The Finkelstein Memorial Library will hold its 2025 Budget and Trustee Vote on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM in the 3rd Floor Fielding Room.
Voters in the East Ramapo Central School District will have the opportunity to elect candidates to fill four open seats on the Library Board of Trustees. A total of six candidates are running for the available positions. Here’s a look at those seeking election:
Esther Waldman
An Orthodox Jewish educator, Esther Waldman has taught in both Catholic and Jewish schools across New York City and Rockland County. A graduate of Adelphi University at just 19 and Pace University by 21, Esther has served as a teacher, program director, and presenter of educational workshops. She currently serves as a Title I Director in New Square, focusing on literacy enrichment for elementary students. Esther lives in Monsey with her husband and three children, and hopes to use her experience to inspire a lifelong love of reading among the library’s youngest patrons.
Sharon McIntyre
Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Sharon McIntyre began her career in education before shifting to healthcare as a licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant. She worked in various nursing homes in Rockland and Westchester Counties, including 13 years at Northern Metropolitan Nursing Home. Now retired, Sharon volunteers with the Foster Grandparent Program and the Board of Elections. A dedicated member of St. Paul’s AME Zion Church, she hopes to continue encouraging children’s dreams through library service.
Goldie Golding
Goldie Golding is an accomplished children’s book author and a professor at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, where she teaches Educational Psychology, Literacy, and Special Education. With over 25 years of experience as an educator and school leader, Goldie is passionate about creating welcoming spaces in libraries where children can dream, learn, and grow.
Kusar Asghar
Longtime community resident Kusar Asghar is a wife and mother of four who is committed to public service and lifelong learning. She is running for trustee to help strengthen the Finkelstein Library’s role as an educational, inspiring, and connecting resource for the community.
Yehudis Gottesfeld
A lifelong patron of the Finkelstein Memorial Library, Yehudis Gottesfeld holds degrees in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from the City College of New York and Columbia University. Today, she works as a Chemical Environmental Engineer. Yehudis hopes to bring a fresh, intergenerational perspective to the library board, advocating for an inclusive and enriching library experience for all.
Yossi Rubinstein
CEO of Rubinstein & Co. and founder of the Yizkor Foundation, Yossi Rubinstein has extensive experience in architectural advisory, book publishing, and Holocaust education. Before moving to Monsey, he lived in Israel, where he owned a publishing house focused on Hebrew and English children’s books. Yossi looks forward to combining his expertise and passion for literacy to support and promote the library’s mission.