Global Zschool Changemakers Gather for Graduation

The 2024 MSOLI cohort of Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management reflects the global nature of the Zschool leadership program with students joining for the culmination of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Innovation (MSOLI) programs from their home countries. While the newest graduates spanned the globe, from the US to Brazil to Australia, they've been united through a common passion: building a more perfect world.

This shared passion was exemplified through speeches from esteemed faculty and leaders. Rabbi Shirley Idelson, Ph.D., '91, Director of the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management, President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., Provost Rabbi Andrea Weiss, '93, Ph.D., Melissa Garai, M.A.J.C.S., M.P.A., '10, Associate Director, Development & Community Relationships, Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management, and Rabbi Sarah Bassin '11, the Rabbi Louis Bernstein Scholar-in-Residence this summer, all imparted words of wisdom and their hopes for the newest graduates.

The graduates of the Zschool program designed for working professionals earn a MSOLI while maintaining and building their career. The global 14-month program is structured around a blend of virtual and in-person sessions including a week-long summer intensive held in North America.

Rabbi Idelson set the celebratory tone with her opening remarks, declaring "zeh hayom" - this is the day we celebrate their achievements. She exalted the graduates as "utterly essential change-makers" who will lead through their Jewish studies and action. President Rehfeld emphasized the need to build and repair the world, expressing confidence that these new leaders, by combining traditional values with a great purpose, will indeed make a difference. Provost Rabbi Weiss offered a heartfelt blessing, hoping that the graduates' hearts remain resilient as they apply their learned wisdom to a world in need of healing and hope. Melissa Garai encouraged the graduates to grow with patience and perseverance, balancing communal responsibility with self-care. And Rabbi Bassin connected the ancient story of Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakkai to modern studies, urging the graduates to be visionaries like him.

In her poignant message, Rabbi Bassin shared, "Being a visionary does not eliminate doubt. It fuels it. As much as he questioned his choice, he understood the greater risk is in the status quo. Nobody knows where we're going. Circumstance and consequence help you step into the vision. Deepen your confidence to act with moral courage and find yourself." Her words resonated deeply, encouraging the Class of 2024 to embrace innovation and moral courage.

Rabbi Sarah Bassin '11, the Rabbi Louis Bernstein Scholar-in-Residence this summer, imparted words of wisdom and hopes for the newest graduates:

The ceremony also featured reflections from MSOLI graduates David Britva Beraha, Abraham Levy, Daniel Parker, Oren Smith, and Sonia Bloom Wilk, each discussing their experiences in the program and their hopes for the future.

Mazal tov to these exceptional graduates! We are immensely proud of all that you have accomplished and look forward to the positive impact you will have on the Jewish nonprofit sector.

Learn more about all of the programs Zelikow has to offer: zschool.huc.edu

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.