Draft:Adam Haston

Adam Haston (born 1977) is an American entrepreneur, author, and rabbi.

Early life and education

He was raised in a Reform Jewish family in Texas and attended a Catholic high school, Cathedral High School, in El Paso​. Learning about Judaism from a Catholic perspective inspired Haston to explore his own faith more deeply. He received a scholarship to study in Israel, after which he enrolled in rabbinical school​. Haston eventually embraced Orthodox Judaism and became affiliated with the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. He received training through the Rabbinical College of America and taught Jewish studies classes to Yale University students as part of his outreach.

Religious leadership and education career

In 2008, Haston began working as a Jewish religious leader in Connecticut. He was appointed the first Director of Programming and Community Development at Chabad of Orange–Woodbridge, a Chabad center serving the Orange and Woodbridge communities near New Haven​. In this role, Haston organized innovative educational and social programs aimed at making Judaism “fun, provocative and relevant”​. For example, he hosted weekly discussion groups like “Caffeine for the Soul” at a local cafe and informal study sessions such as “Pizza and Parsha,” blending Torah learning with social interaction.

Haston served the Orange/Woodbridge community for several years, during which time he was noted for his energetic outreach efforts. In 2010, he was reportedly the first Chabad rabbi to run the New York City Marathon, an effort he undertook to raise money for Holocaust survivors​. Running in traditional Orthodox attire, he joined the NYC Marathon on November 7, 2010, as a charity runner for The Blue Card, a nonprofit assisting destitute survivors of Nazi persecution​. Haston completed the marathon in 4 hours 35 minutes and raised over $12,500 for the cause. His marathon initiative drew media attention and community praise, and the New England Jewish Ledger named him among its “Movers & Shakers” of 2010 in recognition of his philanthropic efforts.

After his tenure in Connecticut, Haston transitioned into Jewish education administration. In 2013, he joined the newly established Westchester Torah Academy in White Plains, New York, as its Business Manager (later Director of Operations)​. In this capacity, he managed the operational and financial aspects of the Modern Orthodox day school. Haston remained with Westchester Torah Academy until 2017, helping to develop the school’s infrastructure and administrative processes. He is also noted to have directed a large Chabad summer camp in Los Angeles earlier in his career, and throughout his rabbinic career he was involved in mentoring students and young adults in Jewish studies​.

Business ventures

Haston has balanced his religious work with entrepreneurial and business pursuits. In the early 2000s, prior to his full-time rabbinical roles, he was involved in the media industry in Texas. He was a key management team member of MBC, a media company he helped develop in El Paso. During that period he negotiated network affiliation deals with major broadcasters such as Viacom, Fox, and Warner Bros., and served as an executive producer on local television programs including The Texas Guide (2003–2006) and UBID-TV (2006–2008). Haston also worked as a financial adviser at Prudential Financial, gaining experience in finance and investments​.

In 2017, after leaving his educational post, Haston founded the Haston Equity Group, a private investment and consulting firm, where he serves as founder and President. His business focuses on investment opportunities and advising startups, blending his background in media, finance, and management. Haston’s role as President of Haston Equity Group has been his primary occupation since 2017, based in South Florida.

Authorship of The Wonder Effect

Haston is the author of The Wonder Effect: An Adventurous Guide for Igniting Your Passions and Pursuing Your Calling, a self-help and personal development book. The book was published by Izzard Ink Publishing in 2025​. In The Wonder Effect, Haston draws on his diverse experiences to encourage readers to embrace curiosity and independent thinking. The book introduces the concept of “wonder-mindedness” – a combination of curiosity, creativity, and optimism – and emphasizes evidence-based decision-making and intentional action (referred to as kavana, Hebrew for “direction” or focused intention)​. Haston uses real-life examples, such as investor Michael Burry’s unconventional strategies, to illustrate the value of questioning societal norms and learning from failure​.

Reviewers have described The Wonder Effect as a practical and insightful guide for personal growth. A review on the book critique site Readers’ Favorite noted that Haston’s writing offers a blend of psychology, philosophy, and actionable advice, challenging conventional thinking in a refreshing way​. The book aims to inspire readers to overcome self-limiting beliefs, cultivate persistence and mentorship, and pursue their true calling with a sense of adventure.

Philanthropy

Beyond his 2010 marathon effort for Holocaust survivors, Adam Haston has been involved in various philanthropic and community initiatives. His marathon fundraising for The Blue Card was one of the notable highlights of his community service, directly benefiting elderly Holocaust survivors in need​. Haston has expressed that charity (tzedakah) is a core value in his life and work, viewing it as a form of justice rather than optional generosity.

During his years in Connecticut, Haston also organized local charitable programs and events through the Chabad center, such as food drives and educational programs for youth, though these received less public attention. In later years, he has continued to support charitable causes. His blend of religious leadership and entrepreneurial success has positioned him to serve as a benefactor and mentor in both Jewish charitable circles and business mentorship programs.

Personal life

Adam Haston is married to his wife, Esther, and together they have seven children. He often credits his family as a source of inspiration and describes fatherhood as one of his greatest adventures. The Haston family lived in Connecticut and New York during his rabbinic and educational career, and later relocated to South Florida. Haston’s personal interests include travel and outdoor adventure; he has traveled extensively and even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as part of his passion for exploration. He continues to balance his professional endeavors with active involvement in his local community and family life.