Photos left to right: Esther and Hyman Burstein (2000), Esther Burstein (2023)
The Story Behind the Scholarship
Excerpt from below:
Biography of Esther Burstein
Combining her lifelong interests of helping children and contributing to Jewish institutions, Esther Burstein’s generous gift of $50,000 established an endowment to support the future of the Esther and Hy Burstein Scholarship Fund at the Asheville Jewish Community Center. Through the generous support of Mrs. Esther Burstein and additional JCC donors and fundraising efforts, the JCC accepts applications and provides need-based scholarships to children enrolled at Shalom Children’s Center, JCC Kids, and Camp Ruach.
ESTHER BURSTEIN BIOGRAPHY
As the Great Depression was about to grip the country and the world, Esther was born in New York City. Like many first generation Americans, her early life was a struggle. Her mother died when she was a child, and she subsequently moved to Brooklyn to live with her maternal aunt. Despite the bad hand she was dealt, Esther applied herself in school and became a top student. In the early 1940’s she met her future husband, Hy Burstein, and soon after his discharge from service in WWII with the U.S. Army, they married. With their two children, Jonathan and Laurie, approaching school age, Esther spearheaded the effort to establish the Hebrew Academy of North Queens yeshiva. In 1972, Esther and Hy made the bold and courageous decision to move to Los Angeles, where they opened an eyeglass frame importing business. Always hard working, the business was successful and their lives flourished.
Not content with the status quo, and eager for another adventure, while in her mid-50’s Esther went back to school. She ultimately obtained various securities licenses and set out to make her mark in the competitive arena of financial services. In the 1980’s the financial services industry was for the most part a “good old boys club” controlled by men. As a rule women, no matter how qualified, were relegated to subordinate or secretarial positions. Despite the long odds against success, Esther broke through the glass ceiling to become a top producer in a number of West Coast financial services firms. She is especially proud of her work in the Los Angeles Unified School District where she enabled scores of teachers, administrators and support staff prepare for retirement.
While growing up, Esther was aware of the charitable services that made a difference in her development. As her life prospered she never lost sight of her humble beginnings, and when her career took off, she followed through on her desire to help others. Esther and Hy started the Burstein Family Foundation, from which they made numerous philanthropic gifts. On one occasion Esther learned that a school at which she was teaching finance was in dire need of funds to renovate the library. Very quietly a check appeared and the library received the funds it so desperately needed to survive.
Over the last half century Esther has continued to make a difference in the communities where she’s lived. When a need arises, especially as it relates to children and Jewish causes, Esther has made it a point to say “hineni” here I am. So when Esther moved to Asheville in 2016, she looked for additional opportunities to make a difference. Last year Esther approached the JCC and repeated what she has so often said; “what can I do to help?” The “J” is special to Esther and her Asheville family. Her grandchildren and now the next generation of her great-grandchildren have attended Shalom Children’s Center, Camp Ruach, and JCC Kids after-school. Both generations learned to swim at the “J” pool and some have event worked as JCC lifeguards. Granddaughter, Margaret Teich, is the President of the “J” Board of Directors (2022-24). In recent years, Esther has helped grow “Welcome Shabbat” bi-monthly programs with Penny and Natalie at her retirement community. She has enjoyed klezmer music and dancing at the “J”.
From that simple desire to help, the Esther and Hy Burstein Scholarship Fund was born. Combining her lifelong interests of helping children and contributing to Jewish institutions, this generous gift of $50,000 will endow and sustain scholarships at the Asheville Jewish Community Center. Nearly a century ago in a cold water flat on Driggs Avenue in Brooklyn, a little girl dreamt of the untold possibilities life has to offer if only given a chance. Having achieved many of her personal goals, Esther’s dreams nonetheless endure, and she is hopeful her Scholarship Fund will enable deserving children the opportunity to unlock their potential and realize their ambitions.
