(Courtesy of OU) The Orthodox Union (OU), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, is pleased to welcome Jeff Cohen and Esti Kaminetzky of New Jersey to the OU’s Board of Directors. Cohen and Kaminetzky are among 14 new OU Board Members from across the U.S. and Canada elected to a two-year term.
Cohen, from Fair Lawn, professionally is a Human Resources and leadership development senior consultant and executive coach. His communal involvements and affiliations include Partners in Torah; Rabbinical Council of America; and Project Ezrah. He recently completed a three-year run as President of Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn. He is also the host of Saturday to Shabbos: Inspiring Jewish Journeys, an OU podcast about peoples’ journeys to Jewish observance.
Kaminetzky, from Teaneck, started the Learning Centers – which offer students supplementary academic support – in both Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls and The Frisch School, after receiving her master’s degree in learning disabilities/special education from Columbia University. She has served on numerous shul, school and communal boards, including those of Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Yeshivat Shaalvim, NCSY Summer and Yachad.
The OU Board is responsible for determining the OU’s mission and vision; ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management; fundraising and resource development; and monitoring and assessing the OU’s programs and services. Board members also serve as advisors to the OU’s various departments.
In addition to Cohen and Kaminetzky, the new board members are:
- Zev Blumenfrucht, Director-at-Large, New York, N.Y.
- Daniel Lowy, Director-at-Large, New York, N.Y.
- Joel Mael, Director-at-Large, Lawrence, N.Y.
- Yechiel Eisenstadt, Director-at-Large, Flatbush, N.Y.
- Stacey Goldman, Director-at-Large, Bala Cynwyd, Penn.
- Yosi Heber, Director-at-Large, Detroit, Mich.
- Yakov Polatsek, Director-at-Large, Houston, Texas
- Yitzie Pretter, Director-at-Large, Baltimore, Md.
- Chaya Tova Hartman, National Vice President, Chicago, Ill.
- Ben Zlotnick, Director-at-Large, Toronto, Canada
- Eitan Milgram, Director-at-Large, Boston, Mass.
- Moshe Sassover, Director-at-Large, Los Angeles, Calif.
OU President Mitchel Aeder said:
“The OU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Jeff Cohen and Esti Kaminetzky, and all of our new Board Members, on joining this important journey with the OU. These individuals, who reflect the breadth of our community, were chosen for their dedication to communal service, and I look forward to working together to help the OU achieve our many goals.”
OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer said:
“We welcome our incoming Board Members for their commitment to serving am Yisrael and for their contributions to support the OU’s mission – enhancing the religious experience of the Jewish community. We also thank the incumbent Board members who are continuing their service.”
OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph said:
“The OU relies on our Board for crucial strategic planning, program oversight and the many talents they bring to this work. We are proud of our strong lay-professional partnership that works tirelessly to make everything run smoothly and efficiently.”
