Hillel's mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. Hillel student leaders, professionals and lay leaders are dedicated to creating a pluralistic, welcoming and inclusive environment for Jewish college students, where they are encouraged to grow intellectually, spiritually and socially. Hillel helps students find a balance in being distinctively Jewish and universally human by encouraging them to pursue tzedek (social justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world) and Jewish learning, and to support Israel and global Jewish peoplehood.

Renée Cohen – Hillel Director:
Renée comes to us from Seattle where she was the Assistant Director at UW Hillel for the past five years. She went to the University of Michigan undergrad, and earned her MA in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. She is excited to be here at CSUN and looks forward to meeting lots of new students - drop by and say "hi" anytime!

Adam Siegel – Program Director:
Adam has worked a number of jobs around the nation before he settled down here in sunny SoCal. Every day he brings his enthusiasm with him to work (along with his new dog, CliffordClifford - Resident Mutt:
Though more of a distraction than staff, Adam's loveable canine was first found lolligagging around the house one day. After a few calls around, Adam made sure he'd have a safe home with us. Now, 'Cliffy' is considered part of our happy Hillel family..) Also, Adam has recently become engaged to Caryn, his sweetheart of several years. Congrats you two!

Michelle Kauffman – JCSC Fellow:
Michelle is originally from southern California but is just now getting a taste of LA life working at CSUN Hillel. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania this past May and was a four year varsity letter winner there playing Volleyball. Who knows what you’ll find her doing around campus but she’s definitely easy to spot since she’s so tall (not quite 6’5” though)! So feel free to contact her if you are interested in anything artsy, sportsy, or involving food!

Ettel Bubis - Israel Programming Coordinator:
Born in Russia, Ettel grew up in Israel, participating on the national debate team in high school, representing Israel in competitions all over the globe. After serving three years in the army as a personal & education officer, she flew here to the states to volunteer her time with us (via a Jewish Agency program) and share her love for Israel, reading, and the color purple.

JoAnneh Nagler - Development Director:
JoAnneh Nagler brings 20 years of successful development experience to our team, including expertise in major gifts, grant proposals, direct mail, events and new donor cultivation. She has conducted fundraising campaigns for organizations addressing education, economic development, healthcare, youth, policy, arts, and women. She also teaches grantwriting and fundraising at local colleges and non-profit centers.

Nava Pickman - Office Manager:
In addition to being our part-time office manager, Nava is a full-time student earning her MBA in Non-Profit Management at the UJ. Originally from the east coast, Nava and her husband Steven now reside here in sunny LA.

Rebecca Cohn - Office Assistant:
Rebecca, a San Francisco native, attends CSUN full-time as a Theatre major. When she's not in class or working in the theatre, she does a fabulous job helping Nava keep the office well-run and organized.

Danny Pesses - Technoguru:
Danny has been an integral part of our family by taking care of our many technological needs. He brings to the team his computer expertise and vast troubleshooting knowledge.