Shaya Prager stands out as a determined entrepreneur, committed philanthropist, and influential community figure, whose innovative spirit and strong leadership have created a notable impact across several business sectors.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Prager grew up as one of seven siblings. A defining moment in his early life was the passing of his father, a revered rabbi, when Shaya was only 15. This difficult experience fundamentally shaped his character, embedding in him a profound sense of accountability, extraordinary resilience, and a steadfast dedication to philanthropic causes throughout his life.

Prager is widely acclaimed in the business world for his ability to identify and capitalize on distinctive market opportunities, nurturing them into successful ventures. His entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 22 when he established a medical waste removal business. He successfully exited this venture by selling it to Stericycle, a major publicly traded entity in the industry.

In 2010, he ventured into the landscaping sector, launching a firm that has since grown into one of the top 50 largest in the United States. His most significant achievement, however, is the founding of Opal Holdings. This real estate investment company has amassed an impressive portfolio, currently managing assets exceeding $5 billion. Prager strategically fueled this expansion by developing creative deal structures across the office, retail, and hospitality real estate markets.

Outside of his commercial achievements, Shaya maintains a passionate involvement in giving back and supporting community initiatives.

For many years, he has dedicated his time to Chai Lifeline, volunteering actively to support children and their families navigating the challenges of serious illness.

In 2021, he established Adirei HaTorah, an organization solely dedicated to providing financial support for the students enrolled at Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, New Jersey. Under his guidance, this organization has rapidly become a significant fundraising engine, generating nearly $80 million each year and distributing more than $200 million in total to reinforce religious education (Torah learning) and bolster critical local infrastructure.