June 11, 2012 (Cleveland, OH) — The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is delighted to announce that Lynda A. Bender has been appointed Executive Director of the Museum known for its dedication to tolerance and diversity.
Ms. Bender is currently Director of Education and Public Programs. Her most recent project was the launch of the “Stop the Hate – Youth Speak Out!” student essay contest which has received national recognition by inspiring Northeast Ohio junior high and high school students to offer solutions on eradicating hatred and discrimination – 6,500 entries have been received since the program began in 2009. “It is a pleasure to promote Ms. Bender from within the exceptional staff of our Museum” said board chair and founder, Milton Maltz.
Prior to joining the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in 2005, Ms. Bender was Deputy Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland and among her many accomplishments served as Director of Educational Services for Urban Gateways: The Center for Arts in Education in Chicago, Illinois. She has received recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts and in 2008 chaired the national convention of the Council of American Jewish Museums (CAJM). Ms. Bender studied arts management at Columbia College, Chicago and received her M.F.A. from Carnegie Mellon University department of drama and a B.S. from Bradley University.
Out-going Executive Director Judi Feniger will leave the Museum to explore new opportunities. During her tenure, the Museum has expanded its presence and stature, embraced its mission of tolerance and diversity, and moved from a fledgling institution to a well-respected leader in Northeast Ohio’s cultural community. We wish her the best and know she will succeed at whatever she chooses.
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The Maltz Museum receives public support with local tax dollars from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, to preserve and enrich our region’s artistic and cultural heritage.
About Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage: The Museum of Diversity and Tolerance
Opened in 2005, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage introduces visitors to the beauty and diversity of that heritage in the context of the American experience, promotes an understanding of Jewish history, religion and culture and builds bridges of tolerance and understanding with people of all religions, races, cultures and ethnic backgrounds. It includes An American Story, tracing Ohio’s immigrant history and heritage, and The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery, an internationally-recognized collection of Judaica. One admission fee includes unlimited access, and all levels of membership include unlimited admission.
