jewish women whose spark was ignited elsewhere, guiding them toward a life filled with meaning, community, and joy.

For me, sitting among these women and listening to their stories felt like a full-circle moment. Leora’s journey, Penina’s dedication, and the passion of Dara and Nalini all came together in one shared mission: helping the next generation find their place in the Jewish world.

Though I’ve never been formally involved in outreach, being even a small part of this story reminded me that connection—whether through friendship, food, or faith, how every journey begins.

And with Olami House continuing to grow and flourish, the future of Jewish women’s leadership, learning, and belonging feels brighter than ever. 

Malkie Gordon Hirsch Magence is a native of the Five Towns community, a mom of five, a writer, and a social media influencer.