If you’ve come across Le’karev and noticed that we’re a Jewish-only business network, you might be curious. Some people are surprised. A few are uncomfortable. And one or two are outraged. Here's some helpful context for those who genuinely want to understand.

At every Le’karev meeting, you get 60 seconds to introduce yourself and your business to the room. But let’s be honest - 60 seconds can fly by. And yet, done well, that small window can plant seeds for referrals, collaborations, and long-term connections. So how do you make sure you’re not just rattling off your job title and hoping for the best? Here are seven smart strategies to help you plan a 60-second intro that stands out and makes people remember you.

When you look at the Le’karev brand, you see two colours: blue and orange. They’re not accidental. They’re not just an aesthetic choice. They’re a declaration. These colours tell the story of who we are, what we stand for, and why this network exists.

Le’karev (לְקָרֵב) is a Hebrew word that means “to bring closer.” It’s a word that speaks to connection, approachability, and the act of drawing people in - not by force or accident, but through intention and care. In Jewish tradition, the root of this word is used when talking about bringing people closer to community, to purpose, to one another. It’s about creating belonging. And for us, that’s not just a philosophical idea - it’s something we live every day.

Jewish people make up just 0.5% of the UK population - and only 0.2% of the world. By every measure, we’re a tiny minority. And yet, we’re often not seen as one. Why? Because Jewishness doesn’t always match people’s idea of what a minority “should” look like.

When the world feels heavy, joy can feel frivolous. Indulgent. Like something we’re not entitled to while others are struggling or the headlines scream. But joy - Jewish joy - is not a distraction from what’s going on. It’s a response to it. A powerful, deliberate one.

"Ask two Jews, get three opinions." It’s not just a joke. It’s a cultural truth - and, if you look closely, it’s one of our greatest strengths. Disagreement, discussion, debate: these aren’t signs of division in Jewish life. They’re signs of vitality. They show we’re alive, engaged, questioning, and connected to something bigger than ourselves. And in the world of Jewish business, they give us an edge many don’t recognise.

Historically, Jewish people didn’t choose to go into business or work independently as part of some master plan; rather, it was often the only viable option. Many faced barriers to employment due to discrimination, and our own families can tell stories of the challenges our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents faced.

Being Jewish is many things. It’s cultural. It’s religious. It’s historical, spiritual, inherited. It’s a sense of peoplehood. Sometimes it’s loud and proud – sometimes quiet and private. What it is not – and has never been – is a political statement. And yet, for so many of us, that’s exactly how it feels we’re being treated.

Jewish people make up just 0.5% of the UK population – and only 0.2% of the world – and for many of us, we’ve never felt more alone. We need your allyship more than you know.

Le'karev has never been about excluding others - it’s about creating safety, trust, and breathing space. It’s about what it means to be part of a group that instinctively gets you. And for Jewish people, especially right now, that’s not a luxury. It’s a lifeline.