News

Notes from Springboard Fellows: Thinking Outside the Box

Author

Hillel International

Date

January 30, 2025

Notes from Springboard Fellows is a series of deep dives into the work of first and second year Springboard Fellows who play transformative roles in their Hillel communities. Read on to learn more about Craig Carroll, the Springboard Fellow at American University. 

Interested in becoming a Springboard Fellow? Apply today.

Craig Carroll, a first-year Springboard Fellow at American University, started thinking about working for Hillel early in his college career. “I was what you might call a pipeline kid,” he joked. “Hillel was like my second major — I spent all my time at the Hillel building.”

By the time he was a senior, Craig knew he wanted to pursue a career where building relationships was key. “I really wanted something that was people-focused,” he said. “And where the main work is in connecting with people. Because that is what I love doing, and I’m very good at it.”

The Springboard Fellowship brings recent college graduates with raw talent, passion, and skills needed to reimagine and redesign Jewish student life to college campuses across North America. This was the perfect opportunity for Craig to combine his love for the Jewish world with his desire to work in an environment where every day would be different, where he’d get to focus on connection and community-building, and where he’d find great mentoring and professional development.

For Craig, having the support and structure of the Springboard environment has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the fellowship. “Springboard really puts such an emphasis on the growth process,” he said. “It’s made clear what you need to work on and where you need to do better, but it’s not expected that you’ll have all the answers immediately.”

One area where Craig invested a lot of professional development work has been building creative problem-solving skills and learning to facilitate brainstorming sessions with students. He recalled a moment earlier in his fellowship when he and his supervisor were working with students to plan a Wellness Shabbat, and had to go back to the drawing board several times to make sure their programming ideas aligned with what the community was looking for, and Hillel’s values regarding a Shabbat experience. 

“It can be hard to encourage students to turn their ideas into reality,” he said. “Sometimes they hold themselves back if they think an idea is too weird, or if they don’t think they’re the right thing…”

To work through this problem, Craig called on the insights he’d gained from a workshop at Hillel International’s New Professionals Institute (NPI). “We were given a problem to solve, and our instructions were to come up with the worst possible idea to solve the issue. Then we passed it along the table, and the next person had to make it even worse, and so on. What it encouraged us to do was come up with ridiculous ideas and then say, ‘What could make this into a good idea?’ And then model it into something better.” With this strategy in mind, Craig, his supervisor, and the student leaders were able to put together a successful and engaging Wellness Shabbat, and many other programs since.

Asked what advice he’d give a prospective Springboard Fellow, Craig suggested that the most important thing an applicant can do is self-advocate. “You’ll want to make sure you ask for what you need,” he said. “And sometimes that means coming in with your own needs and advocating for them. That’s what I did, and I ended up very happy and fulfilled in my work.”

Join a network of changemakers like Craig and transform Jewish student life— visit hillel.org/springboard-fellowship and apply today!

The post Notes from Springboard Fellows: Thinking Outside the Box appeared first on Hillel International.

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Notes from Springboard Fellows: Inspiring the Next Generation of Jewish Leaders

Author

Hillel International

Date

January 23, 2025

Notes from Springboard Fellows is a series of deep dives into the work of first and second year Springboard Fellows who play transformative roles in their Hillel communities. Read on to learn more about Lindsay Rosenzweig, the Innovation and Intrapreneurship Springboard Fellow at University of Central Florida. 

Interested in becoming a Springboard Fellow? Apply today.

For Lindsay Rosenzweig, Innovation and Intrapreneurship Springboard Fellow at University of Central Florida (UCF), Hillel was a passion that unexpectedly became a career.

Lindsay grew up in North Carolina, and attended Elon University as an undergraduate, where she majored in human services studies — a unique course of study that encompasses concepts and skills related to social work, nonprofit management, social justice, and other human service fields. She was active in Hillel, serving as an engagement intern, the religious and education chair on the student board, and then as co-president her junior and senior year. Throughout her undergraduate career, she formed meaningful and impactful relationships with the Hillel staff that influenced her decisions post-graduation.

“They were really my mentors,” she said. “I stayed close with them even after graduation.” As Lindsay began her career working at a domestic violence nonprofit, those relationships proved key to her finding the right fit. 

“I told [my Hillel mentors] where I was working and how I was feeling conflicted about it, and they told me to apply for Springboard,” she said. “They really stressed that they thought I would be a good fit, and a great addition to the movement.”

At first, Lindsay wasn’t sure — she saw Hillel as a passion, but not necessarily a career path. Yet her mentors were persuasive, and Lindsay decided to apply for the fellowship. 

Now, in her second year as a Springboard Fellow at UCF, Lindsay can’t imagine doing anything else. “Innovation and intrapreneurship really stood out to me as an opportunity to try something different than what I had been doing for so long,” she said. Also, as someone interested in social justice, she finds this track of work particularly rewarding, because it’s all about solving problems in a way that starts with what each student needs and why. 

“It’s about taking an emphasis on creating innovative solutions, and bringing them to our campuses,” she explained. “How do we shape our programs and our structure around student needs and wants? That’s what we’re trying to figure out.”

One of Lindsay’s proudest moments as a Springboard Fellow was helping one of her students go through the Springboard application process herself. “Knowing that I had such an impact on her that she wanted to go through the Springboard experience was so rewarding to me,” she said. “We had many conversations, just talking about her future and the schools she matched with, and I got to serve as a mentor for her.”

Professional development is a key part of the Springboard experience, and Lindsay has taken full advantage of the opportunities Hillel International has to offer. 

Last March, she participated in a Sipurim trip to Israel, a special program for Hillel professionals designed to help shift Israel education in a post-October 7 world. “My team was so excited for me when I got accepted,” she said. “They were my biggest cheerleaders.”

Lindsay also worked one-on-one with her Springboard-assigned mentor who works in talent management at Hillel International.

“I’m so appreciative of everything he’s done, because my goal is to stay with Hillel after my fellowship ends,” she said. “It’s been so helpful to hear what happens at the organization behind the scenes, and to have his support in planning conversations I need for my next steps.”

As she heads into the second semester of her final year as a Springboard Fellow, Lindsay has found the cohort experience to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of the program. “You’re joining a group of people who are in similar positions and can really lean on each other,” she said. “Our friendships developed quickly, and that has blossomed into many other connections within the Fellowship and within the Hillel movement.”

Every Springboard Fellow’s experience is different, but they all have one thing in common: They’re helping to make Jewish campus life more engaging and inclusive for college students.

“I wanted to inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders,” Lindsay said. “Just like my mentors did for me.”

To learn more about the Springboard Fellowship and see if it’s right for you, visit hillel.org/springboard-fellowship/ today.

The post Notes from Springboard Fellows: Inspiring the Next Generation of Jewish Leaders appeared first on Hillel International.

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Notes from Springboard Fellows: Jewish Learning on Campus is About More Than Just Knowledge

Author

Hillel International

Date

January 14, 2025

Notes from Springboard Fellows is a series of deep dives into the work of first and second year Springboard Fellows who play transformative roles in their Hillel communities. Read on to learn more about Chaya Mamer, the Ezra Jewish Education Fellow at Guelph Hillel with Hillels of Ontario.

Interested in becoming a Springboard Fellow? Apply today.

Jewish educators have a unique role in their communities, and college communities are no exception. Chaya Mamer, an Ezra Jewish Education Springboard Fellow at the University of Guelph, has made teaching and studying Torah the core of her work with students, encouraging them to use knowledge and exploration to find new ways of forming relationships, deepening their Jewish identities, and developing a sense of curiosity in all aspects of their lives. 

Chaya grew up in Calgary, Canada, and attended the University of Waterloo as an undergraduate, where she studied political science and business with a minor in economics. She was deeply involved in Hillel Waterloo and Laurier, where she served as a student staff member, ran a campus food bank, and ultimately became student president. Inspired by the Springboard Fellow at her Hillel, Chaya knew she wanted to dedicate her life to Jewish nonprofit work. 

After she witnessed the upheaval on college campuses following October 7, Chaya realized she wanted to help build bridges between communities. 

She knew this work would require compassionate, sensitive, and innovative approaches to learning and teaching, and with that in mind, she identified the Springboard Fellowship as a strong pathway to that goal — specifically, the Ezra Jewish Education track of the program.

Ezra Jewish Education Fellows follow in the footsteps of the biblical Ezra, who reengaged and reinvigorated the Jewish community by reading the Torah aloud in the town square on Shabbat and market days, and translating it for people to understand. Ezra’s commitment to teaching, engagement, and innovation is a model for fellows to bring Judaism off the page and into life on campus. 

“With the Ezra track, you can come in with whatever your knowledge base is and you’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow,” she said. “And then you have the opportunity to learn how to share your knowledge with others.”

Over the past six months of her fellowship, Chaya has been able to put her learning into action. And while she’s been an educator for her students, it’s not a one-way relationship — they’ve been teaching her, too. “They walked onto campus this year with joy and courage,” she said. “Seeing them flourish has kept me inspired all semester.”

Another powerful aspect of Chaya’s experience as a Springboard Fellow is the ability to connect with a large group of other young professionals with whom she shares goals and interests. She’s found the support of her cohort to be deeply meaningful. “The early months and years of your career can be really lonely,” she said. “I’m grateful to be able to reach out to people who are at the same stage and in similar roles.”

Recently, Chaya joined the Fellow Advisory Committee, a group of fellows who act as liaisons between their cohorts and the Hillel International Team Springboard, after being inspired by how much Team Springboard cared about hearing feedback and perspectives from her peers. Working with Springboard Fellowship Manager Ava Gurman, Chaya became part of the cohort communications committee, representing the unique Canadian Jewish community. She’s enjoyed being a bridge between Team Springboard and the fellows, as well as getting to know fellows from both active cohorts.

Chaya sees the Springboard Fellowship as an opportunity to work within the Hillel movement and learn what the organization does, and to be part of its next stage of growth in a meaningful way. She also has some advice for prospective Springboard Fellows. 

“Approach your application and your interview process with a desire to improve and support your community. Trust yourself — your experience and perspective is invaluable,” she said.

To learn more about the Springboard Fellowship and see if it’s right for you, visit hillel.org/springboard-fellowship/ today.

The post Notes from Springboard Fellows: Jewish Learning on Campus is About More Than Just Knowledge appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Every Day Since: Life on Campus Since October 7

Author

Abi Schcolnik

Date

October 1, 2024

October 7, 2023 will forever be etched in my memory. That morning, I woke up next to my mom, who was visiting for Parents’ Weekend at the University of Miami, and we watched as the shocking and heart-wrenching news from Israel unfolded. That day changed the lives of Israelis and Jewish people around the world, including mine. 

In the months that followed, the feelings I experienced most often were frustration and helplessness. I grappled with the question of how I could contribute meaningfully on campus during a moment that felt so fraught with tension and disagreement. I am proud of my heritage, and felt a responsibility to help combat ignorance and promote understanding about Judaism and the Jewish people, particularly as waves of misinformation and hate directed at Jewish students ripped through my campus. 

I began to talk with my friends, sharing my perspective about the importance of being open to the complexities of the situation unfolding in the Middle East. I said over and over that Israel’s actions were not driven by a desire for war, but instead were a response to the horrific massacre of that October morning. By initiating conversations and creating spaces for dialogue, I hoped to build a climate of empathy and learning in my community, while prioritizing our shared humanity 

Despite this desire to build bridges, I have encountered antisemitism at times, in the form of subtle comments and dismissive conversations. These interactions have left a mark on me, and caused me to question my identity and beliefs. I am still hurting from an exchange I had with a student in my dorm who refused to accept my help, simply because I displayed an Israeli flag and a mezuzah on my door. During some moments, I felt as if the entire world was against me. It’s been exhausting and isolating to be a Jewish college student. 

The tensions of the last year also caused the painful fracturing of some friendships, which ended because of my Jewish identity and the differing beliefs we held. As I became more vocal about the realities facing the Jewish community, I discovered that not everyone was willing to engage in open and meaningful dialogue. In fact, some friends chose to distance themselves, leaving me to navigate this painful year alone.

But as we approach the one-year commemoration of October 7, I’m reflecting on the friends and the community who have stood by my side as I continue to speak up. I have learned to recognize true friendship when I find it, and lean on the relationships and communities that share my values and bring me joy. Throughout a year of anger and loss, the people who have been willing to sit down and talk, celebrate each other’s heritage, and prioritize empathy over ignorance are the ones who I believe will dismantle the barriers that divide us. May the coming year be one of understanding, resilience, and community. 

Abigail Schcolnik is an international student at the University of Miami and serves as the co-chair of Hillel International’s student cabinet.  

Every Day Since is a series of original stories about the impact of October 7 on Jewish students and professionals on campus. Read the first part in the series about Eyal, a Jewish Agency Israel Fellow who came to the United States to connect with Jewish college students, but faced unexpected challenges and antisemitism in the wake of October 7.

The post Every Day Since: Life on Campus Since October 7 appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Reflections from Hillel’s New Professionals Institute 2024

Author

Hillel International

Date

August 1, 2024

Hillel’s New Professionals Institute is held every year at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) for all new Hillel staff members. It is an opportunity for new professionals to connect with their peers from all over the world, and to learn about the skills and values that make Hillel special. We caught up with Hailey Smilowitz, incoming Springboard Fellow at Muhlenberg College, to hear her reflections on this year’s conference.

Did you know about NPI before you attended? How did the real-life conference compare to what you expected?

I went to the University of South Carolina as an undergraduate, and I interned with Hillel during that time. I heard about NPI throughout my internship, and was so excited to attend as a new Hillel professional. It’s been an incredible experience, where I’ve met so many different people from across the United States and Canada. Every person here brings a different perspective, and hearing their stories has been inspiring.

How would you describe NPI to someone who’s never heard of it?

Honestly, it feels a lot like summer camp! It’s one big game of Jewish geography. You can constantly hear people shouting, “Oh my gosh, you know so-and-so? I know so-and-so!” I love seeing all the connections people are making — just watching it happen, and seeing that energy is so great. 

The rhythm of each day is similar to camp as well. All the participants eat breakfast together, then kick off the day with a joint opening program. There are different learning tracks and activities throughout the day, including sessions with Jewish texts or team-building, plus tabling and resources for various Hillel programs, Israel resources, and professional development. And snacks, of course! I learned some great team-building activities that I’m really excited to take back to campus. We eat dinner all together, and then the evening programming is a fun activity — like  ax-throwing!

What were some of your biggest takeaways?

As a Springboard Innovation Fellow, I was part of the human-centered design track at NPI — centering on how students experience our work as Hillel professionals, and using that experience to inform how we approach challenges. Specifically, we thought about  programming, relationships, and our roles in a way that tries to help an individual we are working with, rather than inventing big solutions that might not work for everyone. 

 After all, every student has their own story and Jewish journey, and their unique experiences will impact what they need. We explored the different resources that Hillel International offers students, and started to build an approach that meets each student where they are.

How was the NPI experience especially impactful for you as a Springboard Fellow?

There are 56 Springboard Fellows in total, and before NPI, we had only connected online. Being able to meet the other 55 Fellows in person was absolutely amazing. We also had so many wonderful Springboard alumni and current Springboard Fellows who came and facilitated the sessions I attended. These sessions focused on topics like problem-solving and student engagement, and day-to-day skills like how to have a coffee chat or how to navigate a call with your supervisor. 

The NPI organizers also  made it really easy to connect with other Hillel professionals, not just Springboard Fellows or recent graduates. Each attendee was assigned a “peer pal,” and mine was a more experienced professional.  It was cool to learn from them and see how their experience impacted their perspective. 

I am grateful to the Springboard Fellowship team and the rest of the NPI organizers for giving my cohort and me an inspiring and meaningful start to our journeys as Hillel professionals. I can’t wait to take these new skills back to campus with me, and start building relationships with the Jewish students at Muhlenberg.

The post Reflections from Hillel’s New Professionals Institute 2024 appeared first on Hillel International.

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Abigail Schcolnik and Zachary Patterson to Co-Chair 2024-2025 Hillel International Student Cabinet

Author

Hillel International

Date

July 1, 2024

Student leaders to help shape Hillel experience for 180,000+ Jewish students worldwide

WASHINGTON – As Jewish students prepare to return to campus following an unprecedented year of antisemitic incidents, Hillel International announced the co-chairs of its Student Cabinet for the 2024-2025 academic year, demonstrating the centrality of student leadership to fostering Jewish joy and identity.

Members of the Hillel International Student Cabinet represent a cross-section of campus experiences, Jewish backgrounds, geography, and academic interests. The Cabinet is committed to representing student needs, connecting campus communities, and providing counsel to the lay and professional leadership of the organization. 

Tasked with leading the Cabinet, the co-chairs will help guide the Hillel movement at a pivotal moment for Jewish life on campus. The Cabinet co-chairs serve as critical spokespeople for Jewish students and their experiences daily in the classroom and the campus quad, and the positive, central impact of Hillel.

Abigail (Abi) Schcolnik of the University of Miami and Zachary Patterson of Duke University have been selected to lead the ninth cohort, serving as key leaders at a moment when Hillel is engaging more Jewish students than ever. As co-chairs of the Student Cabinet, Schcolnik and Patterson will also serve as members of the Hillel International Board of Directors.

“For the last several months, Jewish students have been challenged and expressions of their Judaism have come under threat,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International. “The Student Cabinet has a critical role to play in advocating for their peers and engaging them in enriching Jewish experiences. Abi and Zachary bring vital perspectives to the Hillel movement, and I’m eager to work alongside them in the year ahead.”

Abi Schcolnik is a rising senior at the University of Miami and was born in Argentina, and raised in Uruguay. She is the former president of Miami Hillel, where she has been an active member of Hillel since the beginning of her first year. At UM, Abi is involved in the swim team, the DEI committee, and the disciplinary hearing panel. Outside of campus, Abi serves as a Geller International Senior Fellow and as a Lauder Fellow.

“I am excited to continue growing the Hillel movement and ensuring that every Jewish student on college campuses worldwide feels safe and belongs in Hillel,” said Abi Schcolnik, incoming co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet.

Zachary Patterson is a rising junior at Duke University, double majoring in public policy and economics. Originally from San Diego, Zachary formerly served as a member of the San Diego Board of Education from 2019-2022. At Duke Hillel, Zachary previously served as the Vice President of Membership. Zachary is also an active brother in Alpha Epsilon Pi. Zachary leads an organization called the National Student Board Member Association, which works to train, support, and unify students on school boards. Zachary is a recipient of the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award for his work on student representation in educational governance. 

“At a time where many Jewish students feel unsafe on campus, Hillel must be at the center of efforts to both encourage robust discussion and stop pervasive antisemitism,” said Zachary Patterson, incoming co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet. “I am excited to help strengthen Hillel’s commitment to inclusive Judaism and Zionism.”
Schcolnik and Patterson will officially begin as co-chairs on July 1, 2024, serving throughout the 2024-2025 academic year.

The post Abigail Schcolnik and Zachary Patterson to Co-Chair 2024-2025 Hillel International Student Cabinet appeared first on Hillel International.

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For Graduating Seniors, the Jewish Career Network Opens New Possibilities

Author

April Garnock and Liora Knizhnik

Date

June 6, 2024

As a recent college grad, I’ve found that going from the familiar routine of classes and extracurriculars into the new world of job hunting and career conversations has been more than a little overwhelming. 

For me, the biggest game-changer in my job search has been the Jewish Career Network, powered by Hillel. Created to bring together Jewish college students and graduates of all ages for mentoring, networking, and professional schmoozing, the Jewish Career Network helps users connect with others for career and industry advice, information about jobs in every sector, and introductions to employers, job seekers, and mentors within one’s local community or area of interest. 

And with more than 10,000 registered users, the Network – which just celebrated its one-year birthday! – is a treasure trove of opportunities for recent college graduates. After several months of working with the network in my role as Hillel International’s alumni marketing Intern, I’ve been lucky enough to unearth some amazing usage tips that have made my job search a hundred times easier — and what kind of Hillel community member would I be if I didn’t share them with all of you?

Here are some of the top tips for networking, job hunting, and finding the perfect career opportunity for you on the Jewish Career Network!

1. Set Up — and Polish Up — Your Profile

Joining the Jewish Career Network only takes about 30 seconds. You can get by with a basic profile, but to get the most out of the connections you make on the Network, your profile is one of the most useful tools you have. 

Think of the Jewish Career Network as a platform just like any other — people checking out your profile should be able to get a sense of who you are, what you’re interested in, and why you’re there. Add as much information as you can, show off your best self, and start making connections right away. Don’t forget a photo!

2. Optimize Your Search Results

Now that your profile is sparkling, it’s time to start making connections. The great thing about the Jewish Career Network — okay, one of many great things — is that once you join, you’re automatically connected to everyone! Unlike platforms like LinkedIn, where you have to send a connection request before starting a conversation, you can jump straight into searching for people in your desired industry and reach out to them instantly. 

Using the Directory, you can search for specific people, or use the filters to search based on work experience or education. Don’t make your search too narrow — if someone works in an interesting field but in a department that doesn’t interest you, connecting with them is still worthwhile!

Extra Tip! If you have a particular company or organization you’re interested in, you can look for any alumni who work there on LinkedIn and Handshake, and bring that search over to the Network to see if they’re part of the directory. 

3. Be Brave — Send That First (Short!) Message

Being the first one to reach out can be scary, but trust me, it pays off! 

Start by introducing yourself (include your name, college, etc.), then explain why you’re reaching out. Are you interested in learning more about someone’s job? Are they working for an organization you like? Keep your message short — leave those long essays behind at school. 

Extra Tip! If you do have a personal connection — like a friend of a friend — then it can be helpful if you first ask your connection to make an introduction. Personally, I like to put our mutual connection’s name in the subject line; that way whoever I’m reaching out to is more likely to open the email.

End the message by requesting to discuss their job or industry further. The worst thing that can happen is they don’t respond, so you have nothing to lose.

3B. Always, Always Follow Up!

After you initially reach out or talk to someone, follow up if you don’t hear back! 

You might be worried about bothering them, but according to the experts, you shouldn’t be. “What matters is that you have popped up in their email inbox and they continue to remember who you are,” said Stacey Kaye, job search skills coach at Campus To Career.

Help those connections remember your name, and don’t be bashful or feel bad about annoying them — you’re not. People are busy, and reminders help them keep you and what you’re asking for top of mind. 

4. When You Connect, Keep the Conversation Mutual

Once you make time to talk with someone, whether over email, over the phone, or out in the “real world,” it can be tempting to focus on what your connection can do for you. But even if you’re hoping they can help you find an entry point into an industry or organization, it’s important to come into the conversation as a listener, not a talker. 

“Asking for help with getting an internship or job is a conversation closer, while asking someone to talk about their job and career path is a conversation opener,” Kaye said. 

Ask questions about what your connection’s job is like, how they came to work where they do, what they love best about their role, where they get their industry news, and what kinds of cool projects they work on. Wait until the end of the call to ask for their help in making additional connections!

5. Send a Thank You Note!

Make sure to send a thank you note or email after your conversation! It doesn’t have to be long and detailed — remember that tip about leaving your essays at school — but you want to express your appreciation for their time and information. 

“A thank you note is one of the best ways to stand out, especially in someone’s crowded inbox,” advised Savannah Kannberg, associate director of alumni marketing at Hillel International. “I always recommend sending one as quickly as possible — it will surely make them smile, too!”

The Jewish Career Network is an amazing source of connections, informational interview opportunities, mentorship and networking resources, and so much more. Remember, people who are part of the directory want to help you — all you have to do is reach out.

Wishing you (and me) the best of luck!

April Garnock is an alumni marketing intern at Hillel International, and a recent graduate of George Washington University. She hopes to work in publicity for a book publisher.

The post For Graduating Seniors, the Jewish Career Network Opens New Possibilities appeared first on Hillel International.

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Meet Hillel International’s 2024 Summer Interns!

Author

Hillel International

Date

June 3, 2024

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:

Julia Cestari (she/her) is a rising senior at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is a joint major in American studies and sociology, with a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality Studies. She currently serves as her university’s president of Hillel, and is active in Alpha Delta Pi, The Poor Richard’s (F&M’s oldest and only co-ed a cappella group), and Black Pyramid Honor Society. She is from the Hudson Valley, New York, and enjoys all things food and music. She is incredibly excited for this opportunity to meet Hillel interns as well as professional staff/faculty, and to learn more about the organization as a whole!

Nia Crosley (she/her) is a recent law school graduate and a Jewish educator. She received her JD in May 2024 from Northwestern Law School, and is expected to receive an LLM in taxation from Northwestern Law  School in fall 2024. In addition to tax, Nia is passionate about constitutional law, racial history and Jewish/Black relations, economic justice, and legislation protecting incarcerated survivors. Active in the Chicago Jewish community, Nia is a third grade religious school and Hebrew school teacher at her home synagogue, Temple Sholom, as well as a leader in the Jewish Council of Urban Affairs’ board, Community Ventures Project, and Kol Or Jews of Color Caucus. In her free time, Nia enjoys learning about public and local history, taking dance classes, and playing darts.

Karen Dotan (she/her) is a political science student at California State University, Northridge. She is the Israel Intern at Hillel 818, and president of CSUN’s Students Supporting Israel Chapter. She is passionate about Jewish advocacy and Israel advocacy, and is so honored and excited to be a part of the Hillel International team!

Ella Elimelech (she/her) is a rising sophomore at the University of Maryland, where she is majoring in information science. Originally from Israel, she was raised in the United States in the Washington, D.C. area. This past semester, she served as vice president of Terps for Israel, and in the fall, she will serve as president of Terps for Israel on campus. She has been very involved with the Jewish community on campus, and she is dedicated to advocating for the State of Israel. Hillel has already made a huge impact on her college experience and shaped her Jewish life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going on road trips, and being active. She is excited to be a part of the Hillel International team, where she knows she will meet amazing people and gain experience!

Annie Fingersh (she/her) is from Kansas City, and is an incoming second-year student at Northwestern University. She is currently pursuing a major in learning and organizational change, a minor in psychology, and an integrated marketing and communications certificate. On campus, she has been involved in Hillel, participating in a Jewish Learning Fellowship. She is also involved in various campus activities and clubs like Menstrual Equity Activists, Spoon Editorial Team, Delta Gamma, and TAMID Consulting. Outside of school, she loves cooking, watching movies, and playing with her dogs. This summer, she is eager to grow both personally and professionally as a part of the alumni marketing team!

Zack Goldstein (he/him) is a rising sophomore at the University of Georgia, majoring in operations and supply chain management, with a minor in disaster management. He hails from Marietta, Georgia, where he has spent over three years working in various roles within the events industry. On campus, Zack is involved in Hillel, Chabad, the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity, and competes on the UGA Club Swim team. As an intern for the conferences and events team, Zack is very excited to deepen his experience with an organization that he cares so deeply about!

Emily Gross (she/her) is a rising senior at the University of Southern California, studying sociology and business. Hillel has been a significant part of her college experience since freshman year when she joined the boards of USC Hillel’s Communications and Wellness Teams. In addition, she served as an Innovation Lab Intern during her sophomore year, and increased Hillel’s engagement through one-on-one coffee chats with students. She also had the most amazing 10 days during USC Hillel’s Birthright last summer with her new best friends. Lastly, she is proud to have co-led Freshfest last year, a retreat for incoming Jewish Trojans, and looks forward to being an FEF this summer!

Alex Kamras (she/her) is a rising sophomore at UC Berkeley, studying environmental economics and policy. In high school, she held leadership positions in the Jewish Youth Climate Movement, and worked with the Los Angeles Mayor’s Youth Council for Climate Action. Her Jewish and climate activist identities are inextricably interlinked, and she cannot wait to continue immersing herself in Jewish environmental spaces this summer! In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, reading, making art, and hiking.

Emily Kesser (she/her) from Norfolk, Virginia, is a rising fourth-year student at The University of Virginia. She is majoring in cognitive science with a concentration in cognitive psychology, and complementing her studies with a minor in Jewish religious studies. Her career aspiration is to become a licensed professional counselor specializing in children’s mental health. Beyond academics, Emily enjoys live music, painting, and hanging out with her friends. She actively participates in UVA’s campus Hillel community, where she recently served as a third-year engagement intern. Hillel has played a significant role in shaping her undergraduate experience, and she is eagerly looking forward to taking on the position of student leadership intern with Hillel International!

Max Khurgel (he/him) currently attends Loyola University Maryland. He is a rising senior with a passion for tennis, football, and snowboarding. He also attended a Birthright Israel trip through Hillel. Talk to him about restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area – all of his friends know he is a foodie!

Olivia Leonard (she/her) is a rising junior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and originally from New Jersey. She is majoring in public relations and minoring in graphic design. She also is a member of many organizations, including Hillel, Kappa Delta, and PRSSA. She is incredibly excited to integrate her passions for Judaism and social media during her internship!

Anna Levine (she/her) hails from Northern Virginia. Anna is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she studied psychology and public health. She is currently entering her second year as a Master of Social Work candidate at Columbia University. During her undergraduate years, she developed a passion for research, solving organizational problems, and supporting others’ general well-being. She was very involved in Syracuse’s Hillel and looks forward to being a part of the Strategic HR team this summer!

Hannah Smuckler (she/her) is a rising senior at the University of Kansas. She is majoring in journalism and minoring in Spanish. Hannah spent her last semester studying in Salamanca, Spain. She has been involved with her campus Hillel since her freshman year, and is very excited to join the Hillel International marketing team as an intern.

Alyssa Wallack (she/her) is blending marketing expertise with a passion for Jewish life as Hillel’s new student marketing Intern. A USC student majoring in public relations and minoring in marketing, Alyssa is president of the Chabad Student Board, and advocates for Israel through Hasbara Fellowships and as a CAMERA on Campus Fellow. She has previously staffed Birthright trips, and is skilled at igniting Jewish pride. With her communications talents, bubbly personality, and drive to educate her peers, Alyssa is enthusiastic about connecting the next generation with enriching Jewish experiences at Hillel.

The post Meet Hillel International’s 2024 Summer Interns! appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Hillel’s Jewish Career Network Hits 10,000 Users

Author

Hillel International

Date

April 19, 2024

It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time, your tenth, or your hundredth — applying for a job is a challenge. In today’s employment landscape of AI resume-scanners, keyword-based applications, and competitive, multi-stage hiring processes, college students and graduates need to be smart and strategic about securing jobs that let them do the work they care about most.

That’s where the Jewish Career Network, powered by Hillel, comes in.

Created to bring together Jewish college students and graduates of all ages for mentoring, networking, and professional schmoozing, the Jewish Career Network helps users connect with others for career and industry advice, information about jobs in every industry, and introductions to people in their local area. 

And just recently, the Jewish Career Network celebrated a major milestone. After only ten months in action, the Network now includes a community of more than 10,000 users. 

“The Jewish Career Network has been my pride and joy,” said Savannah Kannberg, Hillel’s Associate Director of Alumni Marketing. “Knowing that the Network serves as a connection point for over 10,000 users — this is truly community building for careers, and builds up the workforce.”

Members of the Jewish Career Network come from 30 countries, and include current college students, graduates of all ages, and professionals interested in providing support, mentorship, and connections. Users can search jobs and professionals by company, industry, or location; or reach out to other members who have “willing to help” listed for mentorship, specific career advice, or a resume review.

“I had a really exhaustive job search and thought I’d looked everywhere I could. Then a friend directed me to the Jewish Career Network, and I saw how much I’d missed,” said Avigail Rasol (Hebrew University, Class of 2024). “Beyond the job I accepted, I got loads of other interviews and offers, way more than through any other channel. It’s really a phenomenal network.”

The Network goes far beyond just job searching — it’s also a connection point for recruiters and program managers to find the right people for their organizations or opportunities. 

Lauren Silverman, Associate Director of Changemakers Engagement and Strategic Partnerships for Jewish Federations of North America, has used the Network to connect with young people for the Jewish Changemakers Fellowship, a leadership development program for Jewish young adults ages 20 to 25.

“For Changemakers in particular, because we do span both undergraduates and post-grads and focus on that stage of transition, it’s a great way for us to recruit but also a great resource for us to give to our fellows and alumni,” she said. 

“With our demographic, it’s many, many people who are moving, who are looking for new jobs or mentors, and asking, ‘Where do I find a job?’ And I’m constantly saying, are you on the Career Network? Because the infrastructure is already set up for what those individuals are looking for,” she added.

And those referrals make a difference. Sarah Wish, an alumna of the Changemakers program and the current U.S. program manager at Tikkun Olam Makers, credits the Network with changing the course of her professional life. 

“I’ve used the Jewish Career Network to find professional development opportunities, including the Changemakers experience! I’m excited to keep using it to grow professionally and personally,” she said.

The Jewish Career Network is a resource for professionals at every stage of their careers — for free. Community members can be connected to a broad network of people in every industry, share open roles and upcoming events, stay in touch with alumni of their programs or recruit for upcoming cohorts, sponsor highlighted features in weekly career emails, help staff grow professionally and connect with other Jewish professionals, and so much more. 

With opportunities for mentoring, sharing industry advice, and getting to know a broader community, the Jewish Career Network has something for everyone. Learn more about the world’s largest Jewish professional network, and join the community today!

The post Hillel’s Jewish Career Network Hits 10,000 Users appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Working Towards the Future with Springboard

Author

Hillel International

Date

February 6, 2024

One of the most powerful ways that the Springboard Fellowship makes an impact is by preparing participants for a lifetime of career success and connection to the Jewish community.

For Jacob Brickman, involvement in Hillel as an undergraduate led him to Springboard, which has laid the groundwork for him to flourish in his current role as the Jewish Education Coordinator at Hillel Western in London, Ontario. As a Western University alum, Jacob has been connected to the Hillel community there since he was a student. In 2021,as he finished his fifth year, Jacob wasn’t ready for graduate school quite yet, but was sure he wanted to do something meaningful. 

The Springboard Fellowship turned out to be the perfect next step. Jacob dove right into his new community at Hillel Waterloo & Laurier, where he served more than 1,500 students. Working solo on the ground in Waterloo led Jacob to take on new responsibilities and helped him realize that he was interested in taking a larger leadership role in Hillel. His Springboard cohort helped him learn to be part of a team and to ask for help, and his Hillel mentor supported him in his growth as a professional. 

Jacob credits the training he received through Springboard with helping him grow as a learner and an educator. Attending the Hillel International Global Assembly (HIGA) in 2022 had a huge impact on Jacob: Because of the pandemic, it was the first time his cohort had been able to meet the larger movement in person. He was able to meet with educators across Hillel, reflect on his experiences as a Fellow, and really decide how he wanted to use his last semester.

Since completing the Springboard Fellowship in 2023, Jacob has returned to his alma mater, where he infuses Judaism and learning into everything he does. Jacob focuses on learning fellowships and informal, experiential learning, bringing learning into all of his programming. Since October 7, Jacob has taken on more diverse responsibilities, including working with more than 40 student leaders, and programming during this difficult time for so many Jewish students. 

Jacob’s time as a Springboard Fellow gave him a strong foundation that prepared him for the challenges of working in Jewish higher education. He’s still not sure what’s next for his career, but he knows that whatever he does, Hillel will always be his professional home.

The post Working Towards the Future with Springboard appeared first on Hillel International.