Dearest friends — I am beyond thrilled to introduce myself. I am Sandy Irani (she/her), the new Persian Community Creator at NuRoots, specifically working with Persian Jewish young adults.

Persian Jewish Angelenos are essential to the beautiful fabric that makes the L.A. Jewish community so diverse and rich. Our culture, food, music, and language have become integral to how the Jewish community looks and engages. I plan to deepen these roots, celebrating Persian people and spaces. Won’t you join me?

My parents spent their formative years in Tehran, though my father’s family is originally from Iraq — the land of t’beet. My maternal grandmother is from Orūmīyeh — the land of dairy dolmeh — and my maternal grandfather’s family is from Hamedan — the land of meat dolmeh. They raised my brother and me on all these delicious dishes (and more!) in the New York suburb of Great Neck — the Tehrangeles of the East.

A product of a strong Rosh Chodesh group, Mizrahi roots, Tikkun Olam teachings, and the Long Island music scene, I sought to gather people around the spirit of community, tradition, social action, and music, spending most of my young adult life producing events. In January 2014, I followed my family’s 2005 move to Los Angeles with the idea of becoming an aunt — and am now an aunt to five unreal little ones.

In the decade since, I have worked behind the scenes on programming for organizations like the Moth, the Wild Honey Pie, Tzedek America, Sofar Sounds, Rotary International, and more. I was a proud participant in JIMENA’s inaugural Los Angeles Sephardic and Mizrahi Leaders Fellowship (2024) and Limmud’s inaugural Los Angeles Leadership Accelerator (2022–2023). I also am an artist who designs ketubot — Jewish wedding certificates — which you can see on my website.

As a Mizrahi Jew, I understand the importance of representation and inclusivity in our community spaces. I am deeply committed to changing the narrative and creating a space where every voice is heard and celebrated. This is a journey I am excited to embark on with the inspiring team at NuRoots and within our beautiful city of Los Angeles — a journey that the Y&S Nazarian Initiative has made possible for our entire community.

I can't wait to meet you! When are we grabbing cha-ee, shirin-ee? Reach out to me here.

The Y&S Nazarian Initiative, in partnership with NuRoots and JFedLA, honors and celebrates Iranian heritage and culture, and connects with community members to build a future where Iranian Jewish young adults are fully engaged as participants and leaders throughout L.A.