After graduation this year, three newly minted KU alumni are heading into Jewish communal work across the U.S. Each credited experiences at KU Hillel as the reason why they chose to become Jewish professionals.
Ben Novorr, of Overland Park, is heading to Indiana University Hillel to start work as their Jewish student life coordinator this July. He looks forward to helping Jewish Hoosiers find their own home away from home, much like he did.
“To say that KU Hillel uniquely prepared me to be a Jewish professional wouldn’t even come close to describing the magnitude of its impact on my career trajectory,” Novorr said. “Through innovative programming, meaningful religious experiences, transformational travel opportunities, and a series of worthwhile internships, KU Hillel provided me with a safe environment where I was able to explore and find my Jewish identity.”
Novorr will be joined in the Hillel movement by Bari Sigal, of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a fellow Hillel intern. Sigal heads south to the University of Central Florida Hillel as their development associate.
After four years at KU, including as a development coordinator, Sigal felt prepared to start her new chapter in Orlando.
“KU Hillel prepared me to enter the Jewish professional world in more ways than I can count,” Sigal said. “From various internship opportunities to staff mentorships, KU Hillel has taught me so much.”
Novorr agreed, as he prepares to take lessons learned through his hands-on experience at KU Hillel to his new students at IU Hillel.
“The ones that I hold nearest and consider the most consequential lessons to my future career are the ones that emphasize the importance of community, engaging in difficult yet meaningful conversations, and being a strong leader by advocating for not only myself but also for others in my community,” he said.
Fellow graduate Jade Groobman also found her home at KU Hillel and now heads to New York City this summer. As B’nai Jeshurun’s community engagement program associate, Groobman will use her interests in social justice and community building to the synagogue.
“KU Hillel inspired me to become a Jewish professional by constantly encouraging my passion of social justice in Judaism and making it always feel like a viable and worthy career option instead of just a dream,” Groobman said.
Developing Jewish leaders is one of the many ways KU Hillel prepares the Jewish future each day. Through student leadership and a unique staff-student partnership, Hillel students truly create their own Jewish identity and place to call home throughout college — and beyond, said Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel executive director.
“We are so excited for all of our students’ futures,” Sostrin said. “We cannot wait to have these three as part of our amazing network of Jewish professionals.”
KU Hillel’s alumni network continues to grow as more and more of their students become Jewish lay leaders and professionals.
“It’s such a lovely and reassuring feeling knowing that although my time as a student has come to an end, I’ll forever be a part of and have a home with KU Hillel,” Novorr said.