HUC-JIR Co-Sponsors Hillel International’s Global Assembly (HIGA)

Jeremy Ragent ’15 receiving the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award.

Jeremy Ragent ’15 receiving the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award.

Monday, February 6, 2023

HUC-JIR’s groundbreaking new partnership with Hillel International was in full effect at the Hillel International Global Assembly (HIGA) in Dallas, Texas in December. The partnership – and HUC-JIR’s leadership presence at HIGA – demonstrates both organizations’ deep commitment to the emerging generation of Jewish leaders and strong investment in developing the careers of Hillel professionals and student leaders.

HUC-JIR President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., and members of the Office of Recruitment and Admissions team, Erin Fine, Maor Rodman, and Deborah Sachare, represented HUC-JIR, and more than 40 HUC-JIR alumni who are working at Hillels participated, including Jeremy Ragent ’15 of Hillel at Stanford University, who won the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award.

This year’s assembly marked 100 years since Hillel International was founded by HUC alum Rabbi Benjamin Frankel (recently recognized by Forward as one of 125 Jews who shaped U.S. history). It was an exciting opportunity for over 1,000 Hillel professionals, volunteers, and supporters – including many HUC-JIR alumni – to celebrate Hillel’s centennial and build strong connections. HUC-JIR offers compelling professional development, mentorship, and educational opportunities to Hillel professionals, and HIGA was the perfect opportunity to continue strengthening the relationship between the two organizations. Highlights of HUC-JIR’s sponsorship included an HUC-JIR alumni and friends happy hour, an evening dinner reception, a professional headshot photo booth, and a breakfast where President Rehfeld facilitated meaningful discussion about clergy engagement and leadership development in non-congregational spaces such as Hillel.

Left to right: HUC-JIR’s Office of Recruitment and Admissions team members Erin Fine, Maor Rodman, and Deborah Sachare.

Left to right: HUC-JIR’s Office of Recruitment and Admissions team members Erin Fine, Maor Rodman, and Deborah Sachare.

“There have always been natural connections between HUC-JIR and Hillel because people move between the two throughout their lifetimes and careers. This year is the first time we are formalizing a partnership between the two that focuses on leadership development through the Springboard fellowship and professional development opportunities,” shared Erin Fine, HUC-JIR’s Associate Director, Recruitment & Partnership Development.

Amy Marks, Associate Vice President, Philanthropic Partnerships and Experiences at Hillel International stated, “We are so appreciative of the continued support and energy that HUC-JIR brings to our conference each year. Many Hillel professionals have benefitted from HUC-JIR’s programs and we believe that our work together is a core part of strengthening our field for the years to come.”

The event showcased the vibrancy of Jewish life on campus and the key partnership role that HUC-JIR is playing for Hillel professionals across North America.