Extraordinary Women: Cynthia Greenberg

Cynthia Greenberg serves as president of Kolot Chayeinu/Voices of Our Lives: Building a Progressive Jewish Community in Brooklyn. She is a much sought-after consultant to public sector and social change-focused organizations.

Cynthia organized the conference on the 20th anniversary of Anita Hill’s testimony on the Supreme Court nomination of Clarence Thomas, and her clients include groups like the National Domestic Workers Alliance, which helped win passage in New York of the landmark Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, and Picture the Homeless, which just released a groundbreaking report on the 5,900 vacant buildings and lots in New York City that could be developed into sustainable housing.

A long-time activist in the Jewish community and the larger community as well, at Kolot Chayeinu, Greenberg has developed an action-oriented board which has brought the 18-year-old congregation that began with just eight people to a vibrant membership of nearly 400, with 250+ children, a strong financial base and a steady growth of dynamic programs.

Under her leadership, the congregation has a much in-demand monthly Sabbath service for people in their 20s and 30s; vibrant social justice programs, including work with other communities of faith in our borough through Brooklyn Congregations United; enthusiastically received services and programs for families with children; ever-growing Shabbat services and adult education offerings for the whole community; and annual High Holyday services that are packed with more than 1,000 participants. Kolot Chayeinu has become known as the place to be for all who desire the combination of engaging community, Jewish connection, prayer and learning with strong action for social justice.