Hillel Staff
Yaffa Muhlbaum (she/her)
Associate Director of Oberlin Hillel
Yaffa Muhlbaum is the Associate Director of Oberlin Hillel. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Yaffa returned to Ohio after living in New York City for 7 years when she began working at Oberlin Hillel in 2023. She is a graduate of Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary where she earned BA's in Archaeology and the Hebrew Bible, respectively. She is a second year student in Hebrew Union College's MA in Jewish Nonprofit Management. Yaffa has been a Kraft Global Fellow, a Jewish Changemakers Fellow, a Jewish Ideas Fellow, and a Masterclass: Israel Fellow, and she also completed the iCenter's Conflicts of Interest certificate program. Her primary connection points to Judaism include music, tikkun olam, and Adam Sandler. Yaffa has a passion for fiber arts, Sesame (her dog), and relational work and is always looking for her next great read!
Email: ymuhlbaum@clevelandhillel.org
Kayla Eydel (she/her)
Springboard Fellow
Kayla Eydel grew up in sunny Southern California. Her passions were split between classical ballet and visual arts from early childhood. Kayla attended LA’s renowned High School for the Arts and continued her education at CalState Northridge, where she graduated with honors in May 2025 with Bachelor of Arts in Art History. While attending CSUN, Kayla found her community at Hillel 818 and became an LGBTQ+ intern, followed by a role as a Grapevine fellowship over several years. In these roles, she led a variety of art-themed events, and helped lead Shabbat services alongside fellow students and staff. Outside of Hillel, Kayla was an active member of CSUN’s art community, leading the Art History Club, participating in the Printmaking Club, and working at the school’s Art Galleries. In her personal time, she loves hanging out with friends, bonding with her siblings, and going out for sweet treats. Kayla is so excited to start the next chapter of her journey as a Springboard Fellow for the students of Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio. She can’t wait to take students for cozy coffee conversations, create innovative programs, and check out the local art scene.
Email: keydel@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!