About Us
University at Albany Hillel is an organization dedicated to empowering students to develop strong Jewish identities through creative self-expression. The Hillel community is driven by an eclectic group of students who each bring their own unique perspective of Jewish life on campus. Our staff and student leaders creates fun, meaningful, and inclusive experiences that are designed to strengthen each participant's connection with Israel, their own Jewish identity, and one another. Come join us!
Experience
From Shabbat dinners, to apple picking, to our weekly hangout, Tuesday Shmoozeday, we have an event for you! Our staff and student leaders work together to bring you classic and creative experiences and activities. With so many events, don't forget your homework...
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Mission & Vision
Our Mission: Enriching the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.
Our Vision: We envision a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel.
OUR TEAM
RABBI NOMI MANON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rabbi Manon (She/Her) has been the Executive Director of UAlbany Hillel for 14 years and is inspired by student every day. Nomi is a graduate of Alfred Univesity and The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, where she received her Rabbinic ordination. In Rabbinical school Nomi’s specialization was in campus work which focused on enhancing the Jewish experience of college students as well as non-profit management and fundraising. She is passionate about working at UAlbany Hillel, a pluralist organization that recognizes, supports, and encourages all types of Jewish expression. Nomi encourages students to explore their many identities and passions in a Jewish context. Nomi also teaches courses in Judaic studies where she is able to interact with a broad range of students in an academic setting. Nomi is always available for informal counseling and conversations about life, Judaism, politics, and relationships. Nomi has two daughters, Shoham and Advah.
SEAN GITHENS
SPRINGBOARD INNOVATION FELLOW
Sean (He/They) is ecstatic to begin his first year as a Springboard Fellow, specializing in intrapreneurship, at University at Albany Hillel this fall. They are a recent graduate of Towson University, majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Creative Writing. Sean finds their passions within interpersonal connections informing how Jewish spaces are created then maintained, and how they can bend to meet the passions of students. They are interested in exploring various familiar traditions coming out of the Diaspora, and hope these continue to inform how we meet and celebrate life together as a growing community. When they aren’t working around campus, Sean can be found meditating in nature or checking out local thrifts and markets. Ultimately, they are looking forward to continuing the groundwork laid out by Rabbi Nomi and the student board, as well as engaging with both past and present students on UAlbany’s campus. Feel free to reach out anytime to grab coffee and chat about Jewish life!
