Rabbi Sara Zacharia

Founder of “Building Bridges” Fellowship

A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

Rabbi Sara Zacharia is a powerful candidate for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award because of her deep commitment to uniting people across religious, cultural, and social boundaries. Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, always focusing on making space for meaningful conversations where everyone feels welcome.

One standout example is her work at Queens College Hillel, where she created the "Building Bridges" interfaith fellowship. This initiative didn’t just connect Jewish students—it brought together people from various faiths to discuss identity and shared human experiences. It’s no surprise this program earned recognition for its impact and innovation.

Beyond interfaith work, Rabbi Zacharia has always taken creative approaches to Jewish learning. Her Bet Art Midrash initiative, which combines Jewish text study with artistic expression, has opened doors for people from different Jewish backgrounds to explore their heritage in fresh, engaging ways. Whether through art or dialogue, her work consistently brings people together, making her an ideal candidate for this award.

B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Rabbi Zacharia’s leadership is all about creating spaces for connection—whether between individuals, communities, or across faiths. At Queens College Hillel, she took a hands-on approach to fostering interfaith dialogue by launching the "Building Bridges" fellowship. It wasn’t just about starting conversations; it was about creating lasting relationships among students who might not otherwise have crossed paths.

What sets Rabbi Zacharia apart is her personal investment in the people she works with. She’s known for cultivating trust and vulnerability, encouraging students to explore their identities in an open, supportive environment. Her leadership isn’t limited to the programs she builds—it extends to the mentorship she provides. She’s continued to guide many former participants of the fellowship, ensuring that the dialogue and collaboration don’t end when the program does.

Her Bet Art Midrash initiative is another example of her leadership. By combining arts and Jewish study, she’s drawn in people who might not otherwise engage with traditional Jewish learning, making these texts more accessible and relevant. It’s her creative, forward-thinking approach that makes her a standout leader.

C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

Rabbi Zacharia’s impact has been profound, both within the Jewish community and in the broader interfaith world. Her "Building Bridges" fellowship has left a lasting mark on Queens College, where it’s not just helped Jewish students strengthen their own identities but also built strong relationships between students of different faiths. These connections have created a more inclusive, respectful campus culture that will continue to shape student life long after the fellowship concludes.

Her leadership in Bet Art Midrash has similarly changed the landscape of Jewish engagement, especially for younger Jews or those less connected to traditional practices. By using art as a way into Jewish texts, Rabbi Zacharia has given people a new and accessible way to connect with their Judaism.

Her interfaith work doesn’t stop there. Through her involvement with the Campus Clergy Council and CUNY’s Interfaith Council, she’s helped foster collaboration and understanding across religious divides. Her impact has even reached international levels, thanks to her involvement with programs like the Shalom Hartman Hillel Fellowship and Bridging the Gap with Interfaith America. These experiences have amplified her ability to bring communities together, making her influence felt far beyond her immediate circles.

Rabbi Zacharia ability to have lasting impact is not limited to the constituents she serves. As a former colleague of hers I feel so fortunate to have gained such invaluable insight and wisdom from working beside her. She is a true gem.