Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University

09/23/2026

Hornstein Podcast UPDATE!!!!!!

We just dropped our first episode to kick off a new season of Sichot: Conversations About Jewish Professional Leadership — and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share this first conversation with you.

We’re beginning the season with a very special episode honoring Hornstein’s beloved founder, Bernie Reisman. Bernie founded the Hornstein Program in 1969 and served as its director for 30 years. His approach to teaching, community organizing, and Jewish communal service helped shape generations of leaders, and his influence continues to be felt throughout the Hornstein community today.

In this season premiere, we’re joined by two special guests: Bernie’s son, Eric Reisman, and his granddaughter, Kayla Reisman, Hornstein Class of 2018. Together, they reflect on Bernie’s life and legacy, including his early experiences and the perspective they brought to his work, the relationships and networks he built to grow the Hornstein Program, and the ways his professional and family lives often intertwined. Kayla also shares her own journey as a Jewish professional and as a graduate of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University her grandfather founded.

Listen to Episode 1 of our new season: https://lnkd.in/gKGqRUVJ

*Sichot is available on any podcast platform that you regularly listen to/ subscribe.

08/07/2026

Join us on Wednesday, August 12 for our upcoming Hornstein Online info session!!
Come learn how the Hornstein Online Programs (MA or MA Certificate) can propel your career to new heights!

Register here for our info session: https://apply.gps.brandeis.edu/register/JPL08122026

07/08/2026

If you haven't seen our end-of year Hornstein Highlights newsletter here is your chance!

Explore all that we put into action this year, and all our graduates and award recipients that we celebrated.
Our Hornstein alumni continue to play a core role in our current students' experiences and we thank them for their involvement.

The past year's milestones are noteworthy, as we start to look forward to building off of them in the year ahead.

I’m writing to you at the end of a year that has once again proved the adage ‘nothing is certain except change’. In Israel and in communities across the Diaspora the question before us is, as always, how are we choosing to navigate this ever changing reality. 

06/11/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 16 at 12 noon EST for a virtual information session to learn more about Hornstein’s Online Master’s and Master’s Certificate programs. Meet the team, explore the programs, and get your questions answered.

Please share amongst your networks of shining stars - Hornstein's online program will help them build their toolkit to soar to new professional heights!

Register here: https://www.brandeis.edu/hornstein/admissions-aid/info-sessions.html

05/21/2026

As we head into Shavuot we are still absorbing the impactful and heartfelt teachings of Dr. Joseph Reimer, on being presented with Hornstein's 2026 Reisman Award. What an inspiring address for our graduates, alumni, faculty and community.

We are sharing the opening here with you all!

"Since learning that I would be receiving the Bernard Reisman award, my mind has been flashing back to the years that I worked closely with Bernie Reisman, the founding director of the Hornstein Program. Bernie was simply unforgettable, one of the few people I knew who was a visionary, a truly competent manager and a total mensch. When I came to Brandeis, I had already taught at Harvard and Boston University; but it was only at Hornstein that I found in Bernie a mentor who could help me to develop into the teacher, researcher and institute director that I was to become. Without Bernie’s mentoring, I would not have achieved the professional excellence that this award recognizes and celebrates.

Bernie taught me three cardinal virtues of Jewish professional life that I would like to share with you today. The three virtues are: (1) conscious use of self, (2) structuring the environment and (3)establishing a balance between supporting Israel and appreciating the vitality of Jewish diasporic life....."

Mazal Tov to Professor Reimer- it was an honor for all of us to learn from you!

Chag Sameach!

05/21/2026

Mazal Tov to the class of 2026!

We are so proud of all your accomplishments over the last 2 years! May you use your talents, skills and knowledge that you gained from Hornstein in ways to strengthen the Jewish community!

Help us wish much success to our newest dual degree Alumni!

05/01/2026

Congratulations to Joseph Reimer, professor emeritus and former director of Brandeis University’s Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program, on being named the 2026 recipient of the Bernard Reisman Professional Excellence Award.

A beloved teacher, leader, and scholar, Joe has helped shape the field of Jewish education and leadership development for decades. His work has elevated the art of designing meaningful Jewish experiences and inspired generations of professionals to think deeply about how learning, connection, and community endure over time.

Joe will receive the award and deliver remarks during Hornstein’s annual commencement celebration on Friday, May 15.

Read more: https://www.brandeis.edu/stories/2026/april/of-note/reimer-hornstein-award.html

04/28/2026

Great news - our Chair, Liora Norwich will be in Toronto attending an event with IPF Atid! Join for a fun night of trivia, catch up and the chance to learn more about our programs!

🔗 Register today: https://ipfatidmay4tor.rsvpify.com/

04/23/2026

There are still spots available to join our upcoming information session! Please join our chair, Liora Norwich and program manager Marla Field Olsberg to learn about how you can grow as a leader in the jewish community!

Did you miss our last information session? No worries, we have another scheduled for you!

Join us on Wednesday, April 29 at 1:00 p.m. EST for a virtual information session to learn more about Hornstein’s Online Master’s and Master’s Certificate programs. Meet the team, explore the programs, and get your questions answered.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/499ud4rj

04/21/2026

Join Hornstein's Director, Liora Norwich (yes, she's Canadian:) and other Canuck alumni in Toronto, Thursday, April 30th!

For details and location email Liora ([email protected])

See you up North!!