OUR MISSION

EDIT was founded to create a community of distinguished leaders committed to strengthening the Jewish people and Israel. We cultivate high-impact connections through curated gatherings and concierge services that foster long-term collaboration. We are growing a coordinated network where we continue to build relationships, share ideas and support proactive initiatives. By working together, we hope to EDIT pervasive misinformation and write a brighter future.

EDIT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating out of New York City and Los Angeles.

(Please contact us by email to make a contribution)

OUR STORY

EDIT began in the wake of rising antisemitism in 2021, when Jewish professionals in entertainment found themselves isolated or silenced for speaking openly about their identity. What started as a small circle of writers and producers gathering for honest conversation, quickly grew into a broader community of thought leaders. Today, EDIT serves as a trusted network where we collaborate on initiatives that amplify our voices and strengthen our community.

Our Team

  • Leslie Schapira

    Founder @ Edit

    Leslie Schapira is a TV writer/producer, currently serving as co-executive producer of the HBO MAX series, Creature Commandos. Leslie’s other writing credits include: Poppa’s House, Two and a Half Men, Harley Quinn, Big Shot, and Kite Man: Hell Yeah. 

    She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UCLA and received her M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson School of Management. 

    Leslie serves on AMIT’s national board of directors and is vice-chair of the WGAW Jewish Writers Committee. Additionally, Leslie founded and runs the Israel advocacy non-profit, EDIT.

  • Briana Monkarsh Benaron

    Co-Founder @ Edit

    Briana is a Los Angeles community builder. She previously served as the Atid Director for Sinai Temple and worked in admissions for Brentwood School. She earned her Masters in Organizational Leadership and Learning from Pepperdine University and received her Bachelors in Business Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Briana serves on the JFed LA Pathways to Jewish Life committee. 

  • Lauren Hendel

    Operations and Community Manager @ Edit

    Lauren is a community builder, experience designer, and event producer with a passion for curating intentional spaces that foster real connection, both online and off. She’s held roles at leading organizations including Spotify, Block.xyz, and Project ALS, where she built programs at the intersection of storytelling, impact, and culture. Most recently, she founded Chai Tech, a growing network that unites Jewish professionals from the world’s top tech companies. A certified yoga instructor (200-Hour YTT) and health coach, Lauren is also building Kanso, a digital wellness platform through which she hosts phone-free events around the globe. She holds a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and spent a semester studying and interning at Tel Aviv University.

  • Ava Eden

    Ava Eden

    Intern @ Edit

    Ava Eden grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and is currently studying English Literature and Judaic Studies in Yeshiva University. Throughout her academic career, she has received several awards for her debate skills and studies in Bible, English, and History. Between high school and college, Ava spent two gap years learning in Israel in Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY), where she was involved in an intensive study of Talmud, Jewish law, Bible, and Jewish thought. In Yeshiva University, Ava is a Scholar in the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, where she is involved in the study of the conversation and interaction between the Jewish and Western canons. Most recently, Ava was a Research and Writing intern for 18Forty, a Jewish media company that explores Judaism's ongoing encounter with modernity. Ava has been involved in Jewish communal work in different capacities, including being a counselor at American Jewish camps and volunteering with Magen David Adom in Jerusalem. Ava is a proud and passionate Zionist, and is excited to be working with the EDIT.

FAQ

  • EDIT is a private, invitation-based community.

  • Yes. Referrals from current members are always welcome. If you know someone who would be a strong fit for the community, you can submit their name and contact details through our referral form or email us directly. All referrals are reviewed by our team with the same care as direct applications.

  • We collaborate with brands, foundations, and mission-aligned organizations to co-create experiences that bring our community together in meaningful ways. If you’re interested in partnering with EDIT, please visit our Partnerships pageto learn more and submit an inquiry.

  • We primarily host gatherings in New York City and Los Angeles, with occasional special events in other cities. Upcoming event details are shared directly with our community members and invitees.

  • Yes, EDIT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions and partnerships support the continuation of our programming, outreach, and community-building efforts.

  • We welcome support in many forms - from donating to spreading the word about our work to introducing us to potential partners or collaborators. Please reach out via our Contact page to learn more.