I am the OU Executive Fellow for the Relief Missions Department, leading global efforts to mobilize youth, students, and young professionals for disaster relief and community service. My experiences across continents—including Israel, Uganda, Zambia, Romania, and the United States—as well as the many organizations I’ve partnered with, have shaped my passion for service, cross-cultural connection, and acts of kindness toward all people. I’m excited to continue building a career at the intersection of volunteerism, humanitarian aid, advocacy, and global Jewish engagement.

Noa grew up in Manhattan, NY, and earned her Honors B.A. in Finance, graduating as salutatorian from Touro University. Before joining the Fellowship, Noa taught in a variety of settings including Manhattan High School, Aish Yerushalayim, and Olami. These experiences deepened her commitment to Jewish education and engagement and sparked her interest in Jewish nonprofits and institutional leadership. She joined the OU Fellowship to broaden her understanding of Jewish organizations and to actively contribute to the Jewish nonprofit world. She looks forward to gaining hands-on experience across OU departments, being mentored by senior leaders, and sharpening both her strategic and collaborative skill set in service of Klal Yisrael.

Born in Chicago, Tamar studied Political Science and Communication at a small university in London. Driven by a passion for making the world a better place, Tamar brings a global perspective and a strong commitment to meaningful impact in every endeavor.

I’m a 24-year-old from Los Angeles and a graduate of Yeshiva University, where I studied Business Analytics and Computer Science. I’m passionate about personal growth and helping others unlock their potential, whether through data-driven insights or meaningful conversations. My work blends strategy, research, and technology, but at the core, it’s always about people. I’m driven by curiosity, intentionality, and a desire to keep growing—in both life and work.

Emily is from Brooklyn, NY, and recently graduated from Lander College for Women with a degree in Marketing Management. She is excited to apply her creative skills in digital design while expanding her professional skills over the coming year. Emily looks forward to developing as a leader and making meaningful contributions to the Jewish community.

Shalom y’all! My name is Brandon Melamed and I just graduated from Yeshiva University with a degree in psychology. I’m from Jacksonville, Florida and I love being involved in Jewish initiatives trying to help Jews all around. I’m so excited for the year to come!

Elisheva Weiner was born and raised in Clifton NJ in a family of 6. Last year she graduated from Stern College with a degree in Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology. She has a lot of hobbies including baking, crocheting, puzzle solving and reading and is always excited to try something new. She loves projects and problem solving, particularly when they are projects that help others.

Rebecca is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from Stern College with a major in English with a Media Studies concentration and a minor in Psychology. She enjoys reading, playing sports, and watching plays. Rebecca is excited to grow her skills within the Jewish professional world.

Hannah is a recent graduate from Binghamton University. She has grown up in Jewish communal work, and is excited to give back to the community that gave so much to her. Hannah is eager to continue building meaningful connections and expanding her role in Jewish communal life.

Meira is from Silver Spring, Maryland, and graduated from the Sy Syms School of Business with a degree in Finance. Meira is excited to be working with a team that cares deeply about community and strengthening the Jewish world in thoughtful and impactful ways!

Raquel was raised in Oakhurst, New Jersey and attended Hillel Yeshiva High School. She studied journalism and media studies, with a minor in creative writing at Rutgers University. Raquel is passionate about serving the Jewish community, and would love to combine her appreciation for media and education to achieve this goal. She’s excited for this opportunity and is eager to grow!

Avigayil is from Long Island, NY, and is a recent graduate with her degree in Business Administration. She has spent meaningful time working and learning through various kiruv organizations like Neve Yerushalayim and a range of OLAMI programs. A student at heart and a lover of creativity, Avigayil is excited to bring her skills and passion to the NCSY Development team!

Maya grew up in Livingston, NJ, attended Kushner from K-12, studied at Midreshet Moriah, and then attended Sy Syms School of Business. She graduated with degrees in Marketing and Data Analytics. She is passionate about applying her creativity and skillset for the betterment of the Jewish people!

Shira hails from Dallas, Texas. She grew up in a home that was built on helping others and doing Kiruv. This upbringing has driven her to integrate these values at every stage of life and search for her unique abilities to help the Jewish world.

Miri is a YU Sy Syms graduate who majored in marketing. She is creative, driven, and always has a positive attitude. Miri is passionate about combining her love for the Jewish community with her eye for design and communication.

Aliza is from Los Angeles and attended YULA Girls High School before having the privilege to spend a year and a half at MMY. During her time at Sy Syms School of Business, she earned a degree in finance and business strategy. She is passionate about blending her business skills with her love for Jewish communal work.

Noa is from Los Angeles and graduated from Stern College, where she majored in Marketing in Management. She is excited to learn and grow in her position!

Binyamin is from West Hempstead, New York. He is passionate about learning from many different disciplines, such as Torah, psychology, and history to build himself and help others.

Seth is from Scarsdale New York. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis where he had an amazing time and first experienced communal work. He loves hanging out with good friends, helping others, and learning from tzaddikim!

Aliza is originally from Cleveland. She went to Touro University and is so excited to work for Yachad / the OU and give back to the klal!

Mattie is from Silver Spring, Maryland and graduated from Stern College. She loves spending time with friends and family and enjoys watching football.

Kayla is a  graduate of Stern College, SySyms School of Business. Before SySyms, she spent a year and a half at Midreshet Harova in Jerusalem and attended Yeshivat Frisch for high school. She is a flexible individual with a strong creative eye. She is passionate about helping others and making an impact in her community.

Chagit Bender was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A recent graduate of Lander College for Women, Chagit’s focus of study was Psychology. She is an avid reader and enjoys writing and working out in her free time. She is excited to work within a role that is fulfilling.

Ezra Emerson hails from Bergenfield, NJ. A graduate of Yeshiva University, he recently graduated with a major in strategy and entrepreneurship from the Sy Syms School of Business. He hopes to make Aliyah next year, and is interested in exploring the marketing, technology, and food industries.

Jesse Felder is originally from the Five Towns of NY. He recently graduated Lander College for Men with a Psychology degree and hopes to further his education within the field. He looks forward to strengthening his personal and professional skills in the upcoming year.

Avi Hoffman is a native of Brooklyn, NY. He is currently finishing Semikhah, a Masters in Medieval Jewish History, and a certificate in Mental Health Counseling. He serves as Assistant Rabbi at Ohr Torah in NJ. He is an avid magician and enjoys volunteering as a Scout Leader and Chaplain for Boy Scouts of America.

Yael Lovett grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Georgia State University with recognition for her advanced academic performance and a degree in Computer Science. She is a skilled coder and programmer with particular interest in web and app development, as well as a passionate reader and baker.

Adina Peck grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is a grateful alumna of Midreshet Tehillah as well as Emory University, where she studied Psychology and Anthropology. With volunteer and professional experience in OU-JLIC, Yavneh, and NCSY, Adina is enthusiastic about positively impacting the Jewish community.

Rena Rush was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She recently graduated from Touro University with a degree in Biology. Her journey includes extensive involvement with Yachad over numerous years, where she has worked to foster a culture of inclusion across different communities.

Marnie Weingarten is from Queens, NY. She attended Stern College and is entering a PsyD program at Hofstra University this year, a degree that she hopes to utilize in clinical practice. Marnie feels blessed at the meaningful relationships she had formed and the growth she has experienced through Jewish communal work.