WELLcome Home, Ryan Rosenberg!

We're excited to continue our monthly feature highlighting someone awesome who has recently moved back to Metro Detroit after adventures away!

This month, we'd like to (re)introduce you to Ryan Rosenberg!

TW: You’ve recently returned to Metro Detroit after spending some time away. What brought you back?

RR: It’s actually ironic; most of my young adult life I’ve been wanting to get out of my comfort zone. Yet, what I missed the most was community. For the five years I lived in Chicago, I learned that being a single young adult in a big city comes with plenty of perks, but nothing compares to being a part of a small, tight-knit Jewish community. Living closer to family, watching my nieces and nephews grow up, and starting to work for my family’s wealth management business were also key drivers in my returning home.  

TW: Where did life take you before you returned home?

RR: About seven years ago, I made the single best decision of my life… moving away to Chicago. Not only did I earn an MBA degree and incredible work experience, but I gained a whole new outlook on life. Chicago will always have a special place in my heart because of the relationships I made and still have today, the unbelievable food I demolished, and experiencing what living on your own in a big city is all about.

TW: While you were in school, you developed a love of comedy and even tried your own hand at it... tell us more!

RR: I was working full time and taking MBA classes at night. This off and on schedule caused me many a sleepless night. During these late nights, my creative side really kicked in, and I began recording videos of myself, playing silly characters. Once my family told me my shtick was funny and not completely abnormal, I decided to stick with it. Since then, I have gone on to do Improv at Second City, am starting a YouTube channel, and plan to do stand-up in the future as well.  

TW: Now we know this isn’t our NJP feature, but you happen to be single at the moment! Can you share what you think sets you apart?

RR: I typically find humor in any situation, and if you need a smile, I’m your guy. I have been blessed with a baby face, so I’ll be lookin’ fresh even when I’m old. I also love playing with little kids because I’m very much a big kid myself.

TW: How do you like to give back to the community/others?

RR: When I come across a situation in my daily life where someone needs help, I always try to extend my hand. Helping others has tremendous power in terms of living a life of happiness and positivity. I’m also on the young adult committee for JARC, volunteer at The Friendship Circle, and plan to find more ways to give back.

TW: What’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled to and why?

RR: Greece! Before my sophomore year at Michigan State, I went there on a summer study abroad program and lived with about 30 other students. We stayed on this remote island made up of farmers, delicious gyros and Greek salads, and beautiful weather and scenery. Life seemed much simpler; friends and family came first, with few distractions, so being present was easy. Greece is my constant reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.

TW: Who is the one person you would love to invite to your Shabbat dinner table, dead or alive?

RR: If I could choose anyone, I would invite my Grandpa Max. I don’t have any actual memories of him because he passed away when I was four, but I have watched VHS tapes of him holding me as a baby. Throughout my life, my Dad has told stories of how special a person he was and how he could make anyone feel special right away. He has been a role model for me, and being able to share a single moment with him would be beyond incredible.

TW: What’s your favorite thing to talk about?

RR: “SPORTS!” said every guy ever - myself included. I also really enjoy conversations about society and culture. I prefer deep conversations, although I am working on stepping up my small talk game.

TW: What do you look for in your Jewish community?

RR: I’ve recognized that we have a lot of incredible minds and voices locally in the Jewish community, so the potential for greatness is there. A community that strives for selflessness, not selfishness. Standing up always for what’s right and promotes values that align with mine.