Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh Welcomes New Senior Director of Jewish Life

April 9, 2024 – The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh (JCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hindy Finman as the new Senior Director of Jewish Life. With a rich background through Jewish organizations, congregations and camps and a deep commitment to community engagement rooted in the rabbinic lens of care and kindness, Finman brings both experience and passion to this valued role.
In expressing gratitude for the opportunity to join the JCC, Finman highlighted the alignment between the position’s focus on Jewish life and community engagement. Prior to pursuing her rabbinical degree at Hebrew College in Boston, Finman worked in Colorado as a Program Coordinator helping to launch BaMidbar Wilderness Therapy following her collegiate career as a Criminal Justice major at Temple University. Finman 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.
Finman’s educational and professional experiences have fortified her understanding of the pivotal significance of JCC work, both within and beyond the Jewish community. “The mission and initiatives of the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, including the nationally recognized Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement (CFLK), deeply resonate with me,” Finman said. “I can’t wait to continue the important work of building bridges of healing, hope, love and kindness across the Pittsburgh region and beyond.”
“As a rabbi, 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,” Finman said. “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 this role included more than 60 local, national, and international applicants. “There was an extensive vetting process,” said Jason Kunzman, JCC President and CEO. “Leading candidates were interviewed by JCC Board members, professional leadership team members and outside stakeholders.” Kunzman will travel to Newton, MA 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,” says Kunzman.
“I am grateful for being part of such a thorough process for the JCC’s next Senior Director of Jewish Life. Hindy will bring a new lens as we partner with our interfaith network in addressing real and perceived divides within our community. I look forward to working closely with her,” says Rev. Liddy Barlow, Exec. Minister, Christian Associates of SWPA, a partner of CFLK.
Hilary Tyson, JCC Board member and Center for Loving Kindness Advisory Committee Co-Chair added, “We are delighted to welcome Hindy to our team, and we look forward to her innovative leadership and the sense of curiosity and inclusivity she will bring to our programming.”