Hillel Staff
Yaffa Muhlbaum (she/her)
Manager of Jewish Student Experiences and Springboard Fellow
Yaffa grew up in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was heavily involved with NFTY and Rockdale Temple. She completed the Joint Program between Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary where she earned a BA in Archaeology and a BA in The Hebrew Bible, respectively. She is currently a student at Hebrew Union College pursuing a Master’s degree in Jewish Nonprofit Management. Yaffa has been a Kraft Global Fellow, a Changemakers Fellow, a Jewish Ideas Fellow, and a Masterclass Israel Fellow. Yaffa connects to Judaism primarily through tikkun olam and music. She has a passion for knitting, crocheting, and sewing, and is always looking for her next great read.
Email: ymuhlbaum@clevelandhillel.org
Hillel Board
Chanina Kosovske (he/him)
Community Outreach Coordinator
Chanina is a Theater and Math double major second year from Northampton, MA. During high school he was involved in NFTY-NE, planning and participating in programming for the NFTY-NE community and Eden Village Camp, an ecological Jewish farm-to-table sleepaway camp. Chanina is a singer and actor, and often feels connected with Jewish community when singing with passion in a group setting, such as services or song circles
Rachel Kraut (she/her)
Communications Chair
Rachel was actively involved in Jewish youth organizations like NCSY and BBYO, and served as the President of the Jewish Student Union in high school. She has volunteered at Celebration Company, a Jewish organization providing job training for people with disabilities, and worked at Brith Shalom Synagogue from 2018 to 2023, where she served as an Assistant Teacher and Front Desk Manager. Currently, Rachel is a student in the Olami Souled program, continuing her commitment to Jewish learning.
Natalie Sipress (they/any)
General Board Member
Natalie is a third-year board member of Oberlin College Hillel, majoring in Sociology with minors in Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies and Dance. They are an active representative for Oberlin at Hillel International events, including the Global Student Assembly and gatherings across Ohio and at the ICC. Natalie brings a passion for inclusive community building and advocacy to their role on the Hillel board.
Tali Goldman (she/her)
General Board Member
Tali is a second-year student majoring in Psychology and Music. She is excited to get involved with the board this year and plan fun events for Obies!
Hillel Interns
Nat Howard (they/them)
Website Design Intern
Nat is a neanderthal enthusiast, experienced fiber artist, avid traveler (they’ve been to all 50 states and 27 national parks!), disability justice activist, library dweller, and graphic and UX designer. Last year, they served as the Oberlin Hillel Co-First Year Representative. They have been involved in their local Jewish community, including through volunteer work, throughout their life.
Micah Margolis (he/him)
Dialogue Intern
Micah is a second year Politics major from Lower Gwynedd, PA. Aside from his dialogue work with Hillel and other faith groups, he also songleads at services. He loves reading about Israeli politics and playing/listening to music, and is always up to chat!