For more than five decades, Yvette Finkelstein has been a pillar of the New Rochelle and Westchester Jewish communities. Alongside her husband, Dr. Jack Finkelstein, she has given her time, energy, and heart to countless initiatives that strengthen Jewish life, education, and acts of chesed.

 

Yvette’s connection to Westchester Day School runs deep. From her early days as a class mom and PTA President, to teaching Home Economics (yes!) and coordinating UJA-Federation–supported community programs, Yvette helped shape the school’s inclusive and spirited culture. She later served as WDS Admissions Coordinator, introduced beloved traditions like Grandparents’ and Special Person’s Day, and championed the Learning to Look art program.

 

In 2019, inspired by love and loss, Yvette brought Chai Lifeline’s i-Shine program to the Westchester/Riverdale community in memory of her beloved son, Robby Finkelstein z”l. Located at Westchester Day School, i-Shine offers a vital third space for elementary and middle school children living with illness or loss in their families—a place where they can feel seen, supported, and surrounded by warmth. The program pairs each child with a high school mentor for homework help, games, and creative activities, all in a nurturing environment that includes dinner, snacks, and transportation at no cost to families. Supervised by parents, teachers, and mental health professionals, i-Shine embodies Yvette’s vision of compassionate community in action: a space filled with laughter, learning, and friendship where every child has the opportunity to truly shine.

 

Through her leadership, Yvette has built a compassionate network that uplifts families across our region—an enduring legacy of empathy and light.

 

Yvette’s greatest joy is her family. Yvette and Jack are the proud parents of three WDS alumni: Dr. Barry (’82) and Elissa Finkelstein of Teaneck; Penny (Finkelstein) Thau (’84) and Rabbi Brian Thau of Beit Shemesh; and Robby z”l (’88) and Dr. Malka Finkelstein of New Rochelle, whose children—Abby (’14), Elan (’17), Alex (’21), and Adam (’25)—are all proud WDS graduates. Barry Best (married to Malka) is a wonderful, considerate and wise person and a welcome addition to the family. Yvette and Jack are immensely proud of their seven grandchildren currently living in Israel, five of whom were heroes fighting in the Gaza war, including one as a lone soldier.