JCC Welcomes Rabbi Hindy Finman as Senior Director of Jewish Life
Type: News
In April, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh (JCC) announced the appointment of Rabbi Hindy Finman (she/her) as its new senior director of Jewish Life. She serves on the JCC’s professional leadership team, with a core focus on ensuring that Jewish values and expression are woven through the fabric of daily JCC life.
“In the past several weeks in my new role, I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the landscape of Pittsburgh, and I’m excited by the organizations and people I’ve met with both in the JCC and throughout the region. With our Jewish and multifaith organizational partners, we are eagerly preparing for the High Holidays and a busy election season immediately following,” Rabbi Finman said.
In her position, she also leads and implements regular activities of the JCC’s Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement (CFLK) established in August 2017 to strategically counter the demoralizing rhetoric of public discourse to strengthen the fabric of the community. The CFLK fulfills this goal by creating and modeling safe spaces in which neighbors can live in community with one another based on our shared humanity through real and perceived differences.
Rabbi Finman hopes to continue to support the work of the volunteer “Upstander” program by strengthening existing partnerships. Throughout the remainder of the summer and into the fall, Rabbi Finman plans to assess community needs and how CFLK can be a resource for those who may not already be engaged with the programming.
Rabbi Finman brings a wealth of experience from her extensive background with Jewish organizations, congregations, and camps, coupled with a deep commitment to community engagement grounded in the principles of care and kindness.
“One of my goals in this position is to normalize human experiences that might traditionally isolate others. We’re working toward becoming a hub for those historically not included in the conversation, and I want people to know my door is always open. I look forward to continuing this holy work through the JCC’s guiding values and becoming an upstanding Rabbi and leader in the Jewish community,” Rabbi Finman said.
Prior to joining the JCC, she pursued her rabbinical degree at Hebrew College in Newton, Mass., receiving ordination from Hebrew College on June 2. She holds a degree in criminal justice from Temple University with a focus on youth mental health. During her professional career, Rabbi Finman has worked with many Jewish organizations such as Friendship Circle, Ramah Camping Movement, and Moishe House.
“While we can always strive to do more, I have an amazing foundation to work on. Rabbi Ron created lifelong partnerships that we plan on keeping and expanding on. In true Pittsburgh fashion, our work will focus on how to build more community bridges and not barriers. Together, we can eradicate hate and build peace with our neighbors,” she said.