Other Alumni Profiles

Jason Harris '08

Caroline Musin '05

Rachel Happel '02

“Pluralism, in its Hornstein conception, is not simply about diverse people coming together and sharing a geographic space. Rather, the pluralism practiced at Hornstein is about active engagement and discussion about different ideologies, beliefs and ideals. Hornstein may be equated with Robert Brandom’s 'the game of giving and asking for reasons.' Through this active engagement many of my Jewish ideals were challenged, some underwent change, and others remain in flux.”

Elan Burman

Elan Burman '06

Elan is originally from Cape Town, South Africa, where he received a Bachelor of Commerce in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Cape Town. While at Hornstein, he was awarded a Eugene Ribakoff Fellowship and had field experiences at Mayyim Hayyim, Community Mikveh and Education Center and at Brandeis University Hillel. His substantive paper, entitled “Equal Liberty of Conscience- Pluralism in Jewish Organizational Life,” was awarded distinction.

After graduating from Hornstein, Elan joined the United Jewish Campaign of Cape Town where he was employed as the Development Associate. In that capacity, he designed a youth philanthropy program that was geared toward high school students and which has subsequently adopted in Johannesburg, Durban and London. He worked on cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors 20-40 years old as well as major events and marketing. Since September of 2007, he has been working as the Development Director for the University of Maryland College Park where he oversees Maryland Hillel’s fund raising campaign, including face to face solicitations, mailings, and marketing.

For Elan, the most meaningful part of the Hornstein program pertained to living in a pluralistic model. He had always associated with people who were strong advocates of Jewish pluralism, but actually living in an environment that practiced pluralism was rewarding and amazing.

Elan currently lives in Washington, DC. In June 2008, he married Jackie Terry, a 2007 graduate of the Hornstein Program

If you have questions about the Hornstein program, please contact Elan at eburman@marylandhillel.org or (301)-422-6200 ext. 211.