Dec. 2026
Jen Gilbert
Working at the Federation was only meant to be a short-term gig for Elaine Levine. Her plan was to work there for five years, and then move on to something else. Twenty-four years later, we’re celebrating her retirement. Is it surprising she stayed so long? After having spoken with Levine about her time at the Federation, learning about the person she is and the many impacts she made, the answer is a resounding no. This job was her calling.
Her turning point to stay came around the five-year mark. She connected strongly during staff missions to Cuba and Israel; her work became so meaningful that she couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. It became a labour of love, and at the heart of it was community, the hundreds of people who touched Levine time and again: donors, volunteers, colleagues, Holocaust survivors, educators, clergy, funded agency partners, community members, and allies.
Levine wore many hats at the Federation. She started working part-time in 2002 in an administrative capacity. One part-time job turned into two, followed by a full-time Program Development role. Her latest position and most fulfilling role was Campaign Director, which she held for nine years, helping raise more than $19 million.
There’s a strong chance that she has directly or indirectly impacted your life. On a larger scale, her impact involved managing programs and campaigns; on a smaller scale, calling community members one-by-one for things like making sure they had groceries during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She feels blessed to have been trusted by so many individuals in the community. As a constant presence over the years, she was someone people called when they didn’t have anyone else. “I felt truly fortunate that I was able to help steer them in the direction to make their life a little bit easier at that moment,” she said.
All these impacts had a ripple effect throughout the community, and show that working at a non-profit is not for the faint of heart. Staff need to jump into action when needed, even if it’s not part of the job description; they need to be resilient, persevere, and have a deep desire to give back. That’s Elaine Levine.
One of her most meaningful projects was staffing the Holocaust Education Committee, which developed educational programs, commemorations, survivor visits to schools, and outreach opportunities for students and adults. For nearly 20 years, her work on this committee impacted thousands of people.
She’s most comfortable when she takes a step back and helps others shine. Through the Asper Human Rights and Holocaust Studies Program, leadership development programs, and re-launching the Young Adult Division, she found purpose by providing leadership opportunities for people, setting our community up for success. “The future strength [of our community] relies on our younger generation being involved, committed, and stepping up to leadership roles, and to helping write the next chapter of our community’s history,” she said. Levine recalls with great pride the year the student seminar on Holocaust education brought out every secondary school in the public and Catholic board.
Other highlights include the launch of PJ library in Hamilton, the walks for Israel, and the many campaign openings she helped plan. Among her favourites were UJA Idol, UJA Cabaret, and the summer BBQ/flash mob — a full circle moment, connecting with her previous experience as a dance studio manager and instructor. Teamwork and collaboration were at the heart of these accomplishments, none of which would have been possible without the assistance of colleagues, committees, donors, and sponsors.
When asked what she’s learned in her time at the Federation, she said, “That we are so much stronger when we can be a united Jewish community and work together.”
As this chapter of her life closes, Levine is grateful for her meaningful career. She’s saying goodbye with one final plea to you: If you haven’t already, please consider donating to the Federation’s annual community and security campaigns.
In her newfound free time, Levine is hoping to put her tap shoes back on, spend time with her grandchildren, and travel; however, just because she’s retired doesn’t mean her passion, love, and care for the Hamilton Jewish community will stop. She’s not going anywhere: “This community is part of who I am and always will be.”
