Gabriel Weinstein, MA'18, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies
Associate Director of Communications and Content, Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York
April 21, 2026
Can you describe your career path and how it has led to your current work?
I started my career as a journalist, working for two weekly newspapers in New Mexico before beginning my MA at Brandeis in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies.
I have always loved Judaic Studies. I graduated from a Jewish day school, attended Jewish camps, and grew up in a home immersed in Jewish culture. In middle school, I discovered I enjoyed the academic aspect of Judaic Studies and continued pursuing that passion throughout high school and college. After college, I maintained Jewish Studies as a passion outside of journalism by organizing and presenting community lectures on various topics in Jewish history for my local synagogue in New Mexico. After three years in journalism and presenting volunteer lectures, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in the field.
After completing my master’s degree at Brandeis, I moved to New York City for a marketing position with The Jewish Education Project. I first learned of the organization through my Brandeis faculty advisor, Professor Jonathan Krasner. Over the last eight years, I have held marketing roles at different Jewish nonprofits in New York City. Since August 2024, I have worked at Temple Emanu-El as the Associate Director for Content and Communications.
What does a typical day/week look like for you in this position?
On a typical day, I cover a few core functions. I organize and finalize the content that will appear on our social media channels. Then I might work on a blog post about a member of our community or an exciting temple event. Sometimes, I work with the curator of the temple’s Bernard Museum of Judaica or the head of the temple’s Center for Interfaith Dialogue on a video for social media. I also help coordinate and edit two weekly emails that are sent to the entire congregation.
I love interviewing temple members and staff. We have an incredible community with so many smart, talented, and passionate people. I really enjoy sharing their stories and highlighting the incredible things staff and members are doing to bring joy to the temple and greater New York City communities.
What skills from your Brandeis degree have you found most valuable in your current work?
I really cherish how the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Department provided a well-rounded education. My coursework at Brandeis exposed me to the major thinkers, trends, histories, and philosophies that are key to understanding American Judaism and Judaism outside North America. I am also grateful that I was encouraged to write frequently and develop strong analytical skills.
What advice do you have for current students as they embark on their career exploration or job search?
I strongly recommend establishing a relationship with the professionals at the Office of Graduate Affairs' Career and Professional Development center early in your graduate career. They provide perspectives, tips, and strategies that are different from those of your professors.
In the second semester of my final year of graduate school, I met with Marika McCann, Associate Director of Professional Development and Employer Outreach, for the first time. Marika quickly became an invaluable resource. She helped me with everything related to my job search: interviewing, resume writing, and cover letters. Most importantly, Marika gave me the confidence that I had developed skills and knowledge that would be valuable to an employer.
Invest time and energy into building relationships with people who understand the complexities of the job market and are experienced in working with graduate students who pursue a variety of professional paths. Your future self will thank you!