Student Leadership
NEW COLLEGE OF HILLEL STUDENT BOARD 2011-2012
Rachel Atwood, President
Shalom! I am Rachel Atwood. I have been a part of Hillel starting in my first year as Shabbat Chair. As a board member of Hillel for three years and a former RA I have a lot of experience organizing events for the New College community and the skills to organize Hillel programming. This year will be my last year and would like to bring my experience, semester abroad in Israel, and knowledge about Judaism from years of Jewish education and as a Religion AOC to work with the board and the rest of Hillel to continue and expand our programming and to foster more of a sense of community within Hillel.
My main goal is to try to foster a sense of community and communal efficacy within Jewish life on campus. I want to continue the great programming of years past, including weekly or bi-weekly Shabbat dinners, Dine and Discourse with Rabbi Ed, monthly movie nights, holiday meals and events, Israel programs, and Birthright registration. Additionally, I really want to make Jewish programming more relevant to New College student’s interests and values, by focusing on programs like Jewish perspectives on modern ethical issues, Jewish arts and spirituality. I also look forward to working with the board to create other great ideas.
In the past couple years, Hillel has really grown and provides a great resource to New College. As president, I hope to help ensure it continues to provide a range of relevant Jewish experiences on campus. Rachel.Atwood@ncf.edu
Michael Waas, Secretary
I am a Fourth-Year Anthropology (focus in Archaeology) and Music Composition student at New College of Florida. Born and raised in Miami, Florida in a traditional Jewish family, I feel a strong connection to both my Jewish heritage and Israel. Growing up with Matza Ball Soup and Yiddish as well as Burekas and Ladino, I have experienced many facets of Judaism just within my own family. My family has been politically active both as Jews in the Diaspora and as Jews in Israel for many generations now. Since March 2010, I have worked for the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation as a writer in the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative, tackling topics ranging from divestment to author Dan Senor. As an anthropology student, I have visited Israel once before in January 2009 while on Birthright. During the trip, I observed some of the tensions in Israeli society between Ashkenazim, Sephardim, and the Mizrahi Jews. I plan to pursue archaeological work in Israel and to further my Hebrew learning. Michael.Waas@ncf.edu
Sarah Dietz, Co-Shabbat Chair
My name is Sarah Dietz and I will be a second-year student at New College in the fall. I am the Shabbat Co-Chair for the upcoming year. I love how Hillel has let me continue to be involved in Judaism and Jewish community in spite of often stressful academic schedules. My goal as Shabbat chair is to help other students get more involved too. This year, I want Hillel to attract more first-year students, as well as current students who may not be very involved but are interested in Jewish life. Along with my co-chair, Elizabeth, I look forward to hosting lots of enjoyable Shabbats, and some themed ones as well. Sarah.Dietz@ncf.edu
Elizabeth Burger, Shabbat Co-Chair
My name is Elizabeth Burger and I am a second year history AOC with a focus on modern Europe. I strongly identify with Jewish culture, I love Israel and look forward to being involved in Hillel this year as Shabbat co-chair with Sarah. My goals are to include more people in our events and to make everyone feel welcome, regardless of their religion. Elizabeth.Burger@ncf.edu
Allison Whitcomb, Tikkun Olam (Social Justice) Chair
My name is Allie Whitcomb and I will be a fourth-year Sociology and Gender Studies student at New College of Florida. After New College, I plan on attending grad school, and eventually obtaining my doctorate. Originally from Miami, I was raised in a fairly secular home; however, in High School I decided that I wanted to embrace my Jewish heritage and religion, and I began to study Torah and was confirmed when I was 15. Since then I have become involved in youth groups, Hebrew tutoring programs, various synagogues, and now New College’s Hillel. Since coming to New College, I have really enjoyed becoming a part of the Hillel and attending the Kabbalah course, the Dine and Discourse series, and a host of other Hillel events as they are great ways that enrich my sense of Jewish identity and sense of community on campus. Being in Hillel allows me to become involved and meet great people, all while working within an organization committed to Jewish values and teachings. I look forward to seeing what this coming year will bring! Allison.Whitcomb@ncf.edu
Daniel Mart, Jewish Culture and Israel Co-Chair
Daniel Mart My name is Daniel Mart and I am a 1st year student at New College. I grew up in Tampa and was very active in my synagogue and youth group. I spent two summers at the Kutz Jewish Leadership camp, and spent the fall of my senior year in Israel on a study abroad program. I am the Jewish Culture/Israel Co-Chair for New College Hillel. I chose to get involved in Hillel because I want to see our Hillel grow, and become an even more active and vibrant community. My goal is to see more students involved and have an even bigger variety of events next year. I envision our Hillel holding more social, religious, discussion, Israel awareness events and more. Daniel.Mart@ncf.edu
Shiree Weinbaum, Jewish Culture and Israel Co-Chair
My name is Shiree Weinbaum. I was born in Israel but raised in multicultural Miami. I am working on my AOC in Political Science at New College with an focus on immigration law. As the Jewish Life and Israeli Culture Co-Chair, my goal is to bring some of that color to New College with events that will celebrate Jewish and Israeli cultures. Shiree.Weinbaum@ncf.edu
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