Sol Adler is a rising junior at New York University’s Steinhardt School of
Culture, Education and Human Development where he is majoring in Nutrition
and Global Public Health and minoring in Hebrew and Judaic Studies. He is the
President of the Hillel at NYU, an Admissions Ambassador for the NYU Office
of Undergraduate Admissions and a member of numerous clubs on campus
such as TorchPac, J-Street and Shalhevet at NYU. When Sol is at home, he
volunteers as a firefighter and emergency first responder for the Great Neck
Vigilant Fire Co. He loves to travel the world for volunteer work and service.
He went to Estonia and Latvia last summer and will be traveling to India this summer to
volunteer with the Jewish community in Mumbai. This summer, Sol will be working for FEGS
Health and Human Services in the WeCARE department where he will be working on financial
analysis and helping develop new and operational models for the organization.
Rebecca Ames is a rising senior at Tulane University in New Orleans,
pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in architectural studies. She is a
member of Psi Chi, the psychology honor’s society at Tulane, and works as a
research assistant in a psychology lab, focusing on the maladaptive risks
associated with experiencing trauma in childhood. In addition, she serves on
the Chabad Board and is a member of Tulane Jewish Leaders, a leadership
initiative that enables students to build upon practical skills, while using
knowledge of Jewish values to effectively develop Jewish life on campus. This
past spring, Rebecca spent the semester in Denmark studying positive psychology and worked
as a pedagogue assistant in an afterschool program. As a CLIP intern, Rebecca will be working at
Mount Sinai’s Kravis Children’s Hospital with the Child Life and Art Therapy Department.
Shoshana Bachrach is a rising senior at Stern College for Women in the
Dean’s Scholar program. She is majoring in political science with a minor in
sociology, and hopes to work in government to reform social policy.
Shoshana is active in Yeshiva University’s Model United Nations program for
Jewish day schools as well as YU’s debate team, serving as a judge when YU
High School for Boys hosts debates. For the past two semesters, Shoshana
has worked as costume designer for Stern’s play, as well as assisting with
props. Shoshana is also involved in the Women’s Studies Society and the
Israel Club, and occasionally writes for the Observer, Stern College’s student newspaper. In past
summers, Shoshana has worked in summer camps based in children’s informal education
including Pittsburgh’s Summer Dreamer’s Academy, a public-school summer program
promoting literacy, and, for the past two summers, Moshava Indian Orchard, a Bnei Akiva camp
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located in upstate New York. This summer Shoshana is interning through CLIP at the Jewish
Federations of North America with the Speaker’s Bureau.
Mira Biller is a rising senior at Muhlenberg College majoring in psychology
and double minoring in business administration and Judaic studies. Mira
spent her spring 2013 semester independently interning at The Steinbruck
Center For Urban Studies and The Family Place, two non-profits in
Washington D.C. At The Steinbruck Center, Mira served as the
programming and outreach intern for issues relating to homelessness.
While at The Family Place, Mira worked as the fundraising & development
intern, fostering relationships with donors and local organizations. Back at
Muhlenberg, Mira was elected president of the student led interfaith club, Star Crossed
Students. She also serves as a campus delegate, representing the school to prospective
students and families, and is a member of Muhlenberg’s Cardinal Key Society. She enjoys
volunteering as a discussion facilitator for the annual Youth and Prejudice Conference for
Reducing Hatred. When not engrossed in her studies or extracurricular activities, Mira works
with the Development Department as a student philanthropy assistant, building and
strengthening relationships in the community while generating philanthropic support. After
participating in The Diller Teen Fellowship program, Mira created, recruited, and was granted
funding for her new initiative, Diller Next Phase. This summer, she is excited to be CLIP’s intern
in the Employment Center at FEGS Health & Human Services.
Lauren Binder is a rising junior in the Joint Program between Columbia
University and the Jewish Theological Seminary where she studies Human
Rights and Midrash, respectively. After spending a year in Israel after high
school, Lauren became involved with the Jewish community at Columbia,
currently holding a leadership position in the Conservative Jewish group
on campus and in S’madar, the all-female Jewish a cappella group of the
Columbia/Barnard Hillel. Lauren has danced in Columbia’s Dance
Marathon the past two years, raising over $550 each year for the
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She also works as a first
grade religious school teacher at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City. Though a
proud New Jerseyan, Lauren is so excited to be in New York this summer interning through CLIP
at F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services in the Personalized Recovery Oriented Services program.
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Josh Blumberg is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan in Ann
Arbor and is studying Informatics with a concentration in social computing.
Josh is an active member of the University of Michigan Ballroom Dance Team
and also participates at the university’s Hillel. He graduated from The Jewish
Week’s Write-On For Israel program as well as Croton-Harmon High School in
June 2012. He plays the drums and saxophones, loves exploring new music,
plays ice hockey and tennis, and is an avid New York Rangers fan. This summer, Josh will be
working at NEXT: A Division of Birthright Israel Foundation.
Jason Brillon is a rising sophomore at Tufts University, where he is pursuing a
double major in comparative religion and political science with a minor in
education. He is the secretary of his class and the religious vice president of Tufts
Hillel. Jason is also a brother in the fraternity Zeta Beta Tau, a board member of
Tufts Friends of Israel, and an orientation leader for the incoming freshman class.
Last summer, Jason coordinated a two-week community service program at Brandeis
University, where he helped participants explore the ties between Judaism and social justice.
This year, Jason looks forward to working at NYU’s ‘Of Many’ Institute for Multifaith Education
and Leadership.
Ethan Cantor is an active member of his campus's Hillel, where he served on
the freshman board and will be the social activities Ethan Cantor is a rising
sophomore at Trinity College in Hartford, CT and is majoring in Public Policy
and Law. At Trinity, Ethan representative next year. In addition, Ethan is also
on the Trinity College Mock Trial team, for which he was also elected the
social activities representative. For his academic achievement in the
classroom, Ethan was awarded with the Faculty Honors Award this past fall.
Ethan lives in Fairfield, CT and has participated in a variety of political
internships including two summers at the Fairfield, CT First Selectman's Office, two summers at
Congressman Jim Himes's Constituent Services Office, and last summer with Congressman
Himes's reelection campaign. This summer, Ethan is working for the Government Affairs
Department of the UJA-Federation of NY where he will lobby the New York City Council for
funding.
Marissa Cinnamon is a rising senior at New York University’s College of Arts
and Sciences, graduating in December with a bachelor’s degree in dramatic
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literature and a minor in media, culture, and communication. After graduating from high school
in her hometown of Atlanta, Marissa studied in Israel for a year at Midreshet Lindenbaum, a
women’s seminary in Jerusalem. At NYU, Marissa has served as secretary on the board of
Shalhevet, NYU Hillel’s club for Orthodox Judaism; she has served as President of M.E.A.T. –
Meet, Eat, And Torah, a weekly Jewish learning program that offers a free meat dinner and a
variety of classes for students; and, most recently, she served as Co-Chair for NYU’s Shabbat for
2000, the country’s largest Jewish, student-run event in the country. Marissa is interested in
pursuing a career in Jewish Non-Profit work and will further her interest and experience this
summer as a marketing intern at UJA-Federation.
Max Daniel is a rising senior at List College, the Joint Program with Columbia
University and the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, where he is
pursuing degrees in both American studies and Jewish literature. Max is part
of the Fellows Program at JTS, where he will also be writing his honors thesis
on the image of Sephardic Jews in Ashkenazi Jewish literature. On campus,
he is a staff writer and deputy creative editor for The Current, a student-run
journal on contemporary politics, culture, and Jewish affairs. This past spring,
he participated in the Lipper Internship program at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New
York, educating local public school students about the Holocaust. Max spent last summer in an
intensive Yiddish language and culture program at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst,
Massachusetts, and is currently president of Columbia/Barnard’s Yiddish club. This summer,
Max will be interning with the Books and Music department at the Union for Reform Judaism.
Ellie Davis is a sophomore at New York University’s Steinhardt School of
Culture, Education, and Human Development, where she is majoring in
English education, minoring in creative writing, and concentrating in child
adolescent and mental health studies. She is passionate about literature
and Judaic studies. In the future she plans to pursue a career in education,
editing, and publishing. In the past she was an editor for her high school
literary magazine called “Inklings.” She also enjoys working with children
with special needs, and has spent several years volunteering for both the
special needs organization Kulanu, and as a counselor at HASC. Ellie is a trained hospital clown
and has volunteered in hospitals both in America and in Israel. Currently she is on the M.E.A.T.
(Meat Eat And Torah) board of Hillel at New York University, and recently volunteered with
educational programs in New York City schools. During the summer of 2013 at CLIP, she will be
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working at Hadassah Magazine where she hopes to sharpen her editing skills and combine
writing with Judaism.
Justin Dorsen is a rising senior at Syracuse University majoring in public
relations with minors in policy studies and sociology. He spent this most recent
spring semester studying abroad in Israel at the University of Tel Aviv.
Previously on campus, Justin was the communications vice president of
Syracuse’s Hillel. In addition, he helped bring the social justice organization
Challah for Hunger to Syracuse as an engagement intern for Hillel. Justin also
served as the communications chair for Syracuse’s service fraternity, Alpha Phi
Omega. On campus Justin works as a literacy corps tutor in which he tutors
fourth grade students in the Syracuse City School District. Outside of the world of social action,
Justin spent last summer working as a communications and digital intern for Men’s Health
magazine. In the fall, Justin will serve as the publisher for Syracuse’s premiere campus
magazine, Jerk. This summer, Justin will be working at the Union for Reform Judaism as a
communications intern.
Tyler Dratch is a rising Junior in the joint program between the Jewish
Theological Seminary of America and Columbia University pursuing degrees in
Hebrew Bible and political science. Tyler recently ended his term as co-chair of
Koach, the Conservative Jewish student group at Columbia/Barnard Hillel and
continues to serve on the board of the Columbia chapter of the Roosevelt
institute as the equal justice center leader. Currently Tyler is a regular
contributor to DecideNYC.com covering the 61 New York City elections in 2013
and maintains his own blog covering national politics and public policy. Tyler has
worked at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires and with United Synagogue Youth. He currently runs
an extended orientation program for incoming JTS students. Tyler is excited to be a CLIP intern
at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty.
Sophie Edelman is from Sharon, Massachusetts and is a sophomore at
Binghamton University. After graduating from Maimonides High School in
Brookline, Massachusetts, Sophie spent a year in Israel pursuing her love of art
in at a program called Emunah V’Omanut (“Belief in Art”). Sophie is hoping to
double major in Graphic Design and English Rhetoric with a concentration in
global studies and creative writing during her time at Binghamton. Sophie is on
the board of the local Chabad as well as an active participant in the Binghamton
Swim Club. In past summers, Sophie has been involved in many opportunities that range from
summer camp counselor, to an advocate for the David Project during their video conference in
Boston, Massachusetts. This summer Sophie hopes to develop and explore marketing
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opportunities with the Jewish Communal Fund by helping to run their ongoing social media
campaigns.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Alison Ederer is a rising junior at
Muhlenberg College. She has a major in psychology and a minor in public
health, and is enrolled in an early childhood educator’s certification program.
On campus, Alison is active in a variety of service and philanthropic work. She
is the President of Habitat for Humanity, Vice President of Advocacy of
Colleges Against Cancer, Vice President of the Education Society, and the
Philanthropy Officer of Phi Mu in addition to being a very active member of
Hillel. Alison organizes events on campus to raise money for The Children’s Miracle Network
Hospitals with Phi Mu, and has helped to raise over $43,000 for the American Cancer Society
through Relay for Life. Alison is looking forward to interning at FEGS Health & Human Services
where she will be organizing social welfare projects as well as community Shabbat programs.
Jillian Elbaum is a rising junior at Syracuse University majoring in social work
and minoring in public health. On campus, Jillian is an active member of
Hillel, a board member of DanceWorks, and bursar of Phi Sigma Sigma
sorority. For the past two summers, Jillian has been a camp counselor at JCC
Camp Discovery as both a head counselor and shadow for children with
special needs. This summer as a CLIP intern, Jillian is looking forward to
working at FEGS Health and Human Services and pursuing her passion for
social work and community service.
Zach Federbush is a rising junior at Queens College majoring in media
studies and minoring in the Business and Liberal Arts program. Zach is an
active member at the Hillel on campus. As the co-chariman of the outreach
and community committee, Zach has helped coordinate events that seek to
foster community growth on commuter campus. In previous summers,
Zach has been a counselor at Camp Nesher, a sleep-away camp in
Pennsylvania. This summer, Zach will be interning at the Jewish Education
Project. He looks forward to implementing the marketing skills he has
learned from his classes and Hillel to help develop the organization’s marketing and branding
strategies. In his spare time, Zach enjoys learning how to play the guitar and playing tennis.
Eitan Fleischman is a rising senior at New York University. He is pursuing a
degree in policy economics and is enrolled in the pre-medical track. Last year
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Eitan served as the president of the Jewish Orthodox group on campus, Shalhevet, as well as
president of the Jewish medical club, JMED. He has also held the role of religious life chair on
NYU Hillel board and has been fundamental to event planning and execution. His work on
campus has netted him a NYU Presidential Service Award, as well as a number of Bronfman
Center Excellence in Programming awards. Eitan has also conducted medical research at The
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, exploring cardiovascular stem cells, non-invasive bladder
measurement techniques, and magnetic blood cell separation and lysis. As a CLIP intern this
summer, Eitan will be researching cellular and molecular pathways of stem cell differentiation
at Weil Cornell Medical College.
Shira Gelfand is a junior at Binghamton University where she is majoring in
English and minoring in women’s studies. On campus, she is the president of
the Treblemakers a cappella group and was the editor of the creative writing
section of the Free Press. She also works as a resident assistant, works for the
University President, and is excited to start working for Harpur Palate, the
University’s literary journal. Shira also spent a year in Jerusalem, studying
Torah and art and volunteering at a day care in Jerusalem. This summer as a
CLIP intern, Shira will be working at the Jewish Disaster Response Corps and is
very excited to help the organization with relief for Hurricane Sandy, among other projects.
Michelle Glazer is a rising junior at The Ohio State University pursuing a degree
in early childhood education and a minor in Jewish studies. She is a member of
the Jewish sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, where she serves on the executive board
as the vice president of programming. Along with her dedication to AEPhi,
Michelle is a student leader at both Chabad and Hillel on campus. At Ohio
State’s Hillel, Michelle is a campus entrepreneur intern where she welcomes
new Jewish students to campus and has built over 60 meaningful Jewish
relationships. In the upcoming school year, Michelle will be the Hillel
development intern. Last summer, Michelle worked directly under the director of planning and
allocations at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. Michelle looks forward to strengthening her
Jewish identity and leadership this summer. As a 2013 CLIP intern, Michelle is working at UJAFederation of New York in the Volunteer and Leadership Development Division.
Jonathan Gottlieb is a rising senior at Vassar College, majoring in American
studies and focusing in sociology and women's studies. He spent last
semester abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark and participated in the Nativ
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College Leadership Program during his gap year. On campus, Jonathan is involved with the
Queer Coalition of Vassar College and the Vassar Greens, a studentrun environmental organization. He also volunteers at the local Planned Parenthood once a
week. In past summers, Jonathan has worked as a counselor at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires.
This summer he is working with the Jewish Education Project.
Emily Hirsch is a rising senior at Muhlenberg College where she is majoring in
political science and double minoring in sustainability studies and dance. On
campus, Emily is vice president of 2014 class council, secretary of Omicron
Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, an active member of the
Muhlenberg dance association, philanthropy chair for her sorority, Delta Zeta,
and a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society. Emily also
works in the Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement where she founded and
coordinates a storytelling program in the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital's Pediatric
Unit. Last summer, Emily interned at The Common Good, a non-profit, non-partisan
organization that strives to inspire participation in democracy and seeks to find ways to bridge
the growing divisions that threaten the U.S. This summer, Emily is excited to intern at the
Jewish Federation of North America in the Planned Giving and Endowments department as part
of the CLIP cohort.
Shaina Kaplan is a rising senior at Colgate University, where she is studying
sociology, anthropology, and geography. On campus, she works as a
Community Leader for the Office of Residential Life in an effort to help create
safe communities for all students. She is also a manager for the Colgate
University Annual Fund’s Student Calling Program, working to bridge the gap
between current students and alumni while raising money for the institution.
In the past, she has worked as a development intern at Project Enterprise.
During her three years at Colgate, she has shown her dedication to community service and the
Jewish community on campus. Shaina is looking forward to working at the UJA-Federation of
New York in the Capital Gifts & Special Initiatives Department as a CLIP intern this summer.
Zoe Kress is a rising sophomore at the joint program between Columbia
University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. She is pursuing two bachelor
degrees, one in psychology from Columbia University and the second in
Jewish Gender Studies from Albert A. List College, the undergraduate school
of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Zoe was adopted from China when she
was two months old and is very proud of her dual heritage. Zoe spent last
summer in China studying Mandarin through the China Institute’s immersion
program before returning to New York City to begin her college studies. After she graduates,
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she hopes to return to China and help provide care and assistance to her orphanage. On
campus, Zoe is involved with the Asian Youth Program, a community impact club that pairs
college students with Asian children who have been impacted by domestic violence. She is a
sister of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, as well as a member of Shalhevet, Columbia-Barnard’s
Israeli dance troop. In addition, Zoe works at the libraries of both Columbia University and the
Jewish Theological Seminary. Zoe hopes to pursue a career in health services and is very excited
to be a CLIP intern at F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services in the Personalized Recovery Oriented
Services division this summer.
Abby Lipnick is a rising senior at Swarthmore College. She is a History major
but enjoys taking classes in Studio Arts, Philosophy, and French as well. This
past semester Abby studied abroad in Paris, France, where she attended
classes at the Surbonne and lived with a French family. Learning languages,
whether it is French or Hebrew, is one of Abby’s foremost passions as it
leaves her opportunity for endless self-discovery, mistake-making, theatrics,
and acquaintanceship with foreign cultures. At Swarthmore, Abby is a member of Dare2Soar, a
college-run tutoring and mentoring program for elementary and middle school children in
nearby Chester County. Next year she will act as Lead Coordinator, helping to kick-start
Dare2Soar’s high school initiative. Last summer Abby worked at a sleep-away camp in Maine,
instructing kids in rock-climbing, cooking, and the arts. This summer, Abby looks forward to a
different trajectory; interning at the American Friends of Tel Aviv University.
Patricia Mansbach is a rising senior at Simmons College in Boston,
Massachusetts where she is double majoring in finance and French with a
minor in economics. On campus, she is one of the founding members and
treasurer of the Simmons Science Fiction and Fantasy Club. She is also
passionate about gender equality especially in terms of the benefits of
women in the workforce. She spent this past spring semester abroad in
Paris, France where she studied European economics and interned at a
French recruiting firm. In addition, she has also done an internship in the competitive pricing
and analysis department of a travel agency. She decided to do the CLIP internship after visiting
Israel last year on a birthright trip and becoming inspired to get more involved in her Jewish
roots. This summer she will be interning in the finance department of F.E.G.S. Health and
Human Services System.
Jake Meyers is a rising senior at Carleton College majoring in psychology.
On campus, Jake is a volunteer for Special Olympics and writes for the
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Carleton sports magazine. He is also a member of the badminton club and enjoys participating
in a number of intramurals, especially broomball. In his spare time, Jake loves to bike, hike,
complete crossword puzzles, and travel. Jake has been fortunate enough to visit Israel several
times and feels a strong connection to the country. Last fall, he had the opportunity to spend a
trimester in Prague, Czech Republic where he studied cross-cultural psychopathology and issues
in Czech and European society. Last summer, Jake interned at P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds,
an organization that supports over 800 charities in Israel in areas ranging from education to
medicine to social services. There, he assisted in enhancing P.E.F.'s website functionality and
database. Jake has also worked at the JCC Manhattan Day Camp as a counselor for 4-year olds.
He is looking forward to this summer where, through CLIP, he will be interning at the Missions
Department of Jewish Federations of North America.
Meredith Mitnick is a rising senior at Cornell University with a major in history
and a minor in Near Eastern studies. On campus, Meredith is very involved
with Jewish student life. For the past two years, Meredith has helped to
spearhead Jewish social justice efforts on campus, through her role as chair of
social justice on Hillel’s student executive board and as a Repair the World
fellow. Meredith enjoys attending weekly Shabbat services and holiday
celebrations with Kesher, Cornell’s group for Reform Judaism. Meredith is an
active member of her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, as well as a member of its group for academic
achievement, the Pearl Society. Meredith is very much looking forward to working at Hadassah as the
intern to the Executive Director/CEO
Nathaniel Moldoff is a rising senior at Franklin and Marshall
College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania majoring in business,
organizations and society and minoring in French. His academic
distinctions include being named a John Marshall Scholar,
receiving the Milton Sidney and Thelma Goldstein Award in Judaic
Studies, and being elected by his peers to Black Pyramid Senior
Honors Society, where he currently serves as treasurer. During
Fall 2011, Nathaniel studied in Paris where he became intrigued by the complex
dynamics of the local Jewish communal infrastructure. He then returned to Paris in
Summer 2012 on a college research grant to continue exploring this topic as an
independent study. He is member of Phi Sigma Pi, the co -ed honors fraternity,
where he currently serves as treasurer. Through the Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance (VITA) program, he volunteers his time and expertise helping low income families file their tax returns. Nathaniel is passionate about Jewish
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education and outreach and is involved with many organiz ations devoted to this
cause. He currently serves as the president of the Chabad student group at F&M
where he develops innovative and content -rich programming for Jewish students
on campus. He has travelled to Israel many times, most recently during this past
winter break as a participant in the Bizrael program where he explored the people,
organizations and culture that constitute the “start -up nation.” Last summer, he
interned at the Children Deserve a Chance Foundation assisting with grants,
fundraising and outreach. This summer as a CLIP intern, Nathaniel will be working
at F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services assisting in their Marketing and
Communications efforts.
Brooke Nacht is a rising sophomore at the University of Massachusetts
Amherst, where she is majoring in psychology, and minoring in education
with the hopes of becoming a school psychologist. This May she will be
going to Israel for the first time through Birthright. For the past few
summers, she has worked as a counselor at a JCC day camp with
kindergarteners. At UMass, Brooke serves on the board of The Lions Club,
an international community service organization, and this past fall she
helped raise over $2000 for eye research. As a 2013 CLIP intern, Brooke will use her
technological skills to help with web design and training videos for F.E.G.S. Health and Human
Services.
Lauren Newcorn is from Scarsdale, NY, and is a rising junior at New York
University, where she is pursuing a major in social work and minors in child
and adolescent mental health studies and public policy and management.
Lauren spends time outside of the classroom working in the mental health
field with children and adults. For the past three summers, she was a
counselor at an inclusion camp for children who have special needs. She
currently volunteers at Susan’s Place, a homeless shelter in the Bronx for
women with mental illness. Lauren also interns for Unified Theater, an organization that fosters
inclusion through performing arts, and writes for UT’s “in the news” blog. Additionally, she is on
the leadership council of Care for the Homeless. This summer, Lauren will intern at Uri
L’Tzedek, a Jewish social justice organization.
Sarah Orenshein is a rising junior at New York University, majoring in Economics
and minoring in Web Programming and Applications and Hebrew and Judaic
Studies. She attended Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School and spent a year studying
at Midreshet Harova in Jerusalem before starting college. Sarah is actively
involved in Hillel at NYU. She served as the gabbaite, religious services
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coordinator, of Shalhevet: Orthodox Judaism at NYU and currently is an executive board
member of Bridges: Muslim- Jewish Interfaith Dialogue at NYU. Sarah was the JOFA (Jewish
Orthodox Feminist Alliance) fellow at NYU for this past academic year, through which she
organized and ran relevant events. Last summer, Sarah became a certified Emergency Medical
Technician and volunteered on her town’s ambulance corps. This summer, Sarah is interning at
UJA- Federation of New York for the Commission on the Jewish People.
Adam Ossip lives in Plainview, New York and is a rising junior at Brandeis
University. He is majoring in mathematics and near eastern and Judaic studies
and is minoring in linguistics. For the 2012-2013 academic year, he was the
religious life coordinator for Hillel at Brandeis, where he worked with
the minyanim and coordinated holiday programming. For the last four
summers, he has done research at the Garcia MRSEC program at Stony Brook
University. Adam is looking forward to interning at UJA-Federation of New York
in the Weiner Education Center this summer.
Shira Papir is a rising junior at the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Arts and
Sciences where she is majoring in history. Originally from Miami, Florida, Shira
took a gap year before college and participated in the program Kivunim: New
Directions where she traveled to 11 different countries to study different Jewish
cultures and civilizations. This past year at Penn, she served as the vice-chair of
PRISM (Programs in Religion, Interfaith, and Spirituality Matters), which is
dedicated to advancing knowledge about religious life and promoting interaction
among the various religious groups on campus. At school, she is also involved with
the Penn Reading Initiative, which is designed to raise the reading levels of urban
elementary school students in West Philadelphia. Last summer, she worked at Camp Judaea in
North Carolina as a unit leader, designing an educational curriculum about Israeli culture and
society for 12-year-old campers. As a CLIP participant this summer, she will be interning at FEGS
Health and Human Services System in the Work Services Division.
Zoe Pinter is a rising senior in the Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies, the
joint program between Columbia University and the Jewish Theological
Seminary. She is currently pursuing two bachelor’s degrees, one in psychology
from Columbia University, and one in modern Jewish studies from the Jewish
Theological Seminary. On campus, she is the director of Nightline,
Columbia/Barnard’s Peer Listening Hotline. She has been heavily involved in the
organization since her first year at Columbia, taking calls and training other
peer-listeners. She is very passionate about mental health and de-stigmatizing
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it on campus as she is a campus representative for Go Ask Alice, Columbiahealth and wellness
website. In keeping with that passion, she has worked at Kadima, a mental health agency in
Southfield, Michigan as well as Bellevue Hospital, in their psychiatric unit. Another love of hers
is Jewish education. Zoe works at congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City as a Hebrew
school teacher for children with special needs. This past semester she was also the advisor for
the South Orange USY-Kadima chapter, planning event for 6th-8th graders. This summer, she
will be interning through CLIP at Footsteps.
Jessica Puterman is a rising junior at Brandeis University where she is pursuing
a major in both History and Near East and Judaic Studies. She is also minoring
in legal studies. Her course of study gives Jessi ample opportunity to research
into the history of Jews and Judaism - a topic with which she is fascinated. Jessi
grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and became involved in the Bnei Akiva
Youth Movement as a teenager. Prior to Brandeis, Jessi studied at Midreshet
Harova, a religious seminary for young women in Jerusalem, Israel. At
Brandeis, Jessi is an active member on the Mock Trial team, and she loves the challenge of
defending both sides of the same case. She is also a Hebrew tutor at the Boston Jewish
Education Program. As an active member in the Brandeis Orthodox Organization, Jessi enjoys
spending time connecting to Judaism and to her peers. She is also a member of the National
Society of Collegiate Scholars. Jessi hopes to move to Israel one day. This summer, Jessi will be
interning through CLIP in the Next Gen department at the Orthodox Union.
Heather Renetzky, a California native, is a rising junior at Macalester College
in St. Paul, Minnesota where she is majoring in psychology and minoring in
religious studies. An active leader in religious life on campus, Heather is a coleader of Macalester Jewish Organization and a part of Multifaith Council, a
committee that fosters interfaith dialogue across campus. Heather also works
as a writing tutor on campus and recently received the College Reading and
Learning Association International Tutor Training Program Certification. She
participates in Medicinal Melodies, a community service group that provides
music to those suffering from illness in the Minneapolis/St. Paul community and will serve as an
orientation leader for a second time this fall. This past semester, Heather studied peace, justice,
and community engagement in Central America. This summer, Heather is thrilled to be
interning through CLIP at the Academy for Jewish Religion where she will be helping improve
communication and technological strategies.
Steven Saltz is a rising junior at Binghamton University, where he is
double majoring in geography and philosophy, politics, and law. At
Binghamton, Steven is the publicity director for the College Democrats,
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and with the student group worked alongside Obama for America to campaign for the
President’s reelection last year. Steven is the editor of the newsletter at the Binghamton
University chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. He has written for two campus newspapers:
Pipe Dream and Binghamton Prospect. Steven has spent the past two summers working as a
counselor for 12- and 13-year olds at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Through CLIP Steven will
be working at T'ruah: A Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, working in development.
Rebecca (Becky) Santora is a rising junior in the Double Degree program
between Barnard College and the Albert A. List College of Judaic Studies at the
Jewish Theological Seminary. She is currently pursuing a degree in
anthropology from Barnard College, and another Talmud and Rabbinic
literature from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Becky is very passionate
about women's and gender equality. She is the president of Jewish Women on
Campus (JWOC) and a member of the production team of the
Columbia/Barnard V-Day. Becky is also a member of Columbia/Barnard Hillel's Interfaith and
Intercultural Committee. In her free time, Becky enjoys cake decorating and practicing Krav
Maga martial arts. She has interned with the National Council of Jewish Women and Masa
Israel Journey. This summer, she will be interning through CLIP for the Jewish Federations of
North America (JFNA) with the GA & Special Projects and Mandel Center.
Adam Schlussel is a rising sophomore at Cornell University, where he is
majoring in information science. On campus, Adam serves as the Chair of
Campus Relations for the Cornell Israel Public Affairs Committee (CIPAC),
Cornell’s bipartisan pro-Israel group and is a Research Assistant for Cornell
University’s Social Media Lab. He is also a brother of the Sigma Alpha Mu
fraternity’s Beta Chapter. Before college, Adam took a gap-year and
attended Yeshivat Orayta, where he lived and studied Jewish texts, in the Old
City of Jerusalem. Adam looks forward to being a CLIP intern at AllSector
Technology Group this summer.
Lucy Schwartz is a rising senior at Binghamton University, where she is
majoring in English and minoring in women’s studies. She has served on the
Binghamton University Zionist Organization board and was the CAMERA fellow
for Binghamton. For the past two years, Lucy has served as the public relations
director and the major programs coordinator for Chabad at Binghamton. Next
year, Lucy is very excited to serve as the Chabad president. Outside of Jewish
life at Binghamton, Lucy has loved working with the Physics Outreach
Programs, teaching local elementary school students physics in an after-school
program weekly. Last summer, Lucy planned a Shabbaton and worked on
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social media for Heart to Heart. This summer, Lucy will be working on social networks and
doing archival research at the Samuel Bronfman Foundation, in order to further their and her
own commitment to improving the Jewish community and Jewish learning.
Michaela (Mia) Shapiro is a rising senior at Barnard College, majoring in
English and education. Mia has always exhibited an excitement and desire
to pursue all opportunities presented to her, which is probably why she
can't decide what she wants to do with her life (there are just too many
choices!). She spent her most recent spring break in Nicaragua with AJWS
working with farmers on sustainable farming and the education of women.
In high school, she volunteered at Planned Parenthood League of
Massachusetts. As a Peer Network Engagement Intern at the Columbia/Barnard Hillel this past
year, Mia brought her passion for sexual health into the Jewish community on campus through
the planning of two events involving conversations about healthy relationships and body image
in the Jewish world. Mia is also a Barnard Writing Fellow, helping students of all disciplines
improve their writing skills. She plans to get her New York State Teaching Certification in
English upon graduation. Mia spent the past semester assisting and observing a seventh grade
English class, and will student teach full time at a high school in the fall, but eventually hopes to
lobby for education reform in America. In the meantime, she will work as a Clip intern in the
Marketing/Editorial Department of UJA and hopes to explore new ways of writing about the
Federation's philanthropic endeavors.
Keren Shemesh is a rising junior in the College of Arts and Sciences at New York
University, majoring in Psychology with a planned double minor in Sociology
and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. At NYU, Keren has just
completed a year as a Bronfman Center Engagement Intern, working towards
fostering a more connected Jewish community at NYU. Keren is also currently
the Vice President of Event Planning for Gesher, NYU’s Israeli culture club. In
high school, Keren was extremely active in her local BBYO region, serving in
multiple chapter positions including Vice President of Membership, Vice
President of Events, and President, as well as regional Treasurer. During her
time as treasurer she helped raise around $8000 in order to support the
organization Free The Children. Keren has also attended both AIPAC High School Summit, and
Policy Conference at which she was able to strengthen her passion for Israel advocacy. As a CLIP
intern this summer, Keren will be working at Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of
America, Inc.
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Ben Sheridan is a senior political science major at Binghamton University. He
studied history of the Jewish diaspora and Middle Eastern politics with the
Oxford Center for Jewish and Hebrew Studies while living in Jerusalem for a
year on Kivunim. Ben has traveled to Europe, North Africa, and Asia,
developing a strong interest in international relations along the way. At
school, Ben is the founder and president of Binghamton Dorm Room
Diplomacy, a student publication contributor and an active leader in the
Jewish community. In the summer of 2012, Ben was a Goldman Fellow at the AJC. This summer,
he will be working with Encounter in New York City.
Abby Shuster is a rising senior in the joint program between Columbia University
and the Jewish Theological Seminary, studying American Studies and Bible. Born
and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Abby took a gap year in Israel through
Kivunim, where she visited Jewish communities in ten countries. Now, she is
happily settled in New York City. On campus, Abby is involved with
Columbia/Barnard Hillel’s liberal Israel group, Pro-Israel Progressives, and thinks
a lot about what Torah, gender, halakha, and psychology can teach one another.
This summer, Abby will be working in the Jewish Communal Network
Commission at UJA-Federation of New York as a CLIP intern.
Amanda Somekh is a rising senior at Kenyon College, pursuing a BA in
Psychology. She has always been passionate about taking an active role in
making a positive impact in her community, as well as in outside communities.
At Kenyon, she is the senior student coordinator of the Off Campus Psychology
Program, which coordinates a mentorship program between Kenyon students
and elementary school students from the surrounding schools. In addition to
mentoring various students throughout the year, she volunteers in a first grade
classroom, and sings in an all-female a cappella group. Since spending time in
high school studying on Kibbutz Tzuba, outside Jerusalem, she continues to participate in Jewish
organized programs, specifically service-learning trips. Recently, Amanda volunteered in New
Orleans, on a Jewish Funds for Justice trip, and she is a participant in the Kenyon Hillel and
JStreet U group on campus. While this is her first summer not working as a day camp counselor,
she is really looking forward to her internship with the Jewish Federations of North America's
National Young Leadership.
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Daniel Weiner is a rising senior at Washington University in St. Louis majoring
in environmental policy and minoring in Jewish, Near Eastern, and Islamic
studies. On campus, he is president of micrOlin, a microfinance group in which
the goal is to improve the lives of people who would not otherwise be able to
access capital. Daniel has taken an active role in community service on campus
through his membership in the Lambda Sigma community service honorary as
well as his work with Relay for Life. He has held marketing positions for Lambda
Sigma as well as micrOlin, and he hopes to use these experiences for his
internship this summer. He also aims to use the skills he attained in his
previous internship at Turner Sports in which he produced videos, several of which were
published on NCAA.com. This summer through CLIP Daniel is looking forward to working at the
Jewish Education Project in the Institutional Advancement department.
Julie Wichler is a rising senior at New York University studying Applied
Psychology in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human
Development. For the past two summers, Julie worked at URJ Eisner Camp,
where she was previously a camper. She has just returned from a semester
abroad at NYU’s campus in London, and loves to travel. Julie is a member of
the Zeta Tau Alpha Women’s Fraternity and has previously served as the
Corresponding Secretary and on the Peer Review Board. In the Applied
Psychology program, she is a peer mentor and serves on the Executive Board
for the Applied Psychology Undergraduate Club. Julie loves running, and is
signed up to run the New York City Marathon for the second time this November. She is very
excited to be interning at the Union for Reform Judaism in their Human Resources department
through CLIP this summer.
Rachel Wiskind is a rising junior at Tufts University majoring in Judaic
studies and psychology. She is particularly interested in understanding the
psychology behind genocide and mass atrocities. This past year, she was
the co-chair for freshman outreach and engagement at Tufts Hillel, and
next fall she will be the co-chair for Jewish Women at Tufts. Rachel served
as a Cummings/Hillel intern for Holocaust and Genocide Education this
past year and will be the intern for Hillel's Moral Voices program in the
fall, focusing on human trafficking. She will also be the chair of the outreach committee for
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Tufts' Friends of Israel. Later this year, Rachel will be participating in a conference in Talloires,
France, to address the role of Tufts in ending genocide and mass atrocities. This summer,
Rachel will be interning with the Union for Reform Judaism in the Youth, Camp, and Israel
Programs. She will work with the web and communications team to assist in the marketing and
promotion of NFTY, camp, and Israel programs through web sites, social media, and email
communications.
Ariana Wolk is a rising junior at Cornell University, where she is majoring
in psychology and double minoring in communications and feminist,
gender, and sexuality studies. Ariana is a research assistant in the
Automaticity Lab at Cornell, and is an active member of the Ears club, a
peer counseling service on campus. In her spare time, Ariana enjoys
spending time with her friends and family, listening to music, and
traveling. To further pursue her love of travel, Ariana intends to study
abroad in London next spring. As a 2013 CLIP intern, Ariana looks forward to working at AARP.
CLIP 2013