Jewish Community Center welcomes new senior director of Jewish life

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh has appointed Hindy Finman as its new senior director of Jewish life.

Before pursuing her rabbinical degree at Hebrew College in Boston, Finman worked in Colorado as a program coordinator helping to launch BaMidbar Wilderness Therapy. Finman, who majored in criminal justice at Temple University, also served nine consecutive summers at Camp Ramah in the Rockies, with roles including camper care liaison, inclusion specialist and head of the Jewish Outdoor Leadership Institute.

“The mission and initiatives of the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, including the nationally recognized Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement, deeply resonate with me,” Finman said in a prepared statement. “I can’t wait to continue the important work of building bridges of healing, hope, love and kindness across the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

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“As a rabbi,” she continued, “I am continually pondering how we cater to the needs of those present and extend support to those absent, emphasizing the importance of kindness and care for marginalized communities and strategizing ways to address their needs. My unwavering commitment lies in cultivating spaces that are not only inclusive and secure but also demonstrate the warmth reflective of a pluralistic Judaism.”

The search process for the role included more than 60 local, national and international applicants, and “there was an extensive vetting process,” said Jason Kunzman, the JCC’s president and CEO.

Kunzman will travel to Newton, Massachusetts, in June to attend Finman’s rabbinic ordination.

“I am excited for what Hindy will bring to Jewish life here at the JCC and across our community,” Kunzman said in a prepared statement.

Finman will succeed Rabbi Ron Symons, who will move to New York this summer. PJC