The JRB Board Welcomes Two New Members

The Board welcomes Rabbi Melinda Zalma and Mr. Robert Greenwald as JRB Trustees.

Rabbi Melinda Zalma serves as Manager of Programs for the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, providing support and direction for Tanenbaum’s programs including on content creation, evaluation, expansion and growth. Now at the rank of Commander, she has served as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy Reserve Component for over 20 years. In this capacity, she advises Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard leadership in moral and spiritual matters. She also provides for the spiritual, moral and religious needs of service personnel. Her assignments include serving in the office of the Navy Chief of Chaplains and in the Religious Affairs Office to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rabbi Zalma was appointed to the JRB Board by the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Before her appointment to the Tanenbaum Center, Rabbi Zalma served as Program Director at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. In her work there, she brought together diverse people and organizations to build bridges and strengthen the community.

Rabbi Zalma was ordained from the Jewish Theological Seminary where she also received her Master’s in Midrash; she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Northwestern University.  She lives in New York City with her husband, Adam, and two children.

Mr. Robert Greenwald is a lifelong member of Temple Israel in Wilkes Barre, PA. He served on their Board and rose to the role of president. He remains active on various committees and is passionate about inclusion and music. Mr. Greenwald serves on the Board of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism which appointed him to the JRB Board.

After graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Greenwald returned home to join his father and grandfather in the family insurance business. He is now Managing Director and Partner at Hilb Group where he runs the Greenwald Berk Division. While helping to grow the business, Robert served on numerous boards in the community and was past president of the Seligman J. Strauss Lodge of B’nai B’rith and the Jewish Community Center of Wyoming Valley. He was also a member of the National UJA Young Leadership Cabinet.

Mr. Greenwald and his wife Nan just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Rebecca and Danielle. In the lay world, Robert enjoys opera and ice hockey -– watching only.

January 2023