The Board of Directors at Hebrew at the Center (HATC), a leader in Hebrew language advocacy and teacher professional development, today announced that Rabbi Andrew Ergas has been named as Chief Executive Officer.  Arnee Winshall, who has held the CEO position since 2015, will continue as President of the Board and lead thought partner.  

With more than twenty-five years in Jewish leadership and professional experience in both Israel and in North America, Rabbi Ergas brings a deep commitment to the field of Hebrew. For the past three years, he has served as Chair of the Council for Hebrew Language and Culture in North America. He was the Executive Director of the Shames JCC on the Hudson and spent seven years as Head of School at Beit Rabban in New York City. He is currently finishing his doctoral studies in Jewish education, with a focus on Hebrew, identity and pedagogy.

“Having had the pleasure of working with Andrew to elevate the status of Hebrew for the last seven years in connection with the Hebrew Council, I cannot imagine a more fitting candidate,” said Arnee Winshall. “With Andrew’s arrival, HATC is poised for growth as the Jewish community develops an appreciation for the importance of the revitalization of Hebrew in the Diaspora.”

“The task of truly transforming Hebrew language education in North America is one that commands us to think big and implement bold new initiatives with lasting and sustainable impact,” said Andrew Ergas. “I am happy to be joining the volunteer and professional leadership of Hebrew at the Center to expand upon its historic successes and help lead both the organization and the field to bring the Hebrew language to the forefront as a communal priority.”

Arnee Winshall will continue her leadership role in her capacity as President of the Board of Directors of HATC. This change will allow her to focus further upon strengthening and expanding the Board, growing the visibility of HATC in the education field, and increasing philanthropic support.