Outside, it was cold.  The threat of snow added to the chill in the air.

Inside Espace, far west Forty Second Street in Manhattan five hundred savvy and sophisticated Young Jewish Professionals came to mix and mingle at a warm and welcoming Saturday night Gala sponsored by the recently formed Manhattan organization. Connections, champagne, schmoozing and strategizing were the order of the evening. During the charity’s winter event, Marc Brinbaum, the evening’s honoree, was presented with the 2011 YJP Leadership award. Birnbaum, is a partner in the “meat packing district” night club “Tenjune,” (named for his and partner Eugene Remm’s mutual birthday), is noted as the developer of several clubs, a restaurant and creative Hampton’s event spaces.

Founded in 2008, the organization focuses on providing social and business networking opportunities for a wide spectrum of young Jews and provides “business, educational and social networking opportunities for the new generation of Jewish business leaders… to forge a prosperous, empowered future for the Jewish people and the global community.”

From snowy ski trips to sunny beach outings in Israel, from mid town socials to traditional Shabbat evening dinners, YJP provides a social framework for young Jews to meet one another, sometimes to do business, sometimes to find their beshert.  The non denominational group offers an “open tent” under which young Jews “can support and stimulate each others careers while building a stronger connection to their heritage.”