Haya Luftig, Executive Director
Haya Luftig (she/her) joined the WCT Staff in 2022 as it's inaugural Executive Director. Prior to working at Woodlands, Haya had a long history as a Jewish professional having worked at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) for more than 20 years, most recently as its Vice President. She is passionate about working for Tikkun Olam and Jewish Activism through partnership with Lay Leaders and fellow professionals. Haya has played many roles over the years in Jewish communal work from programming to administration, fundraising to membership, and loves being involved in working on projects from conception to launch.
During her time at the JCPA, Haya has acted as a mentor to many Jewish Community Relations professionals around the country, created new training programs for both professionals and lay leaders, and helped reimagine and oversee their Emerging Leaders Institute helping to create future Jewish leaders.
Born and bred in the Bronx, Haya’s love and commitment to Jewish life and Israel was formed at a non-denominational day school and reinforced through Young Judaea. After spending her first year in college in the Mechina Program at Hebrew University, Haya went on to complete dual degrees in Anthropology and Theatre at Lehman College. Haya and her family moved to Dobbs Ferry in 2016, joined Woodlands as members in 2019, and have been active members in the congregation since that time.