Karen Kolodny Center Established In Honor Of Departing Chief

NEW ROCHELLE, NY —JCC of mid-Westchester (JCCMW) is honoring its outgoing CEO by establishing the Karen Kolodny Center for Jewish Culture, Heritage and Diversity.

The organization announced the establishment of the Karen Kolodny Center for Jewish Culture, Heritage and Diversity on Thursday. Organizers said the fund is dedicated to "bringing together through educational and culturally immersive experiences people of all backgrounds and faiths to experience the joys of Judaism."

Named for JCCMW’s outgoing CEO Karen Kolodny and inspired by her passion for the project's mission, the center has raised already more than $600,000.

“As someone who embraces the beauty of Jewish tradition and cares deeply about the longevity of Judaism, I am honored that a Center bearing my name will bring together those within and beyond the Jewish community, engaging those interested in learning more about Judaism,” Kolodny said at the launch ceremony this week.

The Karen Kolodny Center for Jewish Culture, Heritage and Diversity is in the process of hiring a full-time professional responsible for creating and delivering the Center’s culturally focused programming. JCCMW will also continue its already impressive fundraising efforts.

"JCCs nationwide have the opportunity to play a pivotal role helping connect those outside the Jewish faith as well as non-religious Jews with the cultural aspects of our beautiful Jewish heritage,” President of the Board of Directors of JCCMW Ellen Reinheimer said. “We are proud to be leading an effort in mid-Westchester that is focused on this specific need in our community and are thrilled to be simultaneously recognizing Karen for her numerous contributions to JCCMW.”

Kolodny has led JCCMW since 2013. She is credited with helping to transform the organization into a more established, financially sound, culturally relevant local institution during challenging times. Her tenure was marked by a significant rise in antisemitic threats and a pandemic that threatened to shut the JCCMW doors. Instead, in naming the new center after her, the group said it is expressing gratitude for its enhanced operations, expanded programs, increased collaboration with other community agencies and significantly increased philanthropic support, that took place under her leadership.