It was his boyhood home, the intimate Jewish neighborhood of Cote Saint Luc in Montreal, that inspired Michael Gilbert to devote his career to Jewish community. Nine out of ten residents were Jewish—a demographic, Gilbert jokes, that prompted some inhabitants to run away, screaming. But he loved the closeness of the neighborhood: "It was a very friendly, warm and cozy environment, and I found that by working in the Jewish community, I would never have to leave that."

Michael Gilbert Appointed VP for Development. Photo by Robert Carlin

Gilbert brings his love of Jewish life and community to Hebrew College in his new role as Vice President for Development. He has over 20 years of development experience in senior capacities with Jewish organizations in Toronto and Detroit, and as former Vice President, Director of Development for Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston. Most recently, Gilbert was Chief Development Officer at Temple Israel in Boston, where he led a major capital campaign.

"As a nonprofit Jewish professional, I've watched the incredible growth and reach of Hebrew College, and its boldness and willingness to act on its vision," he says. "I feel very privileged to work here." Gilbert's nonprofit career began in his twenties at the Montreal Jewish Community Center, after he graduated from McGill University with a degree in English literature. From there, he moved to the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, where he became a full-time fundraiser. During the same period, he spent three summers at Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work, earning a master's degree in community social work. After graduating, Gilbert relocated with his wife to Detroit, where he became Campaign Director of the Jewish Federation. Several years later, they moved to Boston with their two children and Gilbert became Vice President, Director of Development for Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.

Well before his arrival in October, Gilbert and his family developed Hebrew College connections. They are members of the Newton Centre Minyan, which meets every Shabbat at Hebrew College. Gilbert's son Jacob, a student at Solomon Schechter Day School and camper at Yavneh, had his bar mitzvah at the Newton Centre Minyan this past summer. Daughter Rebecca, 16, attends Gann Academy and volunteers for Etgar L'Noar. His wife, Julia, a pre-school teacher at Temple Beth Avodah, is enrolled in an Early Childhood Education course at HC.

"Hebrew College has enjoyed an enormous period of growth in its student population, its programs, and in the size and sophistication of its campus and technology," says Gilbert. "Whatever we try is enormously successful—and we have to expand our base. That's my job. We are building a development operation that reflects what we are and what we aspire to become."




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