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Alumni

Some of the many alumni who attended the April 22, 2012 celebration of the life and legacy of Bernie Reisman.

Hornstein's nearly 625 alumni worldwide are in demand! Recognized as highly trained and exceptional organizational leaders, these talented men and women successfully work in all aspects of Jewish life on five continents. From Jewish federations and Hillels to Jewish community centers and day schools, the Hornstein Program was their path to professional roles that are rooted in Jewish values while offering practical and powerful work. Graduates provide invaluable support to new alumni in their region and to prospective Jewish professional leadership students. Networking possibilities abound!

Alumni Profile

Elliot S. Halperin '95

Since graduating from the Hornstein Program in 1995 and, until April 2010, Elliot spent his career in development within Jewish Federations. Most recently, he was the Campaign Director at UJA Federation in Northern New Jersey and has also worked at UJC (now JFNA), in Jerusalem at Keren Hayesod – United Israel Appeal and at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.  He enjoyed working with many talented professionals and volunteers to help shape the communal agenda locally and nationally.

After 15 annual UJA campaigns, Elliot decided to take a new position at Jewish Home Lifecare. This cutting-edge institution looks after 5,000 elderly New Yorkers every day.  The core of his work revolves around a $250 million capital project that will set the standard for eldercare locally and nationally.  Elliot feels he is lucky to be working with three Hornstein Program graduates: Cara Unowsky '03, Jessica Auerbach Burgoon '03, and Katie Schlussel '11.

Having worked in organizations that are removed from direct care, Elliot states that Friday afternoons are the best part of the week. He sets aside an hour to visit a few residents, listen to their stories (and their many opinions!), hold their hands and wish them a Shabbat shalom.

Though it has been many years since graduation, Elliot still reflects on the many lessons learned at Hornstein. As he prepares for meetings, for example, he can hear Prof. Bernie Reisman telling the students that they should know the outcome of meetings – even before they happen! – and that they should be sure to "structure the environment" properly.