Rabbi Joel and Jenny Finkelstein and their daughter Shira are so excited to join the Brandeis community!
Rabbi Joel grew up in West Hempstead, NY. He earned his degree in History and Jewish Studies from the University at Buffalo. Inspired to work in the Jewish community, he then served as a Program and Engagement Associate at Mizzou Hillel as part of the Springboard Fellowship. Wanting to delve deep into Torah, Rabbi Joel went off to learn at Aish, Sh’or Yoshuv, and the Yeshiva of Greater Washington’s Zichron Amram Kollel. In his free time he loves to go for walks with his family and enjoy a sefer with a great view.
Jenny grew up in Newton, MA and studied kinesiology at the University of Michigan. She then went to Neve Yerushalyim in Jerusalem to learn for a year before pursuing her masters degree in elementary and special education at John’s Hopkins University. While teaching in DC Public Schools Jenny developed a deep love for education and teaching. She’s excited to get to know the students a Brandeis and learn with them during the year. She loves baking and cooking and is excited to share this passion with the students, doing challah bakes and cooking events.