Hi! I'm Ben and I can't wait to meet you. Come introduce yourself and play Jewish Geography with me. I've been a Jewish Communal Professional for 30 years in numerous locations from Chicago, Scranton, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee to Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and South Bend. My commitments to supporting youth development at summer camp and strengthening Jewish identity through community engagement are the roads that have led me here. I look forward to sharing my own wisdom and experience while learning just as much from you as well.

Outside of work I enjoy reading comic books, walking while listening to sci-fi audio books, collecting Transformers, and hanging out with my family.

“I bring a strong background in management, team leadership, business development, and strategic partnerships. Most recently, I worked with an Israeli startup where I played a key role in launching an innovative piece of assistive technology that has made a significant impact in the industry.

Motivated by the way Hillel supported my own children in the face of rising campus antisemitism, especially following the October 7th tragedy in Israel, i felt called to refocus my career on supporting the Jewish community. I am deeply committed to ensuring Jewish institutions remain safe, vibrant, and well-organized spaces for all.

I live in Bloomington with my husband, Motti, and together we are proud parents to eight children, one grandchild, and two beloved dogs!”

“I started my career in Jewish education right here at IU Hillel 23 years ago, and I’m so excited to be back. I’m a born and bred Bloomingtonian with deep community roots, and I spent 16 years as a high school teacher after my training at the Pardes Institute of Advanced Jewish Studies.

More than anything, I want you to feel connected to your Jewish identity in ways that feel meaningful to you. Outside of Hillel, I love to knit, sew, thrift, spoil my senior mutt, Henry (16 years old and going strong!), visit the local farmer’s market, and support local businesses.”

“I’m Becca, originally from Dayton, Ohio, and a recent graduate of Muhlenberg College, where I earned my degree in Business Administration and Judaic Studies. Before joining IU Hillel as the Springboard Fellow, I spent summers at Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) as a camp counselor and Kitchen Steward, and I also worked as a development intern at the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community Center.

I’m passionate about building community and am so excited to connect with students over coffee chats, ice cream trips, and fun events at Hillel, on campus, and throughout Bloomington. In my free time, I love cooking and exploring arts and crafts, especially with my new sewing machine.”

I'm Hayden, and I'm so excited to be the newest Springboard Fellow at IU Hillel! I grew up in Rockland County, New York, and graduated from NC State (Go Pack!) with a degree in Business Administration. During college, Hillel became my home away from home, and I'm looking forward to helping create that same welcoming environment for students at IU.

Whether you're new to Hillel or have been around for years, I'd love to meet you! Im always happy to chat over coffee, at events, or in the Hillel building, as well as serve as resource throughout your time at IU.

When I'm not at Hillel, I'm probably planning my next trip, cheering on my New York sports teams, finding a new walking route, or hosting a Dancing with the Stars watch party. I can't wait to explore everything Bloomington has to offer, and begin this next chapter with the IU Hillel community.

“I’m Diana, you can also call me '“Diana Indiana”. I’m from Givatayim, a city right next to Tel Aviv, and grew up a true city girl. A few years ago, I went to a Shlichut at a JCC summer camp in Metairie, New Orleans. Later, I decided to get closer to nature and moved to a kibbutz near the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. That’s where I earned my B.A. in Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology from Kinneret Academic College. While studying, I also worked as a youth counselor in an informal education program.

“In my free time, you’ll probably find me jogging outdoors or at a yoga class. If you live close to me, you might hear me singing out loud while I cook (vegetarian only but I promise it’s delicious!). I also love quiet moments with a good book and my sweet cat, Golda, by my side.”

“I’m here for the free trips to Israel. I went on Birthright as a student and loved it so much that by my senior year, I went back, but this time as a staff member. Now, I get to keep the magic going as an IACT.

Originally from Mexico City, I earned my bachelor’s in business at Emory University, spent some time living it up in Miami, decided alligators aren’t exactly the friendliest neighbors, so I went for the complete opposite, possums, bunnies, and deer in Bloomington, Indiana.

I grew up in a very conservative family but found my place at Hillel as a Reform Jew. I love baking challah, so on Thursdays you’ll probably find me in the kitchen, covered in flour and halfway through braiding a batch. When I’m not having fun at Hillel, I’m probably working out, reading novels (Hufflepuff here), or spending time with my boyfriend, Mikolaj.

I function on caffeine, so if you want (free) coffee, and to give me an excuse to drink some myself, reach out! Want a free trip to Israel too? Definitely reach out to me.”

“From 1963 to 1974, I served at the Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, working as a counselor, specialist, unit head, and assistant director. I studied at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem and Cincinnati from 1972 through my ordination in 1977. During that time, I became Director of the URJ’s Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI), where I proudly served for more than 30 years.

After retiring with my wife Juca to Bloomington, I’ve continued my lifelong commitment to Jewish education, health and safety, and building strong, connected communities.

Moose is responsible for ensuring every student who walks through Hillel is greeted with excitement and a wagging tail. She loves meeting new people and believes no visitor should leave without becoming her newest friend. When she’s not hard at work welcoming guests, you’re most likely to find her carrying around a ball, searching for someone to play fetch, or curled up next to her mom, Becca, during office hours. While she’s happy to say hello, she’d much rather play than stop for pets. Her greatest professional accomplishment is turning first-time visitors into regulars—one game of fetch at a time.

Chewey specializes in making everyone feel seen, welcomed, and understood. As Hillel’s resident communications expert, he’s fluent in both human emotions and canine tail wags, always knowing when someone could use a cuddle or a little extra love. Whether you’re having the best day or the toughest one, Chewey is ready to offer endless pets, snuggles, and unwavering support. His greatest professional strength is turning strangers into friends simply by being himself.

Arya brings a calm, comforting presence to everyone she meets. As one-half of Hillel’s dynamic sibling duo with Chewey, she’s always ready to welcome students with gentle cuddles and a friendly face. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick visit or spending the afternoon at Hillel, Arya has a way of making everyone feel right at home. Her greatest professional strength is reminding people that sometimes the best support is simply being there.

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