Penn Hillel Steering 2012 Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower students create opportunities for students to actively explore and develop their Jewish identities by empowering them to create personally meaningful experiences. In so doing, we aim to capitalize on the power of the individual by fostering relationships to build a more unified Jewish community across campus.
Goals
- To create a better and more meaningful Jewish experience on campus.
- To foster relationships among all Jews and build a more unified community.
- To create opportunities for more students to actively explore their Jewish identity in a meaningful way.
- To provide programs where Jews can just have fun and shared experiences together.
- To make Hillel an even greater part of the campus community.
- To make more students feel more comfortable and welcome upon entering the Hillel building.
President
Alex Jefferson
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Hailing all the way from Texas, President Alex Jefferson brings his big personality, his big hair, and his never-ending love for the Jewish people to the city of brotherly love. When this junior isn't philosophizing or saying hello to everyone in the Hillel dining hall, he can be found hanging out with his TEP brothers or pulling off crazy shenanigans with his housemates. After spending a semester abroad last year in Scotland, Alex returned with an even more intensely-burning desire to make Penn's Jewish community more meaningful on an individual level. Oh, and a kilt. Whether he's racing through a 60-second Jewish thought in the dining hall on Friday night or in the middle of an hour-long conversation on how you can relate the latest book you've read to Torah, Alex is sure to bring an exciting new philosophy and leadership style to Hillel this year!
ajef@sas.upenn.edu
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Executive Vice President
Abigail (Abby) Jablansky
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October 21 1991. Some people know it as the anniversary of the date in which the Guggenheim museum opened in NYC. Others remember it as the day of the commemoration Battle of Trafalgar. But most revere it as the moment in history in which Michael and Marion Jablansky opened their front door in Briarcliff Manor, New York to find a little package the stork had delivered: a little blonde bundle of joy, Abigail (Abby) Jablansky. Dreaming of growing up to be a pilot as a young child, Abby recently gave up such dreams for bigger and better things, the Executive Vice Presidentship of Hillel at Penn, and we are sure glad she did! When this incredible chemical/biomolecular engineer is not working for the institute of chemical engineers, TAing, or planning heart2heart meals, she can be found hiding in the Hillel dining hall with a plate of soft chocolate chip cookies, singing Al Kol Ele in the shower, or planning her dream vacation to Europe. Somehow, she manages to do all of the above and still be one of the happiest, friendliest faces you’ll find at Steinhart Hall.
jabigail@seas.upenn.edu
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Communications and Social Media Chair
Arielle Vogelstein
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Following in the footsteps of her red-headed predecessor, Baltimore native and junior Arielle Vogelstein is thrilled to be Hillel's new Communications and Social Media Chair. After her semester abroad in London, Arielle is back in her element at Penn, rushing from econ classes to basketball practice, to of course, schmoozing sessions over dinner at Hillel. As a member of the club basketball team, Arielle brings her A game to whatever tasks she encounters and is ready to put her skills to the test. With seven siblings (reportedly mostly redheads as well), she knows how to get along well with others, as is also reflected in her involvement in the Sigma Delta Tau sorority. If you ever have a question about the Baltimore Ravens or need to uncover some dirt on your ex-boyfriend, come to Hillel because this self-proclaimed Facebook stalker is the girl you want to talk to!
avog@sas.upenn.edu
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Finance Chair
Ben Chideckel
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A dual degree student in Finance and Math, Ben Chideckel knows how to get around. Just back from Australia, this Teaneck, NJ native is excited to lead Hillel in all things Finance. Despite school sit-ins, DP articles, and the protests from his parents,Ben decided to leave the Sprint Football Team as the star safety, in order to protect Hillel and their funds. As a member of Model Congress, Ben knows how to hold court and be a model citizen for the youngin. As a Knicks, Giants, and Yankees fan, you can often find Ben beating his chest one day, and tearing out his hair the next. Although you may be intimidated by his overwhelming good looks, Ben (almost) always has a smile on his face and will (almost) always be willing to help with anything- from Hillel, to school, to relationships.
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External Vice President
Jeremy Hurewitz
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If you’ve ever been to Pottruck, chances are you’ve seen Hillel’s new External Vice President turning heads with his smooth basketball skills. Don’t be intimidated by his talent, though, as Jeremy Hurewitz is one of the nicest and most personable kids on campus. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, this Engineering junior hopes to allow every Jew at Penn to create his or her own Jewish identity. As a proven hard worker from his time as Finance Chair, Jeremy’s eager to use his position in order to help every single student wishing to benefit from Hillel. Jeremy’s always looking to talk about Hillel, Judaism, Penn, or anything else, so don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to him when you see him. You’ll be happy you did.
jeremyhu@seas.upenn.edu
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Internal Vice President
Shiri Bogomolny
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Hillel's Internal Vice President Shiri Bogolmony is a Wharton junior concentrating in Management. When she is not reminiscing about her experiences abroad in Israel last semester, Shiri can be found baking her award-winning pumpkin bread, making breakfast dates at Yo-reka!, or practicing her favorite yoga poses. A Google search of Shiri reveals she spent last summer interning with Google. Originally from San Diego, Shiri is *originally* from Mexico and is the most adorable Latina to ever set foot in Penn Hillel. Oh, and her favorite color is yellow.
shiri@wharton.upenn.edu
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Community Vice President
Alison (Ali) Block
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Alison (Ali) Block, she of the infectious smile, is Hillel’s first ever Community Vice President. Hailing from Northern Jersey, Ali began her Jewish journey at Penn as a fellow in the Jewish Renaissance Project and just a year later is flourishing using her immense social capital to unify the different branches of the greater Penn Jewish community. When she is not catalyzing tremendous Jewish relationships and experiences, Ali can be found making the world a more healthy place. A Health and Societies major, Ali’s free time is filled with the club tennis team and runs along the Schuylkill river past the boat houses. Being a health nut, however, does not get in the way of setting her taste buds afire – she loves the food network and those famous Hillel chocolate chip cookies. While her favorite movie may be Ferris Bueller, Ali never takes a day off!
aliblock@sas.upenn.edu
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lsrael Vice President
Brian Mund
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When this sophomore isn't hanging with the ladies (read: his three sisters) in his hometown Los Angeles, Brian Mund can be found blasting Jewish music at 4021. A Political Science major, Brian took a gap year to explore living under many different governments, working on a kibbutz in Israel, traveling around Ukraine, and teaching at a school in China. In his spare time Brian writes for the political science journal Sound Politicks and recreationally reads The Federalist Papers. As Israel Vice President, Brian hopes for peace in the Middle East and for Burgers Bar to come to Philly.
bmund@sas.upenn.edu
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Tzedek Social Justice Vice President
Emily Hart
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When this Junior isn’t out saving the world, Emily Hart can be found dancing ballet or reliving the highlights of Arrested Development. A dual English and Health and Societies Major, Emily finds the perfect balance between theoretical and practical. From her earliest days in somewhere (Hershey) Pennsylvania, Emily has been a passionate advocate for social justice, bringing goodness to those from all walks of life. One of her favorite Jewish passions is mixing it up at the Passover Seders; she loves to spend the holiday with new people every year. As Tzedek Chair, Emily has made it a personal priority to finally complete the massive Harry Potter series, and recently celebrated the end of the fifth installment. Three Cheers forEmily, who clearly has a Hart of Gold!
emhart@sas.upenn.edu
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