40 Under 40: Hannah Zale
Hannah is the Program Director at Congregation Gesher L’Torah and Musician
Program Director by day and Rockstar. Hannah Zale has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Georgia. Emphasis in Social Media Theory. Music Business Certificate also from the University of Georgia.
Zale’s partner is Jared Schmit, they have a maltipoo named Tikvah and a pretty mix named Barley. She enjoys jamming with her nephew, Samuel.
Zale has helped thousands of Jewish children, teens, and adults in Atlanta discover their identity and find connection since joining the community in 2013. She has brought her own unique brand of Joyful Judaism to 11 synagogues, 4 preschools, 2 after school programs, 2 youth group organizations, 5 camps, and every Jewish day school in the city. Zale creates and facilitates innovative and experiential programs for every age and stage – focusing on the surprisingly inspirational.
Zale is also in a band called “The Pussywillows” with her best friend, Carly Gibson. The band can best be described as a harmony power duo – a la Heart or The Indigo Girls. Good ole rock n roll with a modern edge of moxie and mania.
In addition to being a Jewish educator and culture creator in Atlanta, she is dedicated to service. Zale leads the GLT Hunger Walk Team, leads monthly “Hikes for a Cause” in North Fulton, and partners with Nerananah and Cafe Europa to provide music to underserved communities and Holocaust survivors.
She has the honor of speaking as a passionate Birthright Alumni at events across the Southeast and has also been chosen as a Teen’s #1 Jewish Mentor for the Teen Hadassah awards. Zale also facilitates weekly BINGO at The Cohen Home.
“Although I competed in Miss Teen Georgia as a kid and released 5 rock albums in my career, this will be the first official recognition of hard work in almost a decade of service to the Atlanta Jewish Community. I am truly honored to receive this recognition and want to thank my family and friends, Jared, the SS Squad, and the entire Gesher L’Torah Family,” said Zale.
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