MEET OUR STAFF

Get To Know Rabbi Sara

Hi, I’m Rabbi Sara! Originally from Toronto, I was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.   My rabbinate has been built on the central values of Am Yisrael (people of Israel), Kehila (community), and Chesed (loving kindness). Over my career, I have served as a collaborative and entrepreneurial leader of Jewish communal life.

Prior to joining Northeastern Hillel, I worked for many years as the Director of Spiritual Care at Hebrew SeniorLife where I founded the Hebrew SeniorLife Chaplaincy Institute and was part of the founding board for the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab at Brandeis University.  I am a former president of the MA Board of Rabbis, and an active member of the Walnut Street Minyan. Israel is a central component of my Jewish life and I have spent significant time there. 

I was profoundly impacted by my own Hillel experience as an undergraduate student at Oberlin College, where I was an active member and student leader.  I want to give that same opportunity to students today.  

I am passionate about innovative institutional change guided by Jewish values and traditions. I love university educational culture, our students, and the process of building a strong, and joyful Jewish community on campus. I envision Northeastern University Hillel as a vibrant Jewish student community, welcoming students of all Jewish backgrounds and levels of knowledge into joyful Jewish life, a love of Israel, and the global Jewish community. 

My commitment to Northeastern includes helping the University fight bias, educate about antisemitism, and create a campus where Jewish students,staff, and faculty can live proud Jewish lives.

Please reach out to me to share what Hillel means to you, ideas and concerns, and to join together to continue to help Northeastern Hillel grow and flourish.

You can reach Sara at: s.paasche-orlow@northeastern.edu

Get To Know Jennifer

Hi, my name is Jennifer Stone, I am the Associate Director here at Northeastern Hillel. I’m from Peabody, Massachusetts and am a graduate of Lesley University for my undergraduate degree and have graduate degrees from both Florida State University and George Washington University. I come to Northeastern Hillel after many years in Hillel working at the University of California Santa Barbara Hillel, as well as the Binghamton University Hillel.

As the Associate Director I oversee our entire student life experience which includes immersive experiences, our global student initiatives, new student and prospective student engagement, student leadership and internship opportunities, and more! I work closely with our national partners on and off campus, the university administration, and partner with the local community on a variety of projects.

Reach out to me if you are a prospective student or family interested in Northeastern, if you are excited about getting involved in Leadership at Hillel, looking for ways to be involved in Hillel at any of our satellite campuses in America or Abroad, are an organization interested in partnering with Hillel to enhance the student experience, or want to chat about the best place to find Brunch in Boston.

You can reach Jen at: jen.stone@northeastern.edu

Get To Know Hannah

Hi! I’m Hannah Swartz, Director of Development. I come to Northeastern Hillel with a broad background in nonprofit administration and fundraising, primarily for arts and culture organizations including the Puppet Showplace Theater, Peabody Essex Museum, Tufts University Art Gallery, and Nevelson Chapel in NYC. I earned a BA from Smith College, and an MA in Arts Administration & Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

At Hillel, I lead our fundraising programs in partnership with Rabbi Sara, our visionary Executive Director, and with support from Alyssa Berman, Campus Marketing & Development Manager extraordinaire.

I love connecting with people, hearing their stories, and matching people’s passions and their philanthropy with our organization’s programs and initiatives. Please reach out if you have any questions about supporting Hillel, our Chai Society or Family Council, getting involved as an alum, hosting events, or learning more about our plans and dreams for Northeastern Hillel!

As for life outside of work, I live in Brookline with my husband and two boys, and many, many books, games, art supplies, family heirlooms, and chachkas. We love to go on adventures, visit museums, ride bikes, try new things, and eat interesting foods!

You can reach Hannah at: h.swartz@northeastern.edu

Get To Know Brian

Hi, I’m Brian, Director of Finance and Operations at Northeastern University Hillel. Hillel played an integral role developing my Jewish identity during my educational journey. I served as student president while earning a B.S. in Economics from Duke University and also established a Jewish graduate student organization while earning a PhD in Political Science from Yale University. Today I am an active member of TBS (across the river in Cambridge) and adaptive programs in the Boston area.  

As Director of Finance and Operations, I apply my experience at an EdTech startup and nonprofit organizations to ensure that everything running behind the scenes furthers the continued growth of NU Hillel's diverse and supportive community. In my free time I enjoy running, climbing, cooking, and hosting. Reach out to me if you want to learn about building access, using the kitchens, or practice speaking Portuguese or Spanish!

You can reach Brian at: br.fried@northeastern.edu

Get To Know Jacob

Hi, my name is Rabbi Jacob Weiss, and I am honored to serve as the Campus Rabbi and Wellness Chaplain at Northeastern University Hillel. My journey with this vibrant community began as a Rabbinic Intern, and my connection with the students and staff inspired me to continue my work here. In 2024, I completed my rabbinic studies and was ordained through Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Newton, MA. I am passionate about cultivating an atmosphere of hospitality and deep listening, where all feel welcomed, while infusing our community with ruach (spirit) and a love for Shabbat and the Jewish Holidays.

I teach the Jewish Learning Fellowship, titled “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellbeing,” where I weave together traditional Jewish teachings with a focus on holistic wellness. Additionally, I am engaged in Clinical Pastoral Care training, and will be available to connect with students, in my role as the Hillel Chaplain. I also have the privilege of advising our davening/prayer communities and overseeing the spiritual and religious programming at Hillel. I am eager to meet you and explore all aspects of your Jewish journey during your time in college.

My wife Henny, a Somatic Trauma psychotherapist, and I live in Cambridge, where we enjoy building community together. In a previous chapter of my life, I was a chef, and I continue to find joy in cooking and hosting meals for friends and family. I am deeply interested in discussing ideas of pluralism and Permaculture, and I find great meaning in discovering Torah in all aspects of life.

You can reach Jacob at: jac.weiss@northeastern.edu

Get To Know Becca

Hi my name is Becca Carin and I am the Birthright IACT and Student Life Coordinator. I graduated from University of Maryland where I got a BA in Jewish Studies with minors in Israel Studies and History.

Here at Northeastern Hillel, I run our Birthright Israel trips, oversee the Campus Antisemitism Peer Educators program and work with various student leaders to create meaningful programs for our campus community. Outside of work you can find me blasting show tunes or trying to read 50 books this year.

Feel free to reach out to me about a free trip to Israel, learning more about antisemitism, the first-year experience at Northeastern Hillel and Jewish joy. 

You can reach Becca at: b.carin@northeastern.edu

Get To Know Eitan

Shalom! My name is Eitan Gitlin and I am your Israel Engagement Coordinator. I am a proud graduate of Muhlenberg College where I studied Political Science and Jewish Studies. I was also the Israel Chair, President and Student Worker at Berg Hillel. I took a gap year in Israel before College living in both Jerusalem and Tiberias. 

As the Israel Engagement Coordinator, I work with students on programing and education surrounding the land of Israel including teaching the Kol Yisrael fellowship. I recruit and staff the annual Perspectives trip to Israel. I also work with students to connect Hillel with other faith/identity-based organizations on campus to encourage dialogue. 

Please feel free to reach out to me to have meaningful discussions about Israel, participate in Kol Yisrael, learn more about interfaith work, are interested in perspectives, are a Spanish speaking student on campus, or are an avid soccer fan! 

Todah Rabah

You can reach Eitan at: e.gitlin@northeastern.edu

Get To Know Julia

Hi my name is Julia Cestari, I'm the Springboard Fellow at Northeastern Hillel. I'm originally from Beacon, New York. I obtained a bachelors from Franklin and Marshall College with a joint major in American Studies and Sociology, and a minor in Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Here at Northeastern Hillel, I work with our First Year students, NUin students, our First Year Leadership Council, teach the Jewish Learning Fellowship, and spend my days grabbing coffee with everyone and anyone!

Feel free to reach out to me if you're new to campus and want to get involved, interested in one of our learning opportunities, just got back from your first semester on an NUin program, interested in Greek Life on campus, you love acapella or Broadway musicals, or if you just want to grab a coffee! 

You can reach Julia at: julia@northeasternhillel.org

Get To Know Sara

Hi, I’m Sara Birnbaum, a fifth-year Rabbinical Student at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), and I’m so excited to be working with Northeastern Hillel this year as the Hillel Slifka Nadich Fellow. The fellowship places rabbinical students in partnership with Conservative and engaged egalitarian Jewish student communities throughout the 2024–2025 academic year. I'm thrilled that Northeastern is my match!

I grew up in Massachusetts and lived in Boston for six years—so being back in town feels like coming home. My roots here run deep: on my maternal side, my family has lived in Boston since the late 1800s—five generations back. I’m a proud Boston sports fan (yes, I’ve raised my kids to cheer for the Sox and Pats!) and feel deeply connected to Jewish life in this region. My family and I currently live in Westchester County, NY, and two of our four children are now in college here in Massachusetts. We also have one child in high school and one in middle school.

I hold an MSW from Yeshiva University, and my background as a clinical social worker shapes the way I show up for students—with empathy, curiosity, and zero judgment. Whether you're navigating something personal, wrestling with big questions, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen and help create space for connection, growth, and community..

You can reach Sara at: info@northeasternhillel.org

Get To Know Ariel

Ariel is thrilled to be a part of the Northeastern Hillel Community! She grew up in Fairfax, VA, and graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Judaic Studies. Her first job in the non-profit world was at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as a program coordinator.

After a brief stint at a boutique consulting firm, she is thrilled to return to the Jewish non-profit world! She is excited to start a new chapter with Hillel International, where she supports Northeastern, Hillel at Brandeis, and UCF with their grassroots fundraising efforts.

In her free time, you can find Ariel watercolor painting, exploring new coffee shops, cheering on the Washington Capitals (her favorite hockey team), or petting a nearby dog (or cat).

You can reach Ariel at: aschwartzbach@hillel.org

Meet Revi!

He is a Golden Doodle who belongs to our Executive Director, Rabbi Sara.  He is happy to join students for walks around campus, and to be visited at the Hillel House!  

Revi would be happy to walk with you.  Just email Brian to set up a time! 

The Northeastern University Hillel Advisory Committee

The Northeastern University Hillel Advisory Committee is composed of dedicated leaders. It is responsible for ensuring that Northeastern Hillel is fulfilling its mission and for the legal accountability of its operations. It is responsible for ensuring effective organizational and strategic planning and for ensuring that NU Hillel has adequate resources to carry out its mission.

  • Mara Mades (President & Parent)

  • Tracie Basch (Parent)

  • Shana Glassman (Parent)

  • Irina Burt Grinsburg (Faculty)

  • Alissa Krasner Maizes (Alum & Parent)

  • Nathaniel Margolis (Community Member)

  • Arthur Maserjian (Alum)

  • Larry O’Rourke (Alum)

  • Sara Paasche-Orlow (Executive Director)

  • Stephen Schultz (Alum)

  • Susan Shapiro (Community Member)

  • Steven Shulman (Community Member)

  • Jennifer Skolnick (Parent)

  • Andy Weiss  (Alum)

  • Naomi Zygiel-Almozlino (Community Member)

Coffee Connection

We’d to get know you! Grab a coffee with Hillel staff member…and the coffee is on us!

Want to learn more about Hillel?

Want to learn about Israel programs?

Want to talk about your time at Northeastern?

Whatever the topic, we’d love to meet with you!

Make It Happen Fund

Transforming student’s ideas into their reality!

We encourage you to think big and think broadly. We're interested in innovative ideas that will create new opportunities for students to discover and connect to Jewish rituals, Jewish culture, and Jewish values.

We will fund your idea up to $250. Applications for a Make it Happen Fund grant are accepted on a rolling basis.

  • • The creation of a new or alternative themed Passover Seder

    • The creation of a Challah baking event in your dorm, fraternity and sorority

    • Coverage of travel costs and/or the registration fee to attend a conference/event for grandchildren of Holocaust survivors

    • The creation of a new event that promotes social justice, philanthropy or open dialogue.

    • The development of ​​Israel programming on campus.