David Kronfeld was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Flushing, NY. He moved to the Boston area for college and graduate school, during which time for several years he was also a member of Havurat Shalom, an experimental alternative Jewish community. After completing his graduate studies in literature, he spent a year in Paris and Jerusalem, where he wrote Tales of the Havurah. After moving back to New York City, he eventually transitioned into the business world and for over 35 years pursued a successful career in corporate communications and financial public relations. He lives in Manhattan with his wife, Sarah Jacobs, an artist who makes Jewish ritual objects in fabric. They have three grown children.