Hannah Bloom-Hirschberg

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Hannah Bloom-Hirschberg plays a big role in steering the ship of Jewish early childhood education in Chicago. After working in schools for 10 years, Hannah transitioned to her current role at the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute, where she works with emerging leaders in Jewish early childhood programs.

Hannah is also shaping the future of Chicago Jewish education behind the scenes by serving on JUF's Community Building and Jewish Continuity Commission as well as the Community Foundation for Jewish Education Advisory Council, helping oversee Jewish education agency and day school allocations. Not many of these volunteer leaders are young adults, yet Hannah is a committed participant.

That commitment carries over to her family's Jewish community, Mishkan Chicago. Hannah helped spearhead the expansion of Mishkan's programming to cater to young families who have yet to find homes in established Jewish spaces and advises its Mensch Academy program.

AGE:
35

PRIMARY GIG:
Program Coordinator, JECELI Chicago

ON THE SIDE:
Mom, wife, British historical drama aficionado

RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Married

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Rachel Weisz or Julianna Margulies

HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
My work allows me to work with all kinds of institutions engaged in early education and family programming across the Jewish community.  It's totally cheating since I then use that information to enrich the experiences of my two young sons.  We're also proud members of the Mishkan community; our favorite night of the year is the Purim shpiel!

CHICAGO'S JEWISH COMMUNITY IN 10 YEARS:
Chicago has already become a center of innovative Jewish life (just look at the number of Chicago programs on this year's Slingshot list!).  I think in 10 years we will be sharing what we've learned with other Jewish communities, leading a new age of growth and excitement in Jewish life nationally.  Oh, and we'll be preparing for my son's bar mitzvah!