News

Hillel International’s New Professionals Institute Sets New Pros Up for Success

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 24, 2025

Attracting, developing, and retaining top talent is at the heart of Hillel International’s strategy for shaping the future of Jewish campus life. That commitment was on full display at the 2025 New Professionals Institute (NPI), which brought nearly 200  professionals to Washington University in St. Louis for two days of immersive onboarding, relationship-building, and learning.

NPI is a cornerstone of Hillel’s talent development strategy, providing new professionals with the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to lead meaningful Jewish campus experiences. The program emphasizes not just role readiness, but long-term growth and connection across the Hillel movement.

“We as a Hillel movement are committed to you,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman in opening remarks at the conference. “Your professional life at Hillel will be the best part of your professional career within your lifetime. That’s my commitment to you, we are going to do everything in our power to achieve that.”

Sessions focused on building the skills, confidence, and clarity professionals need to engage students and lead with purpose from day one. Key topics included:

• “Building Real Relationships,” which provided concrete practices for fostering deep connection, belonging, and purpose through student engagement.
• “Growing Your Student Leadership Pipeline,” where professionals explored leadership development strategies and tools for empowering students as co-creators of Jewish life.
• “Managing this Moment,” where professionals learned to respond to challenging campus dynamics with clarity, confidence, and care.
• “Flourish at Hillel,” which introduced a well-being framework rooted in Jewish values. 
• “Leading Authentically,” which guided managers through reflection on leadership style and its impact on team culture and outcomes.

This targeted content was designed to ensure that new professionals are equipped to succeed in their current roles, and are supported to grow into leadership positions over time.

“I’ve met so many other new professionals with similar backgrounds to me and have loved connecting with them before I head to campus for the new school year,” said Kennesaw State Hillel Springboard Fellow Jordan Bennett, citing the spent building relationships with the Springboard cohort. Key topics included: 

• Defining success in their roles
• Navigating student life and campus culture
• Identifying key support structures and resources
• Working within higher education institutions

NPI is designed to do more than orient professionals to their roles—it’s an investment in their leadership, engagement capacity, and long-term career trajectory within Hillel. By providing vision, connection, and skills, NPI helps professionals begin their Hillel journeys with confidence and a strong sense of purpose.

For Cayla Schreier, Hillel for Utah’s director of student and community engagement, NPI was a valuable place to learn about engagement strategies that will give students a sense of belonging on her campus. “Hillel has a place for everyone,” she said.

As the academic year begins, these professionals return to campus with expanded skill sets, meaningful peer networks, and a clear vision for their role in shaping vibrant Jewish student life.

The post Hillel International’s New Professionals Institute Sets New Pros Up for Success appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Hillel International Announces Largest Scholarship Awards in its History for Upcoming School Year

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 24, 2025

Hillel International will award college scholarships to more than 60 Jewish students totaling nearly $350,000 this fall across the U.S. and Canada.

Washington, D.C. – Hillel International, the world’s largest Jewish campus organization, today announced the recipients of its 2025 Student Leadership Scholarships. The organization will award nearly $350,000 to more than 60 students across 12 scholarship categories, representing the largest cohort of scholarship recipients in the program’s history.

Scholarships are merit-based, with factors including academic excellence, community service, Jewish connection, first-generation college enrollment, and family need factoring into the selection process. Past and current scholarship recipients include advocates for rare disease research, data analysts in the Israeli Intelligence Corps, leaders of peer counseling groups, humanitarian aid drivers in Ukraine, and founders of children’s literacy programs.

Hillel International’s scholarship program was founded just five years ago, with four recipients receiving a total of $16,000 in 2020. Since then, Hillel International has dramatically expanded its annual scholarship program for Jewish students by over $300,000 per year, and will disburse more than $1 million in scholarship funds over the next three years. This significant increase in Hillel student scholarships comes at a time of rising participation and engagement in Hillel programs and services — a record-setting 185,000 student participants last school year — and increased antisemitism on college campuses, as well as rising tuition costs.

The majority of Hillel scholarships are renewable annually until the student graduates, and they range from $3,000 to $18,000 annually per scholarship, supporting a wide array of students from incoming college first-years to graduate students. 

“We are exceptionally proud to support these Jewish student leaders who are not only excelling academically but are also committed to becoming leaders in their Jewish and campus communities,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman. “Their dedication, talent, and resilience give us tremendous hope for the future of Jewish life on campus.“

This scholarship program reinforces the organization’s continued commitment to fostering community for Jewish students on campus and continuing to make college more accessible for those at the forefront of Jewish student leadership. The 2025 recipients attend universities across the country and represent diverse backgrounds and academic pursuits.

The full list of recipients this year is as follows:

Aronson Fussman Excellence Scholarship: $18,000 Renewable

• Alek Golubchik, Los Angeles, California, University of Pennsylvania
• Samantha Rose, Short Hills, New Jersey, Duke University
• Tal Appel, Israel, Columbia University

Louis E. Rabinowitz Scholarship: $5,000 Renewable

• Emma Goldman, Atlanta, Georgia, The Citadel
• David Brandin, Columbia, South Carolina, Clemson University
• Brian Cohn, Norfolk, Virginia, University of South Carolina

Frimer First Generation Student Scholarship: $5,000 Renewable

• Jonathan Adler, Las Vegas, Nevada, Yale University

Ellen B. Fuhr Scholarship: $5,000 Renewable

• Katherine Reshetnikov, Queens, New York, Hunter College
• Leah Tamayev, New York City, New York, Hunter College
• Anna Barteck, New York City, New York, Hunter College
• Laura Elliott, New York, Hunter College (Fall 2024 recipient)
• * Two additional students were awarded this scholarship in Fall 2024

Behrman Campus Leadership Award: $5,000 Renewable

• Daniel Hutman, Silver Spring, Maryland, University of Maryland, College Park

Paulson Leadership Award for Jewish CUNY Students: $4,000 Renewable

• Yuval Vine Molco, Israel, Baruch College
• Samuel Reingold, Brooklyn, New York, Baruch College
• Alice Virovlyansky, New York City, New York, Baruch College
• Aidan Herzlinger, Old Bridge, New Jersey, Baruch College
• Becky Halfon, Brooklyn, New York, Brooklyn College
• Yael Dahan, Los Angeles, California, Brooklyn College
• Nitzan Naim, Rosh Haayin, Israel, Brooklyn College
• Sarah Vidal, Brooklyn, New York, City College of New York
• Benjamin Lesczynski, Manhattan, New York, City College of New York
• Daniel Chernov, Staten Island, New York, College of Staten Island
• Mika Feintuch, Haifa, Israel, Hunter College
• Keira Kepets, Teaneck, New Jersey, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
• Ziv Nachshon, Queens, New York, Queens College
• Maya Harpaz, Kew Gardens, New York, Queens College
• Gavriel Zahler, Long Island, New York, Queens College
• Avishai Aghelian, Queens, New York, Queens College

Jules and Gwen Knapp First Generation Student Scholarship: $3,000 Renewable

• Liane Barak, Boca Raton, Florida, The University of Miami

Jules and Gwen Knapp Campus Leadership Award: $3,000 Renewable

• Ninnette Jalfon, Katy, Texas, The University of Texas at Austin

Lilly E. Reiser Graduate Student Award: $5,000 One-Time

• Rachel Benaim-Abudarham, Boca Raton, Florida, Florida Atlantic University

Jordan and Elise Levin Scholarship for Jewish Enrichment and Education: $5,000 One-Time

• Julia Rose Weiss, Closter, New Jersey, University of Richmond
• Noa Kizhnerman, Queens, New York, Purdue University
• Elias Cohen, Panama, New York University

Jack and Harriet Kudine First-Year Student Scholarship: $5,000 One-Time

• Zoe Lazar, Ocean Township, New Jersey, Virginia Tech University
• Tova Rosenbaum, Pasadena, California, University of California, Los Angeles
• Aviya Madar, Brooklyn, New York, Harvard University

Sandy and Jack Cohen Scholarship: $5,000 One-Time

• Melissa Simplicio Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, New York University

For anyone looking to learn more about contributing to Hillel International’s scholarship efforts, please contact our Senior Director of planned giving Charles M. Miller, JD, AEP® at cmiller@hillel.org or 202.449.6529.

The post Hillel International Announces Largest Scholarship Awards in its History for Upcoming School Year appeared first on Hillel International.

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Build the Career and the Life You Want: Q&A With Career Coach Marcy Hess

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 18, 2025

Every year, a new class of Jewish alumni enters the workforce and begins their professional lives. As members of the class of 2025 launch their careers, we spoke with Marcy (Newman) Hess, senior director of strategic partnerships at Loyola Marymount University (LMU)’s career and professional development office and a private career and leadership coach, about her own professional journey and the advice she has for those just starting out. 

Hillel International: How long have you been at LMU, and how did you decide that coaching  was your path?

Marcy (Newman) Hess: “I will have been at LMU for 10 years this September. I fell into career coaching: It wasn’t something I knew I wanted to do – I just knew I wanted to be on a college campus and work within a university setting in some capacity supporting students. I have my master’s in education from the University of Southern California, and originally, I was going to school in hopes of supporting Greek life organizations and orientation programs, which really had an impact on my personal and leadership development throughout college.

My first year out of grad school, I was working in a student activities office at a small liberal arts women’s college, and while I loved the work and supporting women, my boss at the time wasn’t a great fit. A colleague who worked in the career center told me that there was a position open, and so I interviewed for it and ended up getting the job. At first, I felt a bit like, ‘Who am I to be giving career advice at 25 or 26?’ but I found that I’m really good at it, not just in things like resume and cover letter feedback, but also in being an advocate for others, an empathetic listener, and an enthusiastic advice-giver for these students, which are all things that come naturally to me.

I always tell people that I didn’t plan for this – it just happened. I had a conversation with a colleague and stayed open to what could be a possibility for me professionally and took a chance by exploring another area of university life/student affairs I hadn’t considered. And I have found that I really enjoy the elements of the field (coaching) as they align strongly with my personality, values and interests.”

Hillel: What advice would you give to students on determining an initial career path post-graduation?

Marcy: “For students who are unsure of what they want to do, I’m a big fan of just talking to people. Make a list of the companies you want to work for and look for connections, whether that’s through family, mentors, former bosses or professors, or an alumni network through your school or one like the Jewish Career Network. Once you find those people, line up a time to go grab coffee with them virtually or in person, and just inquire about ‘What’s it really like to work at Netflix? What’s it really like to be a part of Kaiser? What are the skills needed to be successful in your field or industry?’

The relationship piece is key to me, especially when I think about my life. In my career in particular, so much of it has been through relationships where I’ve been referred, recommended, or introduced. And actually, more than 80% of jobs come through networking. You really can just reach out to someone with a message like, ‘Hey, (name of alumna). I also went to NYU and just graduated. I’m really impressed with your background. I’d love some advice on what it looks like to work in public relations or whatever it is that someone is hoping to learn more about.’ By talking to others you’ll discern what may or may not be a good fit for you, company culture or industry-wise. You’ll gain clarity and narrow down your options of what you may want to explore pursuing or applying for.

As far as building a network, remember that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel: Go where there are already established networks and tap into existing communities. What were you involved in as an undergrad, and where might you tap back into that network? Were you in a sorority? Hillel? Student government? Find your people and utilize that shared experience and connection. People want to help one another, whether you graduated with them or they’re 10 years older. And on the topic of helping others, I’m a big proponent of volunteering, especially during a time like this in our world. See what your alumni association has to offer, look through your networks (like LinkedIn) – find where you can be of service and what you can do to help others. Your community is where you can find opportunities. 

I’m also a big fan of life design. There’s this great book that I recommend often to clients and alumni called ‘Designing Your Life,’ and I encourage people to reflect because I think there’s such a self-imposed and societal pressure to have it all ‘figured out.’ But the thing is, it’s a lifelong process: I’m in my forties, and I’m still ‘figuring it out.’ So I love the concept of not just ‘What career do you want to have?’ but ‘What kind of life do you want to build?’ It’s important to do some reflection, journaling, and not just get a job to get something or be at a high-profile company. If I could tell recent grads anything, it’s to not get too fixated on your degree and instead focus on the skillset you can bring to an organization and what brings you purpose and joy.”

Hillel: What would you tell a recent grad who is feeling anxious about their future?

Marcy: “Slow it down. Focus on what you enjoy doing – not just what you got a degree in, but the skills that you want to bring and the impact you want to make. Your degree is important, but it’s not everything and it’s not so linear in the real world. And explore your options beyond finding a job; maybe volunteer with the Peace Corps, maybe do a fellowship or a Fulbright. You’re going to work for a long time, so have some adventure and fun where you can. I know that people have bills and loans to pay, but take some time to get creatively curious. We’re always in such a rush to get to the next step, but why are we putting this pressure on ourselves? Why can’t we say, ‘For the month of July, I’m taking off to travel, and then in August, I’ll hire a career coach or set up some informational calls.’”

Hillel: What are the top three tips you would give to recent grads who are now searching for jobs?

Marcy: “First, celebrate your accomplishments. Post on LinkedIn or the Jewish Career Network and say something like, ‘I just graduated from LMU with a degree in business administration, I’m looking to apply to these positions, and I’d love to connect with people in my community.’ Share your accomplishments with your network – or what will become your network – and let them celebrate you.

Second, get involved with your alumni association and find ways to connect with your community. Find your people, get a mentor, tap into those existing communities, and start building those relationships. And who knows? You may even land a job through connecting.

Third, reflect on what you enjoy. Do some energy mapping over a week’s time to reflect on your activities and tasks, and look at where your energy was high and where it was low during these activities. Assess where you feel energized and what activities deplete your energy. Look for themes, roles in your life where you feel in a flow, things come naturally and you feel good about yourself afterward. 

Is it that you’re the unofficial advice-giver to your friends and family? Or the go-to person at dinners to figure out the bill and speak up if there’s a discrepancy? Reflecting on daily, weekly, or monthly activities will give you insight into what you want to do, and your community may also be able to reflect to you what they see are your greatest gifts. From there, you can schedule some informational conversations or coffee chats with people where you’re just curious about what they do and how they got there. 

I think it’s important that we normalize asking people about their paths and, for those being asked the question, normalize demystifying the process for job seekers. No one really teaches you how to navigate post-grad life or ‘how to adult,’ and so I’m a big advocate of not doing it alone and instead leaning on your networks for support.

To be clear, this process isn’t formulaic or linear. It’s not ‘follow these three steps and you’ll find your dream job.’ It’s clunky and messy and scary and exciting. But if you tap into your networks, it can be a little bit easier and more enjoyable, I have found.”

Looking for a way to get started with building your career journey? Check out the Jewish Career Network and connect with peers, mentors, and professionals across hundreds of fields, as well as read Career Conversations featuring Marcy and others.

Marcy has also very generously offered to provide interested students who are involved with Hillel with one 30-minute complimentary coaching session. Contact her at Marcy@marcynewmancoaching.com.

The post Build the Career and the Life You Want: Q&A With Career Coach Marcy Hess appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Antisemitic Incidents on Campus at Record High in Past School Year 

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 17, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Antisemitic incidents on college campuses reached their highest levels ever in the 2024-2025 school year, Hillel International, the world’s largest Jewish campus organization, announced today. A total of 2,334 incidents were reported, which is an increase of more than 500 incidents over the 2023-2024 academic year (1,853 incidents) and a ten-fold rise compared to the 2022-2023 year (289) – the last year before the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. 

Despite the overall increase in antisemitic activity on campus, the data reveals significant progress in several key areas. Incidents of assault decreased from a high of 50 in 2023-2024 to 32 in 2024-2025, and incidents of vandalism and graffiti declined by nearly 55 percent. The number of anti-Israel campus encampments dropped by 92 percent. 

The research also highlights a dramatic shift in the nature of antisemitic activity, with reported incidents of online harassment surging nearly 185 percent. Graduation disruptions also increased slightly this school year, with 37 disruptions or incidents, compared to 31 the year prior.

“All Jewish students should feel they belong on campus, but unfortunately, too often we’re seeing environments that make Jewish students feel excluded and threatened,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International. “Over the past year, many universities have made significant changes to better clarify and enforce their policies and codes of conduct, supported by our work with them to achieve these improvements. When universities step up and enforce their rules, Jewish students and all students benefit from a safer, more inclusive campus environment.”

In response to the ongoing issues, Hillel International expanded its comprehensive strategies to protect and support Jewish students, and increased the number of opportunities for Jewish students to convene in safe and joyful community experiences. These efforts include enhanced security initiatives and grants, growing partnerships with universities to improve their policies and practices, and expanded programs to educate students, faculty, and staff about the nature of contemporary antisemitism and how to prevent it. 

“While we’re encouraged by progress in some areas, any counting of incidents likely underrepresents the true scope of antisemitism, because many incidents go unreported – especially as they become normalized,” said Jon Falk, Vice President, Israel Engagement and Confronting Antisemitism at Hillel International. “We cannot allow this level of antisemitism to feel normal. That’s why we’re working on campuses every day, creating safe, inclusive, and vibrant communities for Jewish students everywhere.”

Methodology

Hillel International collects data about antisemitic incidents on campus through a number of sources, including college and university bias reporting portals, directly from students, through the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL), and ReportCampusHate.org, a joint project of Hillel International, the Anti Defamation League, and the Secure Community Network. The data is cross-referenced to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.

The post Antisemitic Incidents on Campus at Record High in Past School Year  appeared first on Hillel International.

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From RootOne to Hillel: Jewish Inspiration and Connection

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 16, 2025

Every year, thousands of high school students travel to Israel on trips funded by RootOne, an organization that helps young Jewish students build their connections with Israel and their Jewish identities. Those students often find their way to Hillel when they begin their college and university journeys. Inspired by the roots they planted in high school, RootOne alumni become Hillel student leaders, peer teachers, and advocates for the Jewish future. Here are some of their stories:

Turning Complexity into Inspiration

Tamar Franbuch is a rising fourth-year student at the University of Pittsburgh.

“As a 16-year-old high school student, I went on a month-long volunteer trip to Israel with RootOne that completely changed how I approach growth and leadership. On this trip, Rabbi Akiva Naiman from youth group NCSY shared an idea that has stuck with me ever since: ‘You must be comfortable with being uncomfortable.’ Those words became a guiding principle in my life, reminding me that real growth happens only when we’re willing to face discomfort head-on.

That trip and that phrase have shaped many of the choices I’ve made since, including my decision to attend an out-of-state university (where I didn’t know anyone) and to get involved with Hillel at the University of Pittsburgh, where I serve as the incoming president for the Student Coalition for Israel at Pitt. 

Most recently, my experience with RootOne inspired me to co-teach a peer-led course at Hillel on the geopolitics of Israel. It was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as a student. Along with two of my peers, I designed the course not only to educate other students, but to push them to engage in challenging, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about identity, politics, and conflict. During these sessions, I saw firsthand how much people grow when given the space and support to wrestle with complexity. I ended our last class by passing on the advice Rabbi Akiva had given me four years prior, saying, ‘I hope this course made you uncomfortable. You must be uncomfortable to learn and grow and to fully understand the complexity of this information.’ 

As I head back to school for my final year, I hope to build on the lessons I learned from my RootOne experience, and to develop as a leader who fosters growth in others. I’m eager to connect with people from different backgrounds and perspectives, because I know that’s where the most powerful learning happens. And I’m more than ready to step outside my comfort zone, because I’ve learned that’s exactly where I need to be to keep growing and helping others do the same.”

Fueling a Passion for Justice and Activism

Claire Eisenstadt is a rising second-year student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

“As a teen, RootOne enabled me to attend Young Judea Gesher Israel.  Through this program, I experienced Israeli culture firsthand and engaged in meaningful conversations about Israel and Judaism. This trip to Israel also opened my eyes to the disparities between how Israel is portrayed in the media versus the realities on the ground. Because RootOne made this program accessible to me, I was able to fuel my passion for protecting the Jewish state. And my experiences visiting the religious and historical sites in Israel inspired me to get involved in Jewish life on campus – and to stand up for my heritage. 

In this post-October 7 world, I am glad I made the decision to center my activism on my Jewish community. The skills I developed through Gesher Israel continue to impact me in college, where I am deeply involved at Illini Hillel, serving in leadership positions on the Hillel Leadership Council and the Hillel Civic Leadership Committee.”

Continuing a Journey With Hillel

Daniele Mizrahi is a rising third-year student at Baruch College.

“Participating in a RootOne trip through NCSY in 2022 was one of my first real exposures to Israel, and it had a profound impact on me. That summer, I felt a deep and meaningful connection to the country and its culture, people, and history. The experience sparked something in me, and when I returned home, I was inspired to stay connected and involved. That’s what motivated me to become active with Baruch Hillel. Through Hillel, I’ve been able to continue exploring my Jewish identity and building a community of Jewish students who share those same values and connections. This past year, my experience came full circle when I participated in a Baruch Hillel trip to Israel, where I volunteered for 10 days. Hillel has been a central part of my college experience, allowing me to grow both personally and as a leader.”

Carrying Community from RootOne to Hillel

Rachel Barker is a rising third-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

“The RootOne trip I took in 2022 to Prague, Israel, and Germany  gave me a broader perspective on Judaism and Israel, especially now, in the wake of the October 7, 2023 tragedies. After October 7, UW Hillel and other Jewish campus organizations hosted vigils where we prayed and sang peace songs together. To me, this is what Hillel and Judaism is: community. The Shabbat dinners and holidays I spend at Hillel are a great environment, and they only strengthen that community, as does my participation in the Jewish Learning Fellowship. My trip with RootOne created a sense of community and connection to Jewish history, and my journey with that connection has continued with Hillel.”

Broadening Horizons and Deepening Relationships

Elijah Fox is a rising third-year student at the University of Michigan. 

“The 2022 Detroit Teen Mission to Israel was the first time I traveled to a country outside of North America. My worldview widened greatly as I made many Israeli friends and gained an up close experience in the history of Israel. Some of the friends I grew closer with on the trip are now my companions for Shabbat dinners at Hillel. Traveling to Israel with RootOne gave me a shared experience with other Jewish students that has helped me make friends in college. Now, as I have become more active in Jewish life at the University of Michigan, and have joined many clubs at Michigan Hillel, including JenGA, Michigan Hillel’s Engineering Club, I’ve seen firsthand how gaining this wider understanding of the world has allowed me to foster new relationships and grow as an individual.” 

Check out stories from more students whose lives have been changed by RootOne and Hillel.

The post From RootOne to Hillel: Jewish Inspiration and Connection appeared first on Hillel International.

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Hillel International Announces 2025-2026 Student Cabinet

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 8, 2025

New Student Cabinet will strengthen Jewish life and student engagement across more than 850 campuses globally.

Washington, D.C. – Hillel International, the world’s largest Jewish campus organization, today announced the 20 members of the 2025-2026 Hillel International Student Cabinet. The selected students will collaborate with Hillel International’s professional staff and board leadership to advise on student experiences, represent diverse perspectives, and help shape innovative approaches that strengthen Jewish campus life for students worldwide. 

Selected through a highly competitive process, the 20 Cabinet members represent students at the more than 850 campuses Hillel serves worldwide, linking the student experience and organizational leadership. This year, eight universities are represented for the first time, and the 20 members hail from universities in six countries: Brazil, Germany, Canada, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“The Student Cabinet ensures that student voices remain at the core of everything we do at Hillel International,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International. “The fresh perspective and ideas of these remarkable student leaders are invaluable as we work across the Hillel movement to foster meaningful opportunities for Jewish belonging, community, and leadership for all Jewish students.” 

Ariela Moel and Einav Tsach are serving as the incoming Cabinet’s co-chairs.

“Hillel is more than just a place for Jewish students to gather – it’s a place where they grow into who they’re meant to be,” said Ariela Moel, a member of the class of 2026 at the University of Southern California. “It’s an honor to take on this role and help make that kind of transformation possible – not just on my campus, but around the world – so every Jewish student can find their way home to themselves.” 

“So many Jewish students are feeling disconnected or unsure of where they fit in on campus,” said Einav Tsach, a member of the class of 2026 at the University of Maryland, College Park. “We want Hillel to be that space where every Jewish student feels they belong. This year, we’re hoping to really speak to what students need—whether that’s community, culture, or just a place to relax and be themselves.” 

Below is a full list of the 2025-2026 Hillel International Student Cabinet members. 

Cabinet Members: 

• Gabrielle Barsky-Giles, Queen’s University, ‘26
• Michal Berlove, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, ‘26
• Zoe Cosgrove, University of Michigan, ‘27
• Sydney Grossman, Vanderbilt University, ‘26 
• Hadley Kalson, University of Vermont, ‘26
• Kara Klaiman, University of Virginia, ‘26
• Rachel Lennard, University of Oregon, ‘27
• Sam Leschins, University of Florida, ‘26
• Matthew Levine, The Ohio State University, ‘26
• Mateen Markzar, Brown University, ‘26
• Kylie Miller, Roosevelt University, ‘26
• Ariela Moel, University of Southern California, ‘26
• Andrew Petlak, University of California, Berkeley, ‘26
• Sara Quintero, Northeastern University, London Campus, ‘26
• Michelle Rosner, University of Delaware, ‘26
• Ori Segev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, ‘26
• Elina Shikher, University of Potsdam, ‘26
• Benjamin Small, University of Pennsylvania, ‘27
• Marelo Topper, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, ‘27
• Einav Tsach, University of Maryland, ‘26

The post Hillel International Announces 2025-2026 Student Cabinet appeared first on Hillel International.

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From Hillel Dinners to Gourmet Cooking: Nicolai Mlodinow’s Class Act Journey

Author

Hillel International

Date

June 23, 2025

Born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Pasadena, Nicolai Mlodinow grew up in a food-centered family. Both his parents cooked, and they encouraged Mlodinow to learn to make both sweet and savory foods for himself. By the time he got to college at San Diego State University, Mlodinow preferred cooking at home to going out to eat, but it wasn’t until his sophomore year that cooking for others became a central part of his life. 

“I was living in an apartment on campus, and one of my roommates smelled what I was cooking,” Mlodinow recalled. “He was like, ‘What if I just gave you a swipe of my food hall money, and you made some for me?’”

That roommate dinner turned into a campus sensation. Mlodinow began regularly hosting dinner parties in his apartment — not just cooking for friends, but often sharing meals with people he’d never met before. 

Stories about Mlodinow’s cooking spread through campus, all the way over to SDSU Hillel, where Mlodinow had been involved since his first year, attending programs and Shabbat dinners. So when Hillel reached out to ask him if he’d consider cooking a Shabbat dinner for the community, he embraced the challenge.

Pulling from his experience growing up eating multicultural food in South Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, which has the largest Chinese population outside of China, Mlodinow designed a Chinese-Ashkenazi-Jewish fusion menu. Offerings included egg drop matzah ball soup and red boiled chicken, a traditional Chinese preparation that Mlodinow tweaked with Israeli seasonings and spices.

“I grew up going to places where no one spoke English, so when we ordered food we would just point to what we wanted — and it was awesome, because that’s how you actually learn someone else’s flavors, their spirit, their culture, because there’s no other form of communication,” he said. “And I thought that fit so well with Hillel’s mission of bringing people together from all walks of life.”

The first dinner was a huge success, and started Mlodinow on a new stage of his culinary journey. He ended up running Hillel Shabbat dinners every other week throughout the rest of his college career, and when he graduated and went into marketing, he missed those Shabbat dinners so much that he went back to hosting dinner parties in his apartment — a tiny studio in Chicago. 

“I would invite some friends over and cook them this giant meal with 50 different inspirations,” he said. “It was so much fun. And then one day, one of them came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you’re clearly really passionate about this. You’re clearly working very hard at this. If you ever decide you really want to be a professional chef, let me know.”

Mlodinow took him up on his offer, and embarked on a culinary journey that would take him through internships, kitchen stints, and learning experiences at six Michelin-starred restaurants, including Temporis, where he trained under chef Troy Jorge.

“He really mentored me,” Mlodinow said. “He took a chance on me. I wasn’t expecting someone to care that much.”

Mlodinow had kept up his day job while building his skills in and out of different professional kitchens, starting up a healthcare tech company. But two and a half years ago, Mlodinow took his culinary ventures full-time, partnering with Shreena, a foodie and tech entrepreneur who became central to helping create and actualize Mlodinow’s restaurant concept, Class Act.

“The opening menu is a 13-course tasting menu around the theme of growing up,” Mlodinow explained. “It’s fine dining, avant garde-style cuisine, but based around extremely nostalgic foods I had growing up.”

Cooking for Hillel is part of that nostalgia. 

“Dinners for Shabbat are always family-style, right?” he said. “We’re literally breaking bread, passing things around together, and connecting through food. It’s the idea that food is a language that I can use to explain my culture, my values, and beliefs to someone else — they don’t have to be Jewish, or have any idea about our food, to experience it and come away feeling like you speak my language.”

“It’s a form of communication,” he added. “And it’s a beautiful one, because everyone universally understands it, as soon as they’re born.”

Class Act’s brick-and-mortar location is slated to open this summer in Bucktown, a vibrant neighborhood north of downtown Chicago — quite a journey from Mlodinow’s college apartment. He’s had to give up a lot to make his career bloom, from missing friends’ birthday parties to having to ask his brother to hold his wedding on a Tuesday so he could attend, but as far as Mlodinow’s concerned, it’s all been worth it. 

Asked what advice he’d give today’s Hillel students thinking of taking a similar path, Mlodinow’s answer is simple: 

“What Hillel really taught me, and what’s now the entire core of my restaurant, is that food can be more than just something that tastes good,” Mlodinow told Hillel International. “It’s a form of communication, and connection. If you’re in the thick of it, remember why you started. And if you’re just starting, let your passion lead the way. You can worry about the other things later.”

The post From Hillel Dinners to Gourmet Cooking: Nicolai Mlodinow’s Class Act Journey appeared first on Hillel International.

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Meet Hillel International’s 2025 Summer Interns!

Author

Hillel International

Date

June 4, 2025

Welcome to all of Hillel International’s new and returning summer interns! Every year, students from all over the United States join Hillel International to form an incredible cohort of interns and learn about different aspects of the organization. Learn more about this year’s interns:

Jonathan Becker (he/him) is thrilled to be serving as the social impact intern with Hillel this summer! His commitment to Jewish social justice work began as a member of Jewish Youth for Community Action in high school. As a third-year history and Hispanic studies major at Whitman College, Jonathan has continued to seek out Jewish community as a member of Whitman’s Kehilat Shalom. Additionally, he has continued to pursue justice through his work with Whitman’s Community Engagement Volunteer Programs, where he has served as leader of the Stream Team, an environmental conservation program, program leader of Project Sidewalk, a project focused on accessibility and mobility, and the student leader for diversity, equity, inclusion, and volunteer recruitment. Jonathan has also played a crucial role in campus-based voter registration through being the co-chair of Whitman Votes. Jonathan loves Judaism and social justice work, and is beyond excited to be part of the social impact team this summer.

Rebecca Brumer (she/hers) is a rising third-year student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and she studies marketing with a minor in communications. She is a Russian Jew and loves expressing both her cultures through (some interesting!) food and history. She got involved with Hillel Milwaukee after the attacks on October 7, 2023 because she needed a community, especially being on a private Jesuit campus. With her involvement, she’s found her closest friends and a passion for spreading awareness about Jewish culture. She’s so excited to start this new opportunity and build new skills!

Ella Cooper (she/her) is thrilled to be serving as the strategic HR intern for Hillel International this summer! She’s heading into her fourth year at the University of Maryland as a communication major with a minor in nonprofit leadership and social innovation, simultaneously pursuing a graduate degree in management studies through the Robert H. Smith School of Business. She serves as a Public Speaking Consultant at UMD’s Oral Communication Center, as well as an Ambassador for the Do Good Institute, UMD’s hub for social impact. She’s excited to apply her knowledge and experiences, strengthen her skillset, and learn from such a dynamic and passionate team.

Maya Doitch (she/her) is a third-year student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is a statistics major with a minor in entrepreneurship, planning to pursue a career in business analytics. She’s been deeply involved with Hillel on her campus and is a proud advocate for the Jewish community. In her free time, she loves cooking, reading, doing Pilates, painting, hiking, and spending time at the beach with friends. She’s incredibly excited to be working with Hillel International this summer and can’t wait to see what’s in store!

Samantha Eidelman (she/her) is a rising third-year at Connecticut College where she designed her own major in social work and healing justice, and minors in Jewish studies. She is also the incoming vice president for her college’s Hillel, where she previously served as the chair of social programming. Passionate about Jewish advocacy and raising diverse voices, she has participated in multiple dialogue initiatives and works closely with staff across campus. She is excited to contribute to Hillel International and enhance the experiences of her fellow students.

Shoshana Fisher (she/her) is a rising fourth-year student at Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women. She is majoring in psychology and minoring in political science, with hopes to pursue a career in nonprofit management. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer and chess, reading, and rooting for the Vikings during football season. She is excited to get involved at Hillel as an operations intern and is looking forward to a great summer!

Nicole Gleicher (she/her) is from Long Island, New York. She is a rising third-year student at the University of South Carolina Honors College studying entertainment law. On campus, she is involved with the Phi Delta Phi pre-law fraternity, Chi Omega, and the Anne Frank Center. She has a background in Jewish nonprofit event planning, so she is very excited to get to work with the Hillel conference and events team this summer! Outside of school and work, she loves traveling and attending concerts/festivals. 

Lilith Greene-Friedman (she/her) is a third-year student at Dickinson College, studying international business and Middle East studies. Hillel has been a central part of her college journey — whether through serving on the Hillel student board, participating in the Israel Leadership Network with Hillel International, or simply finding a strong, supportive community on campus. These experiences have helped shape her identity and leadership style in meaningful ways. A few fun facts about Lilith: She loves learning new languages, traveling, and discovering new restaurants with friends. She also grew up attending Jewish sleepaway camp and has spent the past few summers working as a counselor. She is excited to work more closely with Hillel professionals and continue growing through this internship!

Abby Goretsky (she/hers) is a fourth-year graphic design student at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design with a deep passion for her Jewish heritage. She strives to incorporate elements of Judaism into her creative work, making this internship a natural fit. Since October 7, she has been actively raising awareness about rising antisemitism through social media campaigns and panel discussions. Abby is especially excited to join the Hillel International community because her school does not have a Hillel program, so this gives her a chance to connect with other Jewish students. Beyond her involvement with Hillel, she is a life member of Hadassah and a Friends of the IDF Young Leader. She can’t wait to empower other Jewish students and spread Jewish joy. 

Leah Kreindler (she/her), is a rising third-year student at the University of Kansas studying business marketing. She is originally from Texas and has been actively involved with KU Hillel, where she served as a marketing intern the past two years. She is excited to be joining the Hillel International team and looks forward to helping connect more students to the amazing community, programs, and opportunities Hillel has to offer.

Lauren Robbins (she/her) is a rising fourth-year student at the University of Florida, majoring in public relations. Originally from Miami, she is involved with UF Hillel as president of Kulanu and overall chair of Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate. She’s also active in AEPhi and part of Alpha PR, UF’s student-run public relations firm. Passionate about storytelling, advocacy, and social media, Lauren is excited to bring her creativity to Hillel International to share Jewish joy in a way that’s engaging, thoughtful, and fun.

Courtney Saxe (she/her) is a rising second-year student at the University of Arizona. She is majoring in communications and minoring in psychology. She served as the international president of BBYO ’23-’24, traveling to communities all over the world. On campus, she has been involved in Hillel, Chabad on Campus, Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon, and sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma. Born and raised in Las Vegas, in her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

The post Meet Hillel International’s 2025 Summer Interns! appeared first on Hillel International.

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Hillel Wellness Grants Send “Ripples of Resilience” Across College Campuses

Author

Hillel International

Date

May 30, 2025

Hillel’s work has always been about more than just welcoming students — it’s about nurturing communities of belonging that help Jewish students flourish. On campuses worldwide, Hillel empowers staff and students alike to lead with care rooted in Jewish wisdom.

That’s the spirit behind the “Ripples of Resilience,” a wellness grant initiative that supports Hillels in creating experiences that reflect the depth, care, and richness of Jewish life. These initiatives center student well-being and help students feel proud to show up in Jewish communities, especially in the face of rising antisemitism and broader campus stressors.

These Hillel experiences celebrate what’s possible when Jewish wisdom, modern well-being, and intentional design come together. From cozy communal spaces to Hillel-cooked comfort foods, the impact has been extraordinary. As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Hillel International is proud to share that these efforts reached nearly 18,000 students across 65 campuses — and every single grantee (100%!) reported that their project helped students feel that Hillel is a place that supports their well-being.

Here’s a glimpse of how these “ripples” are transforming campus life.

Creating Space to Breathe

When things feel tough, having a safe space to relax and regroup can make all the difference for students looking to regain a sense of calm. At Virginia Tech, Hillel transformed a space in the Malcolm Rosenberg Center into a dedicated wellness lounge, stocked with sensory tools and calming activities. On the anniversary of October 7, three students arrived feeling overwhelmed and anxious. They stayed for hours — coloring, resting, and resetting. “I couldn’t have gotten through today without [this space],” one student shared.

Hillel leaders at the University at Albany Hillel created a tranquil oasis within the bustling student center. “Students were amazed by how the room had been completely transformed,” said Executive Director Rabbi Nomi Manon. “Even those with no prior connection to Hillel felt like the space was ‘for them’ and wanted to be a part of it. Time and again, we heard how much people appreciated the calm it offered in the midst of a chaotic day.”

Nourishing Connection through Jewish Comfort Food

Jewish food is more than delicious; it offers rituals of memory and meaning. On campus, it also serves as a powerful tool for care and connection. This year, Hillel at Baruch College hosted 78 students for a community “Pink Challah Bake,” in partnership with Sharsheret, that brought together students from diverse backgrounds and fostered a sense of connection and belonging. 

“This was my first time making challah, and my mom loved it,” said one of the participants. “When I told her about its meaning, she said we could start making it together regularly. This may have been my first time, but it won’t be my last!”

On the West Coast, Jewish students at San Diego State University Hillel, found comfort in the form of matzo ball soup. As cold and flu season swept through campus, students cooked up large batches for their peers to order, whether as a remedy, a pick-me-up, or just a taste of home.

“Whenever I was home sick, my mom would make me matzo ball soup, and it was all I could think about when I came down from a cold here,” said one student. “Ordering it from Hillel brought me more than just warmth and nourishment; it gave me a taste of home and made me realize I had found a community here in San Diego.”

Expressing Jewish Identity with Creativity and Pride

Students aren’t just looking for safety, they’re seeking places where they can shape their Jewish identities with creativity and confidence. Across campuses, Hillel empowers students to explore and express their Judaism in ways that feel personal and full of pride.

At Hillel at UCLA, students made their own mezuzot, the small boxes containing parchment scrolls with verses of Torah, traditionally affixed to the right doorposts in  Jewish spaces. 

“One of our students had always kept a tiny, unassuming mezuzah on her dorm doorway — the smallest one she could find on Amazon,” said Hillel at UCLA Director of Philanthropic Partnerships Rachael Petru. “Now, her mezuzah is bright, colorful, and impossible to miss. Her non-Jewish roommate’s enthusiastic support for this symbol of Jewish identity made it even more meaningful.”

Across the border at Hillel Ontario, which supports Jewish programming at nine universities in the area, Sukkot offered a time for gathering and community, with 173 students (including 34 first-time participants!) coming together in the sukkah at the University of Toronto.

“Our Sukkat Shalom programming featured gourd painting, mindfulness journaling, and crafting besamim (spices) for havdalah using etrogs, cloves, and herbs,” said Jenn Ferman, senior campus director at the University of Toronto. “The sukkah became a vibrant hub for community building and outreach.”

These stories highlight that our Hillels cultivate more than moments — they create ripples: intentional acts that offer lasting care and support. Rooted in Jewish tradition, their impact is felt long after the programs are finished. As campuses continue to face complex realities, we’re proud to invest in students’ resilience.

Learn more about Hillel’s wellness and well-being work!

The post Hillel Wellness Grants Send “Ripples of Resilience” Across College Campuses appeared first on Hillel International.

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Embracing My Asian Jewish Heritage

Author

Hillel International

Date

May 29, 2025

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we are sharing stories from Jewish students who are celebrating both their Jewish and their Asian identities.

For Asian American Jewish students like Naomi Stephenson, a junior at Brandeis University, honoring both sides of that heritage is an important part of her life — not only because they’re both deeply important, but because they’re deeply interconnected.

“I can’t bisect myself and have one version of myself walk around and be Asian and the other half of myself walk around and be Jewish,” Naomi said. “I’m both.”

Growing up in Belmont, Massachusetts, Naomi was raised by her Ashkenazi Jewish father and her Thai mother, who converted to Judaism before Naomi was born. Her family attended Shabbat services and were active members of their synagogue, and also took annual trips to Thailand, where they would stay for a few weeks at a time. 

While she was always aware of her biracial identity, sometimes others didn’t treat her Asian and Jewish heritage as connected.

“For a long time, the environment around me taught me to treat my Thainess and my Jewishness as separate sides of me,” she said, recalling a family tree activity from Hebrew school about Jewish ancestry, in which she was essentially told that the Thai half of her family “wasn’t really relevant.” 

Naomi connected strongly with her Jewish identity, enjoying her bat mitzvah experiences and helping out with her synagogue as a teen leader. She chose Brandeis University for her college education, where she studies international relations, history, and French, in part because she wanted to attend a school with a strong Jewish community. She knew she wanted to get involved right away, so she started going to Hillel in her first year. 

Hillel became a regular part of Naomi’s life at Brandeis. But she didn’t start to really bring her Jewish and Asian identities together until she connected with the Lunar Collective, an organization that cultivates connection, belonging, and visibility for Asian American Jews.

“They became the outlet for that side of my Jewish community,” Naomi said. “That was when I really started to claim being an Asian Jew. I didn’t realize how deeply you could feel seen, and feel in community, and feel like your whole self is being celebrated.”

Through her involvement with Lunar, Naomi hosted an Asian Jewish Seder in collaboration with Brandeis Hillel last year, and ran another one this past spring. “Lunar has their own haggadah that centers the Asian Jewish experience, which was really special,” she said. “There was something very holy about the fact that I could bring together people who are Asian Jews, people who had Asian Jewish partners, people within this Asian Jewish community who might not have interacted with each other before.”

Naomi is now part of the Lunar Leading Light Fellowship, a program for emerging young adult leaders of Asian Jewish heritage. Fellows work together to build Asian Jewish communities in their own cities, through planning and facilitating local events. 

“It’s been very empowering to realize that I don’t need to separate the two parts of myself,” she said. “All of that Jewish life I’ve engaged with — Hebrew school, my bat mitzvah, leading davening, leading in Hillel — I did all of that while being Asian.”

Naomi’s experience represents a growing shift in Jewish movements in communities to recognize the diversity of Jewish cultures, experiences, and identities. 

“I feel like our voices are being heard a lot more,” Naomi reflected. “The Jewish community is growing more and more diverse, and that’s something that’s wonderful and so important and beautiful. Being at Brandeis and Hillel have taught me that there are ways of being Jewish that I never imagined or encountered before going to Brandeis, and those ways of being Jewish are just going to keep expanding.”

The post Embracing My Asian Jewish Heritage appeared first on Hillel International.