Professionals

Brian Cohen

Brian Cohen joined the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life, Columbia/Barnard Hillel, in January of 2012. Under Brian’s leadership, the Kraft Center increased student engagement by 100%, launched the Grad Network, a full time program that serves Jewish graduate students, doubled the size of Hillel’s budget, and secured more than $5.5 million in endowment funds. Columbia/Barnard Hillel is now recognized as one of the leading Hillels in the country, with programs that are scaled at Hillels nationwide. During his time at Columbia, Brian has advocated on behalf of Jewish students to ensure that they are supported on campus.

In addition to his responsibilities at the Kraft Center, Brian trains new Hillel Executive Directors and serves as a coach for aspiring Executive Directors. His 21-year career with the Hillel movement includes time at Hillel’s Schusterman International Center, the University of Virginia Hillel, and the Hillel at Binghamton. Brian was awarded the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence from Hillel International and in 2019, named a Schusterman Fellow by the Schusterman Family Philanthropies. In 2023, Columbia/Barnard Hillel presented Brian with the Gershom Mendes Seixas Award, bestowed on those who have made outstanding contributions to Jewish Life at Columbia University. Prior to working for Hillel, Brian was an Account Executive for an internet marketing firm.

Brian graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Rabbi Yonah Hain

Currently on study leave

Yonah Hain is our Campus Rabbi and serves as a member of the Columbia University Office of Religious Life. He helps shape Jewish life on campus through relationships with students, university faculty and administration, and by overseeing our educational, religious and interfaith initiatives. He is the creator of our J&Y series, which reflects his passion about the Jewish interpretive tradition alongside his concern for personalized experiences for each individual student.

Rabbi Hain is faculty for the Shalom Hartman Institute and at YCT Rabbinical School. He is also a recurring contributor to the TEXTing podcast, and he has developed educational series for both the Drisha Institute and Hadar. In spring 2024, he finished his coursework towards a doctorate in Talmud and Rabbinics.

Yonah started at Columbia/Barnard Hillel in 2007, and coupled with his previous work at NYU’s Bronfman Center, he has been a New York City campus rabbi for eighteen years.

“I am eager to meet and to connect with each student; no conversation topic is too mundane or too abstract – from Jewish text and tradition to daily university life. Just book a time that works for you here and stop by. Lastly, I look forward to introducing you to my family – my better half, Elana, and our sons, Azzan and Navon!”

Tymothy Jaddock

Tymothy Jaddock serves as the Director of Finance and Operations at Columbia/Barnard Hillel, where he has strengthened financial systems, implemented operational efficiencies, and enhanced organizational infrastructure. He brings extensive experience from his previous role as Director of Administration and Special Projects at Schechter Manhattan and has built a career in mission-driven nonprofit management. His academic background—a B.A. from the University of Alberta and an M.A. from New York University—has contributed to his interdisciplinary approach to his work and has helped shape his professional perspective. Beyond his work at Hillel, he remains active in the dance community—staging original choreography, teaching workshops, and adjudicating competitions across the U.S. and Canada.

Rebecca Kabat

Rebecca Kabat is thrilled to serve as Columbia/Barnard Hillel’s Senior Director of Development, bringing more than two decades of experience in nonprofit communications and fundraising. Originally from Parkland, Florida, Rebecca came to New York to attend Barnard College, where she received her BA in Political Science. She later earned a Master’s in Political Management from George Washington University.

Hillel was a meaningful part of Rebecca’s own college experience, and returning to the Kraft Center now feels like coming home. Before joining the team, she served as Director of Development Operations at Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter, where she led digital campaigns, managed donor communications, and developed systems to support fundraising and engagement. She is passionate about using storytelling, data, and automation to make development work both strategic and deeply personal.

Outside of work, Rebecca is a Broadway enthusiast, Peloton rider, and West Wing quoter. She’s happiest with Taylor Swift in her ears, an iced coffee in her hand, and sand between her toes.

Shana Zionts

Shana Zionts has spent nearly two decades working in the Jewish community with children, teens, and young adults, and is thrilled to serve as Columbia/Barnard Hillel’s Associate Director. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Shana received her BA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University and then moved to NYC to pursue her masters degree in Experiential Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She has participated in trainings and certificates through M², the Shalom Hartman Institute, and the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In 2019 she received the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award from Hillel International. Shana’s greatest professional joy is getting to know students over coffee and being by their side as a cheerleader and mentor throughout college and beyond.

Meredith Zylberberg

Meredith is excited to join the Hillel team as Chief of Staff & Campus Impact Advisor at Columbia/Barnard Hillel. A licensed social worker, Meredith brings 15 years of experience in the Jewish nonprofit space, most recently at UJA-Federation of New York for nearly 9 years. Prior to UJA, Meredith worked in the day school and yeshiva system as a school social worker, and at a JCC as a program director for children with disabilities.

With degrees from Western University in Ontario, Canada, and an MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work, Meredith feels right at home on the Columbia campus. Bringing a passion for Jewish life, activism, Israel, and combating antisemitism, combined with a background in clinical social work, Meredith is ready to tackle the challenges Columbia’s Jewish community faces today.

Outside of work, Meredith enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and two giant dogs. She’s an avid hockey fan (Go Leafs!) and passionate about her Peloton bike.

Rachel Barnehama

Rachel is so excited to have joined the Columbia/Barnard Hillel team as the Senior Director of Engagement! For over a decade, Rachel has worked as a Jewish professional, working in synagogues, teen programs, Israel engagement, and summer camps. Rachel is thrilled to be returning to the Hillel community since she got her professional start at Queens College Hillel. She has a Masters in Religious Education from Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion. In 2023 Rachel was a recipient of the Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneer Award and is a current M² fellow.

In her free time Rachel loves going for walks in Central Park, exploring new Broadway shows, going out for sushi, and can’t resist a good milkshake.

Mimi Broches

Mimi Broches is so excited to be returning to Columbia/Barnard Hillel as a Student Life Associate. Originally from Seattle, Mimi graduated in 2024 from the Joint Program between Columbia GS and the Jewish Theological Seminary with degrees in Film & Media Studies and Jewish Text. As an undergraduate, Mimi served on Hillel E-board, List College Student Council and was a member of Sigma Delta Tau. She spent the last year working for the Jewish Education Project and is excited to bring her love for building meaningful Jewish experiences back to campus.

Maayan Daniel

Maayan Daniel serves as an Israel fellow of the Jewish Agency. Maayan grew up in the city of Netanya, and was deeply involved in community service and volunteering with at-risk youth from an early age. Following high school, Maayan spent two years in national service at a home for lone soldiers in Ra’anana. In this role, she provided emotional support, took care of logistical needs, coordinated with their units, and became part of their extended family. Upon completing her national service, Maayan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications with a specialization in business administration from Reichman University. During her academic journey, she gained valuable experience through an internship with a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

Maayan’s sense of communal responsibility was greatly influenced by her experience as an accompanying guide on a trip to Poland for at-risk children. This journey played a central role in reshaping her understanding of the world and her Jewish identity. Maayan is excited to join the Columbia/Barnard Hillel team to share her perspective as an Jewish Israeli of Ethiopian descent, and to connect with students about all of their unique backgrounds and perspectives as well.

Eliana Hallegua

Eliana is thrilled to join the Columbia/Barnard Hillel team as the new IACT/Engagement Coordinator. Eliana is originally from Los Angeles, California and studied abroad at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel, which strengthened her connection to Jewish life and culture. She went on to graduate from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in the Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. After graduation, Eliana worked at Capitol Music Group as an A&R Administration Assistant, gaining valuable major-label experience.

Outside of work, Eliana enjoys cooking and baking (especially anything with chocolate and caramel), going to pilates, karaoke, playing guitar and drums, and is very passionate about finding the best sushi spots in her city.

Eliana is excited to help students strengthen their Jewish identity through the Birthright trip and build lasting relationships on campus.

Melissa Kansky

Melissa is thrilled to join the Columbia Barnard Hillel team as the Director of The Grad Network. Although originally from northern New Jersey, Melissa has lived up and down the east coast- with a short stint in the Midwest. Now back in the NY-area, she is stoked to be living closer to family, good bagels, and an abundance of art museums. With a strong commitment to experiential education, community development, and relationship building, Melissa’s professional experience has been divided between Jewish communal life and museum education. She began her career with Hillel as the Engagement Associate at the University of Florida and then moved to Charlottesville to work as the Director of Jewish Engagement for the Brody Jewish Center Hillel at the University of Virginia. In 2017 she received the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award for her contributions to Jewish life at UVA. Before returning to Hillel, Melissa earned an M.A. in museum education and worked as the Education Fellow for the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) Cleveland. In her new role as Director of The Grad Network, Melissa is most excited to build community among Jewish graduate students, while also connecting Columbia students to the opportunities and experiences available throughout New York. Reach out to Melissa to talk about hiking recommendations, your favorite book, vegetarian recipes, contemporary art, and, of course, The Grad Network.

Navah Kogen

Navah Kogen has served the Columbia/Barnard Jewish community as Senior Director of Student Life since 2017. Originally from Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Navah is a proud alumna of the Double Degree program between Barnard and JTS. She loves all things camp, and spent several summers as a camper and decade on staff at Camp Ramah Darom. A dual American/Israeli citizen, Navah spends as much time as possible in Israel, and both participated in the Nativ gap year program prior to college, and studied at Midreshet Bruria after. Before returning to NYC to earn her masters degree in Experiential Jewish Education, Navah served as Program Director at the University of Florida Hillel. She has also worked with the alumni community of the Bronfman Fellowship, directed experiential education at Golda Och Academy in West Orange, New Jersey, and is an alumna of the Ruskay Fellowship of UJA-Federation of New York.

In her spare time, Navah enjoys hiking, yoga, and far too many podcasts – send her your recommendations! – and is a big fan of both coffee and accidental naps. She is an ardent recycler and semi-professional challah baker, and is always happy to help anyone on campus with either of those tasks. She feels equally passionate about green juice and vanilla milkshakes. Life is about balance, after all.

Rachel Laufer

Originally from New Orleans, LA, Rachel graduated from Florida State University in 2023 with a BA in Theatre and minor in Communications. Following graduation, Rachel spent the year working in London as a Program Assistant for Florida State University’s International Programs and its Theatre Academy London. In addition, she spent three summers working at Northwestern University’s National High School Institute Theatre Arts Division as the Assistant Dorm Director where she absolutely loved witnessing the growth and development of young theatre makers. Rachel has so enjoyed being a part of the CBHillel team as the Senior Director of Development and looks forward to more wonderful moments here at the Kraft Center.

Stephen Marks

Stephen Marks is thrilled to join the Columbia/Barnard Hillel team as Data and Finance Coordinator. New to the nonprofit world, Stephen comes from a career in the entertainment industry, where he worked on television series such as And Just Like That, FBI, and American Horror Stories, as well as Broadway and regional theatre productions. In these roles, Stephen helped manage budgets and logistics to keep large creative projects running smoothly. While working behind the scenes on these productions, Stephen developed a deep appreciation for the role that strong financial stewardship and organizational systems play in empowering a team’s creativity and mission. He is excited to bring this passion to Hillel, supporting the vital work of the student life team and helping ensure a vibrant Jewish community on campus.

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Stephen holds a MFA from the Yale School of Drama and has a longstanding love of art and culture. When not knee-deep in spreadsheets, he can be found wandering an art museum, baking something new, or going for a hike.

Rabbi Daniel Peled-Schwartz

Daniel is honored to serve the amazing Columbia/Barnard community as JLIC co-director. He is passionate about Torah and community-building, and aims to help all Jews find their place in the richness of Jewish tradition. A native of Newton, MA, Daniel studied at Yeshivot Maale Adumim and Har Etzion. He went on to Princeton, majoring in philosophy and Arabic. Daniel completed his rabbinical studies (semicha) at RIETS after learning on YU’s campuses in New York and Jerusalem. He previously taught at Berman Hebrew Academy (Maryland) and Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi (Jerusalem), and has served as rabbinic intern at several synagogues. Daniel loves hiking, skiing, and nerding out about public transportation.

Jasmine Peled-Schwartz

Amaury Perez

Amaury has been working at The Kraft Center – Columbia/Barnard Hillel since 2015. He makes sure that all is running well and that the various rooms and spaces in the building are set up properly for our numerous programs.

Reb Sarah Pollack

Reb Sarah Pollack (she/her) was ordained in 2025 by the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, a pluralistic and non-denominational seminary in Newton, MA, where she also earned an MA in Jewish Studies. She holds a BA in Forensic Anthropology from the University of Florida (Go Gators!).

During rabbinical school, Reb Sarah held internships at Temple Beth David (Westwood, MA), the Bronfman Fellowship, and Boston University Hillel.

As a child, Sarah felt a strong sense of Jewish identity but lacked formal ways to articulate her spiritual yearning. After spending a summer in Uganda as part of a volunteer program with AJWS and a semester abroad at the University of Haifa, Sarah was eager to continue her exploration of Judaism and Jewish Peoplehood. She moved to Jerusalem, where she spent two years learning at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, first as the Social Justice Fellow, and then on the Judaism and Conflict Resolution track. As a Pardes Fellow, Sarah organized volunteer opportunities and facilitated community- building programming. Her professional journey started at Encounter Programs, Inc., where she spent the next four years exploring the ways that Jewish American professionals and lay leadership engage with Palestinians. Right before enrolling at Hebrew College, Reb Sarah worked for Honeymoon Israel as the Director of Community Engagement, empowering young Jewish families to explore their relationships to Jewish community and identity.

She currently lives in Maplewood, NJ with her wife, Elana, and their two kiddos.

Ariela Press

Ariela joined the Columbia/Barnard Hillel team as the Executive Assistant in September 2024 and was promoted to Office Manager after one year. She completed a gap year in Israel before returning to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia where she graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024 with a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Performance/Musical Theatre. At VCU, Ariela was involved in a cappella, improv, and Greek life. During her undergraduate career, she taught religious school at Congregation Or Ami and staffed an Israel trip for high school students. Ariela is passionate about collaboration, community-driven work, and storytelling. Outside of the office, Ariela enjoys exploring the New York food and theatre scenes.

Pedro Rios

Pedro has been working at The Kraft Center – Columbia/Barnard Hillel since 2000 (a new comer). He knows all the students’ faces in that he has the most interaction with everyone who comes to the building. If you have a question, then Pedro will direct you.

Carly Shevrin

Carly is thrilled to join the Columbia/Barnard Hillel team as the Director of Engagement! She holds a Master of Arts in Special Education and Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education. Prior to this, she earned her B.A. in Public Policy from Syracuse University, with a minor in Business Management. Carly has a background as a special education teacher and recruiter, and she is passionate about fostering engagement and building community. In her free time, Carly enjoys cooking, working out, and hanging out with her friends and family! She looks forward to contributing her skills and enthusiasm to Hillel’s mission.

Roxanna Sikavi

Roxanna serves as the Executive Assistant at Columbia/Barnard Hillel.  Originally from Seattle, Roxanna moved to New York City in April 2025 after serving as the Marketing Specialist at the Seattle Hebrew Academy.

Roxanna’s passion for Jewish non-profit work began early. During her time at the University of Washington, where she earned a BA in Anthropology, she worked as an afterschool teacher at Kavanah Cooperative, teaching Jewish studies to 4th and 5th graders. A lifelong camper, Roxanna spent 11 summers at Sephardic Adventure Camp, as a camper and a staff member, culminating in her role as the CIT Director.

A PNW girl at heart, she loves rock climbing and hiking. She spent the summer of 2024 living in a van and traversing the West Coast, visiting 12 National Parks and 8 National Forests along the way. She is currently on a mission to hike every National Park in the United States and is always happy to swap trail recommendations or travel stories.

Liana Slomka

Liana Slomka is excited to be joining the Columbia/Barnard Hillel team as a Student Life Associate. Liana grew up in Atlanta, and graduated from Princeton University in 2023 with a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. In college, Liana was involved in Hillel, the outdoors club, and the student newspaper’s humor section. She spent the last year working at the Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel and then at Camp Ramah Darom, and is ready to bring her love for meaningful Jewish experiences to the students at Columbia and Barnard!

Eliana Sugarman

Eliana is thrilled to join the Columbia/Barnard Hillel team as Assistant Director of Development. Before coming to the Kraft Center, Eliana was an Event Planning Executive at UJA-Federation, Westchester. Previously, she served as Senior Development Associate at DOROT, and Youth and Family Coordinator at the JCC of Greater New Haven. Eliana lives in Riverdale, NY, with her husband and kids. When she’s not at work or spending time with her family, she loves reading anything from historical fiction to mystery thrillers to beach reads, and cooking!

Audrey Klepser

Audrey is the rabbinic intern for Kesher, the Reform community on campus. She is a 3rd year student studying to be a rabbi at Hebrew Union College. Originally from Elmhurst, Illinois, Audrey has also found a sense of home in Michigan, Jerusalem, and now New York. She was shaped by her Jewish educational experiences at URJ Camp OSRUI, Hillel at Kalamazoo College, and Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. In her free time, Audrey enjoys reading for her book club and is reconnecting with her childhood hobby of playing the flute! She is so excited to help support the Jewish community on campus this year.

Aaron Newman

Aaron is the rabbinic intern for Koach, the Conservative community at Columbia/Barnard.

Sarah Pincus

Whether learning about Judaism for the first time, trying to navigate the NYC Jewish scene, or anything in between, Sarah loves meeting and supporting students as they build meaningful and fulfilling lives within Columbia and beyond. Sarah is currently a student at Yeshivat Maharat where her training includes classic studies in Jewish law and Talmud, as well as pastoral care. Sarah studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum after high school, attended Binghamton University where she earned a BA in Politics, Philosophy & Law, and a Master’s in Public Administration. Sarah has also completed two units of Clinical Pastoral Education. Sarah lives on the Upper West Side and can be found scouting out cute coffee shops and exploring different neighborhoods in the city.