Adam Chaiken is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying Economics and Journalism as a pre-law student. Passionate about sports and global connections, Adam aspires to become a basketball agent, focusing on athletes’ on- and off-court contributions. He is currently conducting sports economic research and contributing to an athlete trauma recovery documentary. Beyond academics, Adam values fostering meaningful connections that inspire collaboration, growth, and positive impact.

Adina is a Junior studying Neuroscience and Jewish Studies at American University in Washington DC. She works at a lab doing cognitive developmental neuroscience research and also teaches Hebrew school. In her free time, she loves doing Israeli dance, baking, and hiking with her friends. She’s very excited to meet other Jewish students in Prague and learn about the rich culture and history of Eastern European Jewry. Her main goal for living in Prague this semester is to build and activate a golem.

After loving her childhood in Cologne Germany, Angelika decided to study International Management at the Lauder Business School in Vienna. After successfully graduating, she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Gender Studies at the University of Vienna. Angelika is a young, active Jewish girl with a sharp mind and boundless creativity. For her, it is very important that every Jewish student studying in Europe has a deep connection with others and has the opportunity to get to know different Jewish communities through “Cultural Activity.” Angelika thinks that Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with a significant and strong Jewish history, culture, and artistic heritage. She shares this enthusiasm about the Jewish face of Vienna and today’s modern Jewish life in Austria with an open and welcoming heart.

Bram Hoffman is a junior at Washington University in St. Louis double majoring in American Studies and Marketing with a minor in Urban Design. Before college, he took a gap year to study at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh in Yavneh, Israel. Proudly hailing from Shaker Heights Ohio, he’s interested in urban development, the blues, and fashion. On campus, he sings bass in an award-winning acapella group that competes annually in ICCA (like Pitch Perfect). He has read Torah for eight years and counting since his Bar Mitzvah. When he’s not singing, he contributes to the campus fashion magazine, plays basketball, and works at a St. Louis bookstore.

Esther Bistricer is a junior at Brandeis University studying psychology and public health. On campus she is an active participant in Hillel and Chabad events and enjoys learning about Jewish history and rituals. Esther finds fulfillment in organizing community service events, trying new things, and connecting with others. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, going to museums and art exhibits, listening to music, and playing board games. Esther is excited to learn about and experience the vibrant Spanish culture during her semester abroad!

Eva Bard is a junior at the University of Michigan, studying abroad in Florence, Italy for the semester. She is a Political Science major and a business minor, specifically interested in international affairs. Outside of class, you can find her leading fitness classes in the Rec Center or canvasing for the Jewish Democratic Council of America. Throughout everything she does, Eva strives to make meaningful connections with those around her and hopes this quality will help her gain more perspective and community while abroad.

Ilan Amkraut is a junior at George Washington University, majoring in Exercise Science with a focus on pre-physical therapy. He is passionate about pursuing a career in physical therapy, particularly in sports rehabilitation, and is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to rehabilitation. Outside of academics, Ilan is actively involved in research, as well as in Hillel and Chabad, where he engages with his Jewish community. He is also a mentor and enjoys tutoring students in various subjects. Ilan is eager to explore diverse cultures and Jewish communities abroad, particularly in Europe, to deepen his connection to his faith and heritage.

Jordyn Behr is a Junior at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a Social Work degree. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, she is deeply passionate about helping others and fostering community. Jordyn is highly involved and immersed in the Jewish community, both on campus and back home, participating in organizations such as Chabad, Hillel, and Olami, and is a proud member of Alpha Epsilon Phi at Texas. She is a driven and compassionate individual who loves to travel, meet new people, and explore new cultures, always seeking opportunities for growth and meaningful connections. Jordyn aims to inspire those around her through her actions, values, and dedication to making a positive impact.

Julia is a junior in the double degree program at Barnard College & the Jewish Theological Seminary majoring in Architecture and Jewish Ritual Object Design. Originally from the Chicago area, she loves to run, visit museums, and trying new restaurants. With her excitement to explore the Jewish community Denmark has to offer, she is eager to foster a community that joins along for the adventure.

Michael Caplan is a junior at the University of Illinois, studying Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Spanish with a business minor. This semester, he is studying abroad at Universitat de Barcelona to enhance his Spanish proficiency while exploring Europe. Michael has participated in two learning fellowships through Illini Hillel—the Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) and the Israel Learning Fellowship (ILF). He has also volunteered as a Spanish interpreter for parent-teacher conferences in Champaign, Illinois, and works as a manager for Campus Recreation as well as a Spanish translator for the Urbana Park District. At his university, he served as the committee chair for the Human Resources and Psychology Organization (HRPO). In his free time, Michael enjoys traveling, going on bike rides, and spending time at the beach.

Nora Schobel is an English Literature and History major at the University of Maryland, currently studying abroad at the University of Amsterdam. Outside the classroom, she is an editor for several literary magazines and a passionate creative writer, with many of her short stories published. Nora hopes to pursue a career in publishing, helping bring diverse and compelling stories to readers worldwide. When she’s not writing or editing, Nora can be found playing rugby or curating the perfect Spotify playlist—likely featuring Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, or whatever suits her mood that day.

Sage is a Junior at the University of Michigan, where she is majoring in Neuroscience and pursing Honors in the Engaged Liberal Arts. She is working to apply to medical this summer when returning from her adventures abroad. She loves to go on long runs and walks, listen to music, and explore new places with friends. She loves to hike and isn’t afraid of a little adventure. She grew up going to Herzl Camp, a Jewish summer camp in Wisconsin and is very passionate about the camp community. She’s very excited to meet many new people and for all the adventures abroad.

Samantha Feinberg is a History and Interdisciplinary Studies (Human Rights, Genocide, and Holocaust Studies) major at Tufts University. Samantha loves travelling, baking, going to museums, trying new dessert places and exploring cities. Samantha cannot wait to study in Copenhagen and meet everyone!

Sara is a rising second-year pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations between Northeastern University and Northeastern University London. She currently works part-time as a research assistant theorizing supranationalist frameworks in Latin America. Her diverse background having a Sephardic-Spanish father and Panamanian mother inspired her to study abroad in London, and previously Prague. Outside of academics, she volunteers at LetsTalkLatinx, a Latin visibility group in the UK, and serves as President of the Diplomacy and Jewish Societies at Northeastern University London. In her free time, Sara loves traveling, reading and creative writing, playing tennis, and keeping her Duolingo streak for French and German.

Shirel is a junior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies and Fine Arts. She hopes to attend law school and ultimately pursue a career in International Law. Shirel enjoys cultural exchange through cooking traditional foods and is always open to trying something new on the menu! In her free time, Shirel loves to read, journal, and create pottery. She is excited to meet and engage with fellow Jewish students in Amsterdam as well as facilitate creative and fun activities to connect with one another.

Tifi Grossman is a Junior at Barnard College studying Political Science and History. She feels lucky to have benefited from so many inclusive Jewish spaces and tries to create her own ones on campus. In her free time, Tifi can be found dancing, playing volleyball, and cooking. She is so excited to explore all that Australia has to offer this semester.

Zac is a devoted Jewish professional and public servant with experience in advance, education, management, consulting, government, and event design. In addition to being a student at Brandeis University, he is an award-winning musician, prayer leader, songleader, and advocate for queer and minority students. For the past two years, he served as a White House Intern and Advancer. All of his work is about creating community, building empathy, and leaving our world a bit better. Through song and story, he creates warm, welcoming, and uplifting experiences for prayer, discussion, and civic engagement. He believes in creating systems that empower, excite, and engage. An educator at heart, he knows meaningful work begins with 1:1 connections. He believes leadership is about life-long-learning, listening, and loving the work. He loves keeping his finger on the pulse of the music scene, exploring, baking French desserts, and hanging with dogs of all kinds.

Alyza Feiler is a Senior at Johnson & Wales University, studying psychology. with hopes of becoming a therapist. She loves to hang out with friends, meet new people, bake, and go shopping. She spent the last semester studying abroad in London and participated in Kahal events in London, as well as traveling to Berlin to go on the Global Campus Shabbaton. She is very involved in the Brown RISD Hillel and is looking forward to planning some great events for the JWU, RISD, and Brown students this year!

Ari is a rising Senior at Tulane University studying Communications and (SLAM) Strategy, Leadership, and Analytics Minor. During her free time, she enjoys singing and playing tennis with her friends. Additionally, she loves to travel the world and finds joy in photography of beautiful scenery from all different landmarks. Ari also loves discovering and taking part in trends whether it’s fashion, music, or food. While being a student she learns about advertising and event planning that could hopefully lead to networking opportunities for future involvement in the media industry.

Bailey Harris studies Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Southern California. Bailey is a proud Jewish woman who has spent her life in Jewish spaces from working at her Jewish overnight camp to launching her university’s Jewish cinema society. A fierce Jew and creative, Bailey finds great interest in combining Judaism and art and hopes to one day create more Jewish centric television. In her free time, she is known for drawing, watching films, and ideally, playing with her dogs Wrigley and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Dylan is a Marketing major at The University of Texas at Austin, with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She is also involved with numerous organizations, such as AEPhi, Texas Hillel, and the Texas Entertainment Association. Last semester, Dylan served as a Kahal Global Ambassador while studying abroad in Prague, where she connected further with the Jewish community in Europe. She loves to cook, draw, and has an interest in comedy. In fact, she worked for CAA in the Comedy Touring department in LA over the summer!

Ella Krumerman is an Economics and Cognitive Science double major and Business minor at the University of Michigan. She grew up both in Israel and in the United States, which leads her to strong pro-Israel advocacy and a leader of Jewish students on campus. Ella loves the outdoors, hiking, climbing, running, scuba diving, and swimming. She spent her last semester in Paris, where she was a Kahal Ambassador and spent her time admiring art and fashion, reading, speaking French, and meeting other Jewish students.

Hannah is an undergraduate student at NYU Gallatin’s school for individualized study. She is studying Public Policy. Hannah likes to read, write, travel, and sing. Last year Hannah was a Kahal Global Ambassador for one semester in Buenos Aires and also one semester in Berlin.

Hannah Smuckler is a senior at the University of Kansas. She is studying Strategic Communications and minoring in Spanish. She studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain during the spring 2024 semester. She loves to travel, listen to music and read in her free time. On KU’s campus, she is involved in the Journalism school and KU Hillel.

Jeremy Haviv is a passionate Psychology major at New York University. He grew up on Long Island and attended a Yeshiva Day School where he learned to be proud and outspoken about his Judaism. He served as the External Relations Chair for his Hillel where he reached out to many downtown Jewish communities to help cultivate a more united and vibrant Jewish life on his campus, and serves as the current VP of Staff. In his free time, he is a Hebrew School Educator for 3rd and 4th-grade children at a synagogue where he helps them foster their love and appreciation for the Jewish culture and Hebrew language. Last semester he was the Global Ambassador for Kahal in Sydney where he helped bring Jewish life to the students studying abroad and looks forward to serving as the Campus Representative at NYU this year.

Josie Zucker is an International Relations major at American University in Washington, D.C. She also has minors in Creative Writing and French Translation. Her favorite activities include reading, writing, crafting and Pinterest-boarding, sitting in cafes, watching Comedy sketches, and learning languages on Duolingo.
Josie spent her entire junior year abroad, with the fall semester in Rabat, Morocco, and the spring in Krakow, Poland. In both locations, Kahal was integral to her discovery of and engagement with Jewish history and communities still existing today. She hopes to inspire Jewish students studying abroad to connect with each other and the local Jewish culture!

Lucas Harris is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Economics with a minor in Mathematics. Coming from Boca Raton, Florida, Lucas enjoys playing golf, tennis, and going to the gym in his free time. With a passion for meeting new people and building strong communities, Lucas is thrilled to be selected as a Campus Representative for Kahal. He believes this role will not only help strengthen the Jewish community at UW-Madison but also provide an excellent opportunity to forge new friendships and create lasting memories.

Meleya is majoring in Public and Global Health with a minor in Spanish and Anthropology at the University of Washington. In her free time, she loves to travel, explore new cultures and languages, and play volleyball. One of her favorite things to do is to cook different recipes from countries she has visited. She studied abroad in Madrid Spain where she got connected to Kahal and can’t wait to share experiences with other Jewish students going abroad.

Mey is a rising senior at Boston University studying business with concentrations in marketing and strategy. She is originally from Turkey but currently lives in New York. She has also lived in Spain, Hong Kong and Switzerland, speaks three languages and loves traveling. She recently studied abroad in London and got involved with Kahal through their Shabbat weekend trip to Berlin. She is very excited to be a part of this cohort and develop her leadership skills.

Neima Fax is a senior at Brandeis University, majoring in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and History. She originally hails from Los Angeles but has grown fond of Boston winters. She is an active participant in the Brandeis Orthodox community, while seeking to form strong relationships with the larger Jewish community at Brandeis. She studied Jewish history in Prague for a semester where she deepened her understanding of Central and Eastern European Jewry. During her free time, Neima can be found sipping coffee, writing, crocheting, and spending quality time with friends. She is sad to be entering her senior year at Brandeis, but she can’t wait for what comes next!

Rachel is an incoming senior at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, studying real estate and marketing. She loves her hometown city of Chicago, anything food related, is a die hard White Sox fan. In Spring 2024, Rachel studied in Madrid and loved her time as a Kahal ambassador.

Rachel is a senior at Muhlenberg College with a major in Psychology and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. She just returned from her semester abroad in London where she took classes, interned at a Jewish preschool, traveled, and was a Kahal Global Ambassador. Rachel had an incredible time immersing herself in different cultures, seeing cool sites, and being a part of the global Jewish community. Coming back to the states Rachel knew she wanted to continue to be a part of Kahal and the global Jewish community by educating others and bringing in new perspectives. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, listening to music, and doing arts and crafts. Rachel is super excited to bring Kahal to Muhlenberg this year!

Rayna is a rising senior at Washington University in St. Louis in the business school, studying organization and strategic management & psychology. She is originally from New York City. In her free time, she loves snowboarding, photography, graffiti, thrifting, traveling, and anything outdoorsy or adventurous. This past semester, she studied abroad in Dublin and participated in the weekend Berlin trip, where she was formally introduced to the KAHAL program. Back on campus, Rayna is involved with both Chabad and Hillel, where she serves on the board, and is the president of the AIPAC chapter on campus.

Ruth grew up in Oak Park, just west of Chicago, where they were an active member of a warm and small conservative synagogue. After high school, she took a Shnat Sherut (Year of Service) gap year and became a geology major at Amherst College, interested in climate science. She loves spending time outdoors, reading novels, attempting baking projects, and hanging out with their dogs. On campus, Ruth is active in Hillel, contributes to the literary magazine, and participates in various recreational clubs. In spring 2024, she spent a semester in Paris and connected with Kahal to find a Jewish community during her studies.

Sarah Hasson is a senior at Pace University studying Production & Design and Stage Management. She studied abroad in London at Regent’s University and loved participating in Kahal to help her find her Jewish community while abroad. She loves to cook, do crafts, and read plays!