Announcing the Newest Jewish Ideas Fellowship Cohort

Hebrew Union College is proud to announce the 2025-2026 fellows. The fellowship, now in its fourth year, supports emerging Jewish leaders, between 22-39 years old, by deepening their Jewish learning and strengthening their leadership skills.

"The fellowship offers an exceptional kind of playground where timeless Jewish ideas mingle with the fresh perspectives of leaders shaped by today's world," said fellowship program manager Rabbi Hannah Lybik '25. "By helping fellows clarify their voice - and put that voice into conversation with our rich and evolving tradition - the fellowship serves as both a bridge to the past and a launchpad to the future. It's about nourishing curious leaders who are eager to step up in their communities and who are ready to reimagine what's possible. Ultimately, our fellows step away from this experience with deeper connections to Jewish text and tradition, lifelong relationships with peers, mentors, faculty and alumni, and a strengthened sense of their capacity and authenticity as leaders."

Throughout the academic year, fellows participate in monthly study and practice, focusing on Jewish thought, literature, and culture. Through beit midrash (learning) sessions, chevruta (paired study), and small peer mentoring groups, they practice giving and receiving feedback, testing new ideas, and integrating leadership frameworks into their work. Each fellow also completes an independent project that combines their Jewish learning with personal leadership goals, culminating in a contribution to their community.

Recent project titles include:

• Belief, Belonging, & Beyond: God in Judaism & in Our Lives
• Reclaiming Sexuality in Judaism
• Sustaining Soul and Spirit in Jewish Communal Work
• Hebrewglyphics: An Iconic B'nei Mitzvah Tutoring Tool

Reflecting on their experience, 2024-25 cohort member Lily Ginsberg, Development Manager at Chicago Jewish Day School said, "I am grateful for the wide network I now have of young, curious, future Jewish leaders. I left the fellowship with new friendships and invaluable connections. Most excitingly, I left with a chevruta, and through our learning, we continue to build on the foundations the fellowship provided us."

Josh Leavitt, Donor Officer for The Ark, also felt honored to have been part of the fellowship. "My cohort's independent projects were impressive, wide-ranging, even practical. I'm feeling truly inspired to continue my work in Jewish philanthropy," expressed Leavitt, fellow 2024-25 cohort member.

Hebrew Union College is committed to building a learning community that represents the diversity of the Jewish community. The virtual nature of this program draws emerging Jewish leaders from various backgrounds, identities, and in this current cohort, 12 different states and Brazil.

Meet the 2025-26 Jewish Ideas Fellows

Matheus Alexandre

Matheus Alexandre lives in Fortaleza, Brazil, and is a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology at the Federal University of Ceará, where he researches contemporary left-wing antisemitism. He is also a fellow at the London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism and a member of a small Jewish community in Brazil's northeast.

Elliot Barnette

Elliot Barnette lives and works in Seattle, WA, where they are an active member of the Temple Beth Am community. A dedicated Jewish professional, Elliot oversees programs and operations at their synagogue and teaches Hebrew on weekends. They are passionate about building Jewish-rooted community and love hosting gatherings at their home for tea, games, and Shabbat celebrations.

Vivienne Diaz

Vivienne Diaz, originally from New Jersey, now lives in Jackson, MS, where she teaches high school and serves as a religious schoolteacher and director. She serves on the boards of SOJOURN and Faith in Women, driven by her passion for creating inclusive Southern Jewish spaces and advocating for queer and reproductive justice. When she's not working or in class, she enjoys reading or spending time on creative pursuits.

Gabriela Dillow

Gabriela Dillow, known to many as Gabs, is originally from Los Angeles, CA, and recently returned home after seven years in St. Louis, MO. She now works at Temple Isaiah. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, taking walks with her dog, and diving into a good book.

Rowen Ellis

Rowen Ellis, originally from the Bay Area, is half American and half Irish, and now lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with her wife and dog. She holds an MA in Women's and Gender Studies from the University of York and currently teaches English as a second language. In Rio de Janeiro, she is an active member of the Associação Religiosa Israelita (ARI) synagogue and was previously part of The Ark Synagogue in London, U.K.

Jordan Emrick

Jordan Emrick has lived in Boston, MA, for nearly a decade and currently works at Temple Israel. Before joining the team, she was deeply involved in her Jewish community-participating in religious school, BBYO, summer camp, and study programs in Israel. Outside of work, she enjoys going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Red Sox.

Sam Gessman

Sam Gessman lives in Arlington, WA, on the grounds of URJ Camp Kalsman. He serves as the camp's Retreat Coordinator and as the Regional Mentor for NFTY Northwest. In his free time, you can find him on the trail, the frisbee field, or in the kitchen.

Donna Harel

Donna Harel lives in Los Angeles, CA, where she works as an administrative assistant at a Jewish day school and teaches at her synagogue. Her Jewish community includes her synagogue family, her school, and the vibrant LA Jewish community she proudly calls home.

Ian Hest

Ian Hest is a journalist based in South Florida, where he was born and raised. He has spent over 15 years reporting across the U.S., covering sports, politics, and news. Active in his Jewish community, Ian facilitates Shabbat morning and High Holiday Torah discussions and teaches Judaics and Hebrew school. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and supporting his favorite teams, Tottenham Hotspur and the Miami Hurricanes.

Danit Hetsroni

Danit Hetsroni lives in San Francisco, CA and works as a Senior Program Manager at Jewish Family & Children's Services. She considers her Jewish community-her summer camp, home synagogue, close friends, and family-a safe and meaningful space. Danit enjoys murder mystery books, baking (especially challah), and is a big fan of Taylor Swift.

Mia Hirsch

Mia Hirsch is the Springboard Innovation Fellow at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life. She builds one-on-one relationships with students, oversees campus engagement and content creation interns, supports first-year engagement, and develops initiatives that strengthen Jewish identity, campus leadership, and Shabbat and holiday programming.

Jonathan Horowitz

Jonathan Horowitz recently moved to Seattle, WA, and is seeking a position where they can use their skills in communication, advocacy, and dialogue to make a meaningful impact in their community. They are passionate about expanding educational opportunities for Jews from interfaith backgrounds. In their free time, Jonathan enjoys volunteering at their local food bank, playing Hollow Knight, and playing tennis with their fiancée.

Spencer Kaseff

Spencer Kaseff is a Senior Outreach Manager at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. Originally from Kansas City, MO, he now lives in Los Angeles, CA, and has found a home in communities like JQ, IKAR, and BaseLA. Outside of work, Spencer enjoys trying gluten-free food, watching NFL games, and spending sunny days at the beach with friends.

Naomi Litwak

Naomi Litwak is based in Tampa, FL, where she serves as the Director of Youth Programming, creating Jewish experiences for K-12 students and people in their 20s and 30s. Growing up as a Rabbi's kid in South Florida and spending 15 summers at URJ Camp Coleman, Naomi's Jewish community has been a lifelong part of her journey. She is passionate about informal education, community-building, and all things camp.

Victoria Lyon

Victoria Lyon lives in Austin, TX, where she works as a Pilates and yoga instructor, private strength and mobility coach, and health-tech project consultant. She is a member of Temple Beth Shalom, tutors B'nai Mitzvah students, and enjoys teaching Jewish-rooted yoga at Sisterhood retreats. Victoria is passionate about projects that combine health, fitness, and spirituality.

Stephanie (Hadassah) Murray

Stephanie (Hadassah) Murray lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania and is a Shabbat-observant Conservative Jew who imagines a world where everyone experiences the joy of Shabbat. She works as a matchmaker for a local Jewish nonprofit serving 20-30-year-olds and is furthering her education to better advocate for others. Her Jewish community is always evolving, reflecting her passion for connection, care, and meaningful engagement.

Gabrielle Newell

Gabrielle Newell is a psychotherapist based in Pennsylvania and serves as Jew of Color Coordinator with Tribe 12, an organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community. She is passionate about Jewish history and its role in combating antisemitism, and she works to create spaces where community members can connect, share stories, and build meaningful relationships.

Megan O'Briant

Megan O'Briant is the Camp Director for Camp Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, VA, and is an active member of the larger Temple Rodef Shalom community. She grew up in Northern Virginia and is happy to call the area home. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending time with friends and family and is always down for a game night.

Jacob Parra

Jacob Parra lives in Tulsa, OK, where he is active in both Jewish and civic life. He serves on the Jewish Federation board, is Camp Shalom's Administrator, and is President of the Hispanic American Foundation as well as a member of the Greater Tulsa Hispanic Affairs Commission. A former Army National Guardsman, Jacob is passionate about making Judaism an important part of every Jew's life and strengthening Jewish pride across the community.

Caren Pilgermayer

Caren Pilgermayer is the Religious School Educator Coordinator at Washington Hebrew Congregation (WHC) in Washington, D.C., where she feels grateful to work at the synagogue she grew up in. A Penn State graduate, she has taught 2nd and 4th grade as well as music at WHC. Caren loves working with learners of all ages and creating content that sparks curiosity.

Sari Rosenberg

Sari Rosenberg is a legislative assistant at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington, D.C. Originally from New Jersey; she recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Women and Gender Studies and served as president of Michigan Hillel. Sari is pursuing a career in the rabbinate and enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with her dog.

Zachary Schnapp

Zachary Schnapp is a husband, father, dog dad, and practicing attorney living in Wilmington, DE. He and his family are members of Congregation Beth Emeth, where he serves as Chair of the Safety & Security Committee. Zachary is also on the Delaware Leadership Committee for JNF-USA and participates in the Community Security Campaign Committee for the Jewish Federation of Delaware.

Max Sunberg

Max Sunberg is from Santa Cruz, CA, where he works at Santa Cruz Hillel helping students engage with Jewish life on campus. His Jewish community includes his local synagogue, childhood friends, Moishe House events, and professional Jewish networks. Max is passionate about creating spaces for students to explore Jewish identity, culture, and tradition. In his free time, he enjoys writing poetry, attending open mics, and exploring the outdoors.