IU HILLEL STAFF

Jeff Linkon is a Hoosier in the truest sense. He was born and raised in Indianapolis. He attended Indiana University and graduated with a Near Eastern Languages and Culture and a Certificate in Jewish Studies. Serving the Greater Indianapolis community for over three decades as an entrepreneur, volunteer, and Jewish Communal Professional, Jeff's dedication to success is evident. Bringing his experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, leading startups, creating departments and programs, and building critical community-wide initiatives is a foundational benefit for IU Hillel and its mission.

Jeff has overseen operations at the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis since 2018, most recently as the Chief Community Operations Officer. During his time at the Federation, Jeff was instrumental in creating Safe Indiana – the Federation's safety and security initiative that supports 60+ Jewish community organizations across Indiana. Jeff is married and has three kids.

From 1963 to 1974 Rabbi Ron served the Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, as a counselor, specialist, unit head, and assistant director. Ron studied at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem and Cincinnati from 1972 through ordination in 1977, during which time he became Director of the URJ's Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI). After more than 30 years as Director, Rabbi Ron and his wife Juca have retired to Bloomington, where Ron has continued his commitment to Jewish education, health and safety, and building community.

Matt is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Management from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Prior to joining the team at IU Hillel, Matt served as the Youth Engagement Director at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. While in this role, Matt also served as a Camp Leader and Synagogue Professional (CLASP) Fellow, where he supported recruiting and programming for Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI), a Reform Jewish summer camp located outside of Indianapolis. Prior to joining the Jewish professional world, Matt worked in the restaurant industry as well as restaurant marketing and management.

Matt enjoys reading, stamp collecting, hiking, playing with his dog Minerva, and traveling to national parks with his wife, Jillian.

Almog joined the IU Hillel team in August as an Israeli Fellow. As an Israeli, Almog brings various experiences that we hope students can learn from throughout the year. 

Almog has a BA in Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology. She is the oldest of three children, and many of her family members still live in Israel, where Almog calls home.

Judith has lived in Bloomington since 1976. With her husband A John, she began Textillery Weavers, a business geared towards supplying throw blankets to the interior design and hospitality industries. After 40 years, in 2019 Judith and A John closed the business and retired. Always active in Jewish life, she has been president of Congregation Beth Shalom (Bloomington), on the board of the Jewish Theatre of Bloomington, and was eager to come out of retirement to work in development. Originally from Chicago, Judith graduated from Northwestern University and has teaching certification from John Carroll University.

When not strategizing about the next fundraiser, Judith enjoys being ‘Nana’ to her two grandchildren in Bloomington along with reading, walking, gardening, and baking.

Aliza is a graduate of Indiana University. She brings her BA in Communication and Culture from IU and 15 years experience developing skills in diverse industries to IU Hillel as a member of our development team.

She loves Bloomington for its vibrant cultural events and scenic hiking trails. 

When she's not at work, you'll find her cheering on IU with her hilarious husband, Chad, hiking with her chocolate lab, or enjoying time with her wonderful family and friends.

Aliza brings with her a strong background in management, team leadership, business development, and strategic partnerships. She most recently worked with an Israeli startup, where she played a key role in launching an innovative piece of assistive technology that has made a significant impact in the industry.

Motivated by Hillel’s support of her own children in the face of rising campus antisemitism—especially in the wake of the October 7th tragedy in Israel—Aliza felt called to refocus her career on supporting the Jewish community. She is committed to ensuring that Jewish institutions remain safe, vibrant, and well-organized spaces for all.

Aliza lives in Bloomington with her husband, Motti. Together, they are proud parents to eight children and one grandchild between them, along with two beloved dogs!

Julian is from St. Louis, Missouri, and a 2023 graduate of the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!). Julian graduated with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in education. During his time at KU, Julian was involved with research in the psychology department, employed by the university as a Student Ambassador, and was a member of Zeta Beta Tau. Julian has spent 13 summers of his life at URJ Goldman Union Camp Institute as a camper, counselor, and unit head, and hopes to return to camp in the future! Julian has a passion for working with young Jewish people and for engaging in the Jewish experience in America.

In his free time, Julian enjoys watching and keeping up with college basketball, spending time outside, and hanging out with friends.

Raya grew up in Columbia, Missouri, and received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory. Previously, she served as the Engagement Associate at University of Missouri Hillel. Raya grew up attending Goldman Union Camp Institute in Zionsville, Indiana, where she then worked for five summers as a counselor, songleader, and unit head.

Outside of work Raya is most likely to be found reading, playing guitar, sewing, or playing New York Times word games. She is passionate about helping young people find ways to access their Judaism, and is excited to bring her love of Jewish music and art to IU Hillel!

Joni retired from IU Optometry after 21 years of service and two weeks later started a new career at IU Hillel. Conveniently, IU Optometry is next door to Hillel, so Joni knew the way to work! While not working as the Office Administrator, Joni loves to foster kittens for the animal shelter - she has fostered over 300 kittens. She enjoys spending her free time with her two cats, one dog, and her family. What Joni especially enjoys about her job is interacting with students.