About Olami Houston
We are a community of growth-oriented Jewish young professionals in Houston, Texas. At Olami Houston, we are aiming to cultivate meaningful relationships with each other and with our heritage through exciting programs, trips, social events, and educational initiatives. Our goal is to provide every Jewish young professional, regardless of affiliation or denomination, with the beauty and wisdom of Jewish life and learning, while building community and friendship among peers.
We believe that every young Jewish professional has the potential to embrace their identity, define their future, and positively impact the world.
Our Mission
Olami Houston exists to empower Jewish young professionals to live inspired, meaningful lives. We believe Judaism is not just a heritage, but a living source of wisdom, strength, and connection.
By creating spaces for community, learning, leadership, and global engagement, we’re shaping a Jewish future that is vibrant, proud, and connected.
Our Vision
For years, J-HYPE was a trusted community for Houston’s young Jews. As we grew, it became clear that our mission aligned perfectly with Olami, a global Jewish movement that spans 30+ countries and over 300 cities. In 2025, J-HYPE officially became Olami Houston — continuing our local roots while gaining a worldwide family.
This rebrand isn’t just a name change. It’s a step forward: bringing the resources, opportunities, and inspiration of a global network directly to Houston’s Jewish young professionals.
Part of a Global Family
Olami Houston is proud to be part of Olami International — a worldwide community of thousands of Jewish young professionals. Our members in Houston regularly join international summits, Israel trips, and leadership training programs, ensuring that their Jewish experience is not just local, but global.
Meet the Team
Passionate educators and mentors, providing warmth, wisdom and availability to all young professionals
Founder & Director
Rabbi Johnny Ouzzan
Rabbi Johnny grew up in Toronto, Canada in a French Sephardic family, the eldest of six boys. The schooling system and community prompted him and his family to take on greater Jewish observance, eventually leading Rabbi Johnny to enroll in a full-time Yeshiva in Jerusalem known as Kol Torah.
In 2010, after studying in the Yeshiva for 5 years, Rabbi Johnny married Devorah Lugassy, also from Toronto, after which the couple decided to move back to Israel and invest the first few years of their married life into Jewish learning and education. Upon culminating an intensive 3 years of Rabbinical study at the Jerusalem Kollel led by Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, Rabbi Johnny received his Rabbinic ordination and was offered a job in Houston, Texas to serve as Assistant Rabbi for Congregation Beth Rambam, and Director of Young Professional Outreach for TORCH. After 5 and a half years at TORCH, Rabbi Johnny transitioned into a full-time marketing and outreach position with Congregation Beth Rambam and founded J-HYPE - Jewish Houston Young Professionals Experience, now Olami Houston.
Find Rabbi Johnny at your local coffee shop or at Beth Rambam giving classes or schmoozing with Jewish YP's and students.
Staff Rabbi
Rabbi Avi Rosen
Raised in Lakewood and shaped by years of learning at Yeshiva of Staten Island, Mir, and the Jerusalem Kollel, Rabbi Rosen brings both depth and approachability to his kiruv work. He holds Semicha from Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovitz and has years of experience connecting with Jews of all backgrounds through programs like Oorah’s Chillzone and Discover U.
Whether leading learning sessions, hosting diverse students for Shabbos in Jerusalem with his wife Avigail, or helping build community Eruvs, Rabbi Rosen is deeply committed to helping others find joy and meaning in Jewish life.
Shabbat Coordinator
Devorah Ouzzan
Devorah began her teaching career as an Early Childhood teacher in Toronto, Canada. She completed her four year Bachelor ’s degree in Social Development Studies from Waterloo University and has taken many professional development courses and classes in education. Devorah has found her passion working as a Judaic studies teacher for elementary grades and has over 9 years experience educating children. Devorah now serves as the youth director at Congregation Beth Rambam and runs kids programming on Shabbat and the holidays together with Rabbi Johnny.
Devorah is the director of Camp Ruach, a Jewish summer camp, and is the Director of Beth Rambam’s Sunday Hebrew School Program and is a proud mother of four incredible children.
Taste her delicious food at your next Olami-Houston Shabbat dinner!
Our Partners
Our affiliations with local community organizations enable us to support and service our members
Our Programs
Programs That Inspire, Connect, and Empower
Community & Social
Your 20s and 30s are a time to make memories, friendships, and meaningful connections. Our Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, social outings, and cultural events make Houston feel like home. Every event is built on Jewish values, but filled with the kind of energy and joy that make people say: “This is where I belong.”
Trip & Experiences
An Olami trip isn’t just a vacation — it’s a life-changing experience. Our members have traveled to Israel, Europe, and international Olami summits, connecting with peers worldwide while deepening their Jewish identity. Each trip is an opportunity to expand horizons, build friendships, and bring back inspiration to Houston.
Learning & Growth
From Torah classes that connect ancient wisdom to today’s questions, to 1-on-1 mentorships that let you explore Judaism at your own pace, Olami Houston makes learning approachable, relevant, and inspiring. Our leadership training programs prepare you not just to succeed in your career, but to lead with values and vision.
Professional Development
We believe Judaism has something to say about work, success, and purpose.
Through career mentorship, speaker events, and leadership workshops, Olami Houston gives young professionals the tools to grow in their fields while staying connected to their Jewish values and heritage.
