Ellen Finkelstein assumed her role as Hadassah’s CEO/executive director on January 6, excited by what she calls an “amazing opportunity" to be the staff partner to Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz, a role “I can really sink my teeth into.”
Things were far from quiet during her first 10 days at Hadassah, as the nation’s largest Jewish women’s organization publicly responded to a slew of significant events: the California wildfires, a deal between Israel and Hamas and the hostage agreement, and a new administration in Washington, DC.
The New Jersey native and resident most recently served as chief strategy officer at Yeshiva University’s Office of Institutional Advancement. A University of Virginia graduate, she worked with Fortune 500 clients at Accenture Consulting and as marketing director at Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Northern New Jersey. An avid hiker, reader and college basketball fan, Finkelstein says she’s proud to be the mother of three adult sons and a new life member of Hadassah.
What do you want people to know about you — and about Hadassah?
I am so excited to get out and start meeting Hadassah leaders around the country. During my interview process, I reached out to women leaders across the United States and was blown away by their compassion, professionalism and engagement in the community. I’m thrilled to know there are no barriers to entry — not by political party or by religious stream. All are united by their commitment to Israel, to fighting antisemitism, to improving healthcare for women and children, to medical innovation and to women’s empowerment. These shared values foster a sisterhood on a really deep level, which makes Hadassah a meaningful, exciting place to be and to support. I’m here to help — namely, to assist the efforts of our volunteers and lay leadership and to energize the professional staff.
You’ve worked in the Jewish nonprofit space for decades. What stands out for you?
As big as the Jewish nonprofit world is, it’s still a small world. I’m proud to have met and worked with a lot of talented people in multiple organizations, who I’ll continue to collaborate with in this new position. The Jewish community is a remarkable force of nature. I’m sometimes in awe of the generosity and commitment of philanthropists who are working and giving to secure the future of the Jewish people. In part, that’s why there is no place I’d rather be than at Hadassah, as a Jewish woman and a Zionist.
Supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism are Hadassah priorities. Did they play a part in your decision to take on this role?
As someone raised in a traditional Jewish home, Israel had always been a part of my life, but I hadn’t been until a decade ago. My first trip was transformative, forging an unbreakable connection. I’ve long been inspired by the work done by American women in support of Israel, but I didn’t fully understand the impact until I had the opportunity to spend time listening to Hadassah Medical Organization Director General Prof. Yoram Weiss, board chair Dalia Itzik and the fantastic medical staff. Their work is truly inspiring, and I’m proud to have the opportunity to support their efforts.
Today, fighting antisemitism in the United States is crucial. We’re seeing antisemitic incidents skyrocketing at rates we never imagined possible in our lifetime. Hadassah is standing proud with Jews across America and around the world. We will not whitewash our Zionism and will not tolerate hatred toward our people. We will work with like-minded organizations and advocate in the halls of Congress and the United Nations to stand up and speak out.
Hadassah is known for empowering women. How does women’s empowerment play into your thinking?
I was privileged to be raised by parents who assured me from the earliest age that I can be and do anything. Yet too many women are raised to think we shouldn’t have a loud voice or be in leadership roles. Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to manage and mentor women professional staff and lay leaders, to help give them the skills and confidence to make an impact. That’s such an important part of leadership.
What are your thoughts on women’s philanthropy?
The women’s philanthropists I’ve worked with have been mindful about the impact of their giving. “Women’s philanthropy” as an idea has not been around for more than a few decades. Before that, most philanthropic giving was male centric and done primarily as a couple. Women’s philanthropy focuses on things that are typically most important to women and children.
As Jewish women, we view our involvement in the world not only in terms of how it impacts us and our families, but how it affects the greater world. In that way, I think the women of Hadassah are using their money and time to make a real impact.
What’s your mantra?
Look for the good, for the positive.
Read More
Ellen Finkelstein on Becoming Hadassah’s New CEO [Jewish Standard]
Hadassah Names Nonprofit Leader Ellen Finkelstein CEO [Press Release]
Ellen Finkelstein Will Serve as Hadassah’s Next CEO [The Chronicle of Philanthropy]
Hadassah Leaders Invigorated by National Assembly Meetings
VP Voices: Jill Sapperstein, Valerie Lowenstein and Peg Elefant