About Hillel at Florida International University
Hillel at FIU is a nonprofit organization that provides students with opportunities to explore and celebrate Jewish life and culture. We provide a positive, engaging atmosphere through religious, educational, cultural, social justice and community service programming. We stand up to antisemitism, educated the masses on Israel, and provide unique opportunities for students to connect to the greater Miami Jewish community.
Mission
Hillel at FIU enriches the lives of Jewish students so that they can enrich the Jewish community in Miami and around the world. We foster Jewish connection and strengthen Jewish pride through meaningful programming and community building on campus at Miami's public university.
History
Hillel at FIU is the 14th largest Jewish student population in the country. With around 3,500 Jewish students on campus FIU is also the 4th largest university in the country. Our Hillel began at FIU in 2015 and opened spaces in PG6 at the MMC campus in 2016 and in the Wolfe Center at the BBC campus in 2022.
Who We Are
Hillel Staff
Our Hillel at FIU works year-round with students to nurture Jewish connection and foster leadership among the 3,500 Jewish students on campus.
Jon Warech
Executive Director
Steven Resnick
Martha Escoll Director of Jewish Student Life
Hen Tel Vardi
Israel Fellow
Travis Lehman
Springboard Fellow
Rachel Gordon
Marketing and Development Manager
Alexandra Shuman
Hillel Therapist and Wellness Coordinator
Board of Directors
Hillel at FIU’s student board is dedicated to connecting with Jewish students, creating Jewish life on campus and working together to strengthen both our Jewish campus community and our connection to the Greater Miami Jewish community.
- Ben Wander, President of the Board
- Lisa Jerles, Past President
- Joshua Alhalel
- Deedee Bitran
- Maayan Blum
- Randee Breiter
- Jordan Cohen
- Stephen Fain* (emeritus status)
- Deana Goldin
- Zaq Harrison
- Philip Holcman
- Justin Kaplan
- Marisa Marcus
- Vanessa Menkes
- Sidney Pertnoy
- Aaron Resnick
- Jonathan Schonfeld
- Russ Shulkes
- Meryl D. Spigelman* (emeritus status)
- Alan Sokol
- Michael Wagner
- Mollie Wander
- Caroline Waldmann
- Miriam Zadok
- Alexia Zadok
- Dror Zadok
Jewish Faculty & Staff Association
The Hillel at FIU Jewish Faculty and Staff Association (JFSA) is a place for FIU’s Jewish faculty and staff to come together for social, educational, and programmatic partnership opportunities. We also work to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
Deana Goldin
Co-Chair
Jon Warech
Co-Chair
Hillel Student Board
Hillel at FIU’s student board is dedicated to connecting with Jewish students, creating Jewish life on campus and working together to strengthen both our Jewish campus community and our connection to the Greater Miami Jewish community.
Dan Szmuler
President
Rochelle Fajgenbaum Harlev
Vice President of Student Life
Lia Mitrani
Vice President of Student Engagement
Juliana Llanos
Vice President of Programming
