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Shalom Hartman Institute of North America is pleased to announce that Rachel Jacoby Rosenfield will join the Institute as National Director of the iEngage Project beginning June 30, 2015.

Launched in 2010, SHI North America has become a leader in the development of sophisticated dialogue and study on major Jewish questions and is recognized as a premiere applied think-tank and educational resource center for North American Jewish community leaders. The addition of a senior professional focused on the Institute’s flagship iEngage Israel engagement programs, will enable SHI North America to continue to enrich and deepen North American engagement with Israel in synagogues, on college campuses, within other faith communities, and beyond.

Ms. Rosenfield joins SHI North America from American Jewish World Service (AJWS), where she was Director of Experiential Education. She brings a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience working as an educator, innovator and community engagement professional in the fields of experiential education, environmental change, and Judaic studies. Her career has focused on cultivating environmental and social change makers to address major issues in the Jewish community. Her experience creating and overseeing multifaceted local and national programs, engaging diverse and pluralistic audiences, partnering with multiple institutions and tackling challenging and controversial issues will be an asset to the iEngage Project.

“I’m extraordinarily excited to take up this position,” Rosenfield said. “The mission of the Shalom Hartman Institute speaks to me at my core, and I’m particularly excited about the work of iEngage. Catalyzing values-based, pluralistic, and ethical conversations around Israel, both within the Jewish community and in other faith communities, is fundamental to ensuring vibrant Jewish life and a strong future. It really is an honor and a privilege to be able to further the reach and impact of the excellent, scholarly curricula of the Hartman Institute.”

Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer , President of Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, said Rosenfield will be an exciting addition to SHIN-NA’s senior team.

“She brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and program design to our nation-wide iEngage efforts that are already reaching thousands of people across North America,” Kurtzer said. "As the relationship between North American Jews and Israel continues to face challenges, and as Israel continues to create a wedge between Jews and other faith communities, Rachel’s leadership will help the Institute reach new audiences with the iEngage curriculum and approach, and will enable the Institute’s presence in North America to continue to flourish.”