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Originally from New Jersey, Jenna has lived all over the United States from south to north Florida, Texas, Georgia and New York. Jenna earned a master's degree in Public Administration and Policy from the Askew School at Florida State University in 2012 and a BS in Political Science from Florida State University in 2008. Jenna began her Hillel career as the Jewish Student Life Coordinator at Florida State Hillel and in 2012 became the first Director of Jewish Student Life at Queens Hillel. After quadrupling student engagement and being awarded Hillel International's Outstanding Campus Award, Jenna became Queens Hillel's Assistant Director in 2016, and Executive Director in 2019. Jenna is a member of the 2nd cohort of the Ruskay Institute for Jewish Professional Leadership, Chaired Limmud NY 2018, and received Hillel International's Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence award in 2018. For her commitment to the Queens Jewish community, Jenna was awarded a Citation of Honor by the Queensborough President in 2023. Jenna serves on Hillel International's Director's Cabinet, is on the Advisory Board of the Kupferberg Holocaust Center, is a founder of Malkhut Queens, and is an appointed member of Queens Community Board 8. Jenna is also an avid cook, a passionate Florida State football fan, a frequent Walt Disney World guest, a fierce Formula 1 Racing fan, and loves spending time with her husband and friends in their beloved Astoria neighborhood. She can be reached at jenna@qchillel.org

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Natalia is originally from Russia where she had experience organizing large-scope programs for young professionals and community leaders. In 2015 she participated in Taglit and Masa programs in Israel and fell in love its weather and sea views. Then Natalia immigrated to Israel in 2016 with her parents and lived both in Haifa and Tel Aviv. Being highly motivated to integrate into Israeli society she learned Hebrew, traveled around the country, and discovered a lot about Israeli music and media. She considers herself a global citizen that is always curious to meet new people with the diversity of their backgrounds and views. At the same time, she cares about the place she lives, volunteers and helps others locally. In Israel Natalia worked with young immigrants and international students. Natalia holds an MBA degree in Organizational Behavior from Tel Aviv University that included students exchange in York University (Canada), MA and BA in Informational Technologies from SSAU (Russia). You should know that she loves rabbits, likes to spend some quality time in the gym, and mixes it with yoga once in a while. Natalia joined us as an Israeli Fellow in August 2022. You can meet her in person or\and reach her by email:Israelfellow@qchillel.org

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Ben grew up in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania and graduated from Temple University with a degree in Media Studies and Production in 2015. Later, he was a Masa Israel Teaching Fellow in Netanya, Israel where he taught English to elementary school students. After his time in Israel, Ben spent the following two years as the Program & Engagement Associate at Hillel of Silicon Valley. Most recently, he was the Recruitment Coordinator for BGU International at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in the New York Office.

In his free time, Ben enjoys long walks/hikes, traveling, and rooting for all the Philadelphia sports teams! Ben is excited to be back at Hillel and looks forward to getting to know all of the students! He can be reached at ben@qchillel.org

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Ruchie Brukirer grew up in Monsey, NY, and is a proud mommy of two rambunctious boys. She worked with special needs adults while studying for her bachelor's degree. After marrying Shlomo and moving to Israel, she balanced being a part of the Jersualem Kollel, earning her master's degree in Speech Therapy and making Shabbos meals for the many guests they had. While in the Jerusalem Kollel, she studied topics from Rabbi Berkovits shlita such as Jewish theology, Cycle of Life, and Halacha as well as a course in training to give Kallah classes. Ruchie enjoys reading a good book, drawing, and taking a nature hike. She enjoys getting to know people over a traditional home cooked meal. She can be reached at ruchie@qchillel.org.

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Shlomo Brukirer grew up in Suffern, NY, and descends from over 30 generations of Jewish educators. While learning in the Mir Yeshiva in Israel, he helped cofound ZAY, a program for young adults struggling with substance abuse. He spent two years learning Halacha in Yeshivas Torah Voda’as, before marrying his wife, Ruchie. After moving to Israel, they joined the Jerusalem Kollel Rabbinical Training Program where he received smicha from Rabbi Berkovits shlita. Shlomo is always ready and willing to have a conversation or debate on classical political philosophy, ethics, and morals. He appreciates good music, experimenting in the kitchen, and getting to know people. He can be reached at rbrukirer@qchillel.org.

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Lynn was born and raised in New York. She and her husband live 10 minutes away from our campus and are proud parents and grandparents of 3 children and grandchildren. Lynn attended yeshivot on Long Island and received her B.A. in Economics from Stern College and continued her education at Baruch College in Computer Programming. Upon completion, she was hired as a business analyst in the Wall Street financial district until her department relocated to Florida and Lynn politely declined the job relocation offer. For the past several years, Lynn has enjoyed working at QC Hillel so much that her 3 children attended Queens College. Lynn enjoys swimming, Zumba and cooking for her family and Shabbat guests (& eating!). You can meet Lynn anytime (almost) at QC Hillel. She can be reached at lynng@qchillel.org

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Originally from Westchester, NY, Casey now resides on the Upper West Side in her favorite neighborhood yet. Casey first began their college journey at the College of Charleston, transferred to Westchester Community College in 2018, took time off to work in the Film and TV industry, and finally finished out their BA in Theatre at Hunter College in the Spring of 2023. During their time at Hunter, Casey produced, directed, and performed in many theatrical productions such as Esther in the Spotlight (a new Jewish Musical Comedy), Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and numerous student-written works. They also spent much of their time at Hunter involved with Hillel as a Non-Profit & Professional Development Intern, a Community Engagement Intern, and a Data Analytics & Fundraising Intern for the CUNY Campus Marketing and Development Initiative through Hillel International. They created Hunter Hillel’s Queer Schmooze programming, a chance for LGBTQ+ Jews across all denominations to engage in meaningful conversations, facilitated the Everything is Torah Fellowship, a creative and experiential parsha learning experience, and was part of a team that raised over 200,000 dollars in 2022-2023 for CUNY campuses. Casey is passionate about supporting and inspiring others to live their truths and to tell their stories. Whether it be creating theatre-inspired Jewish programming, performing someone’s story on a stage, providing space for engaged community, serving an emotional support latte, or listening to a new student’s struggles, they hope to continue supporting and inspiring others as she embarks on the early stages of her career as a young Jewish professional. Casey hopes to utilize their theatre experience to reimagine and redesign Jewish life on campus, to support a diverse body of students, and to cultivate an engaged and purposeful community at Queens College. She is eager to begin as the Springboard Fellow at Queens College Hillel, can be reached at casey@qchillel.org, and would love to get to know you!

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David is a Social Work Intern here at QC Hillel. David was born, raised, and currently lives in Great Neck NY. Both of his parents come from Tehran, Iran and moved to the in the early 80’s. After he finished High School, David attended Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh in the old city of Jerusalem and after words, attended QC as an undergrad and graduated with a major in psychology and a minor in history. He is currently a student in Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter college and is doing his field practicum here at QC Hillel. David enjoys learning and talking about Jewish philosophy, working out, and taking walks (anywhere!).

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Em is a native New Yorker calls the beautiful, diverse borough of Queens her home. She attended Queens College for undergrad and graduated with her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Hunter College in 2017. Em has worked in a variety of settings, from community centers to medical facilities and has worked with populations including LGBTQ+ young adults (ages 13-24) and individuals with chronic mental health/medical conditions. Today, Em is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and spends her days working with the amazing students at Queens Hillel to develop Jewish community that centers wellness. She is passionate about supporting students as they explore their Jewish identity, including questions related to sexuality and/or gender identity, family and friendship dynamics, religious observance, and stress management. In her free time, Em loves to spend time outdoors, eat yummy food, spend time with loved ones, and tend to her many plants. She can be reached at wellnessem@qchillel.org.

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Eliran Sobel is a first-year rabbinical student at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. He spent this past year teaching at SAR High School as a Beit Midrash Fellow. Prior to that, he has spent time learning at the Hadar Institute and the Pardes Institute of Jewish learning. Eliran was very active in Hillel as a college student at both Goucher College and Rutgers University. While at Goucher, Eliran was an Engagement Intern, where he spoke to Jewish students on campus, helping foster a spiritually meaningful environment for the students at Hillel, and had a particular interest in Jewish learning events. He is excited to bring his passion for Jewish learning and engaging with a diverse group of Jewish students at Queens College Hillel.

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Michael grew up in Staten Island, with little to no Jewish upbringing. It wasn’t until his sophomore year at Baruch College where he first began to explore his Jewish identity. He graduated Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business with a BBA in Marketing and accepted the Springboard Innovation Fellowship with Hillel at Baruch. Michael brought a fun and lighthearted energy to the Hillel. This created deep relationships, tons of laughter, and even better memories. His professional time at Hillel at Baruch is encompassed by community and growth. Being immersed in Jewish life, values, and traditions propelled Michael on his Jewish connection. After leaving Hillel at Baruch, he rejoined the Hillel movement as the Marketing and Development Manager to provide fundraising support to CUNY Hillels. In just the first year at his role, the donor community of Queens Hillel has shown up for students in miraculous ways. In his free time, Michael likes to cook creative meals, train for strength and mobility, and discover music that cures the soul. Send music recommendations pls! Contact Steven at mstevens@hillel.org.

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Abby's commitment to fostering an environment of belonging and celebration of diverse backgrounds is evident in every facet of her work. Prior to joining the staff at Queens Hillel, Abby was a Jewish Educator & Communications Manager at Makom Community, a Jewish nonprofit afterschool program utilizing an innovative pedagogy called, Jewish Placemaking, a new approach to Jewish learning, where inclusivity is paramount and offers a new understanding of Jewish wisdom as it relates to everyone. Abby holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Temple University. Her love of Opera and Classical Music has led her to a four-plus year commitment as a Contributor and Researcher with A Modern Reveal, an online resource dedicated to showcasing classical women composers who have been overlooked or forgotten throughout history.

Outside the world of academia and community leadership, Abby finds solace in the company of her feline companion, Stella. She can be found exploring local spots, seamlessly blending her love for culture, community, and the arts. Abby's ferocious dedication to her work is matched only by her warmth and commitment to building a more inclusive and vibrant world.

Abby is enjoying eveloping robust student-led programming, providing invaluable mentorship, and curating culturally competent and inclusive content for social media. You can reach Abby at abby@qchillel.org.

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Rabbi Sara Zacharia (Rav Sara) was born and raised in an Ultra-Orthodox home, in Brooklyn, NY. After studying Speech Pathology and Audiology at Brooklyn College, her journey lead her to becoming a member of the first class ordained in Los Angeles at The Zeigler School for Rabbinic Studies in 1999. Rav Sara has been deeply involved in creating and directing all aspects of supplemental education, adult learning and informal youth engagement at numerous Reform and Conservative synagogues in San Diego and Los Angeles. She has also served in several pluralistic communities in Boston, Los Angeles and New York. Her love of teaching torah permeates all she does. Rav Sara’s facility with Jewish text has sparked several innovative learning opportunities throughout the City. She also teaches Jewish mindfulness through study, meditation, prayer and eating practices, and serves as spiritual guide and mentor. Rav Sara tweets weekly @rebzee99 #torahtweets on the Torah portion, Jewish themes and musings. She is a member of 2017 PresenTense NYC fellowship to incubate, cultivate and grow her start-up the Bet Art Midrash Project. She loves to take long walks, read, and dance and has an eclectic taste in music. She is a single mom to her daughter, Sasha. Rav Sara is thrilled to be joining Queens College Hillel as its first Senior Jewish Educator. She can be reached at ravsara@qchillel.org

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Karen Klein is an experienced career counselor and the director of the CUNY Career Connect program which serves students at five CUNY Hillels. Karen has been providing services to CUNY Hillel students since 2014, offering individual career guidance, workshops, and helping students expand their networks. Karen has also worked with college students from the former Soviet Union, offering internship placement, career support and educational workshops. At the start of her career Karen worked in publishing for several years, and she spent 3 years in Israel, living on Kibbutz and doing community service work. She also teaches 1st grade Religious School at Temple Tefila in Manhattan. Karen has an MA in Clinical and Health Psychology from MCP Hahnemann University and a BA in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Karen grew up in New Jersey and now lives in Manhattan with her partner Gary. She loves the energy, connection and creativity of the Hillel community. She is passionate about helping students find successful and fulfilling careers and would love to hear from you! Contact Karen at kklein@commonpointqueens.org.

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Michael Gaudio is a career counselor in the CUNY Career Connect program. He brings a unique perspective to his work with a background in career counseling, higher education, theatre, and social services. He developed an interest in working with college students while serving in academic and career advising roles at Gordon College and Berklee College of Music. At both institutions, he helped initiate successful peer programs. He’s also worked in service roles with various populations and has performed in professional live theatre in multiple states. He is passionate about college and workforce access, career exploration, experiential learning, and incorporating arts practices for personal and professional growth. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and a Bachelor of Arts from Gordon College. He is a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches. He is thrilled to be working with CUNY Hillel students to help guide them to identify and set goals, explore careers, get connected, and find opportunities. Please contact Michael at mgaudio@commonpointqueens.org.