What is New at USC Hillel?

Alex Kojfman – Director of Community Outreach and Leadership

What attracted you to work at USC Hillel?

I was interested in USC Hillel because I was looking for a change in working for the Jewish community, and Hillel offers a chance to work directly with students. Coming from Toronto, Canada having the chance to live and work in Los Angeles was too good to pass.  

What in your life attracted you to work with Jewish college students and within the international Hillel community?

Hillel is a fun atmosphere to work in. Students have a lot of great ideas and enthusiasm and it’s a chance to really see people grow and learn from the interactions they have here at Hillel, and at University.

What has been the most memorable thing that has happened to you since beginning this job?

Considering I’ve only started two weeks ago, it’s hard to say.  As a Canadian moving to the States everything has been memorable, since I have the challenge of doing everything over again. And being Canadian makes me feel like a fish out o’ water, a fish with no credit line.  From finding an apartment, to getting a cell phone, to driving around LA and finding a decent grocery store, everything is just new. 

 What do you look forward to in working with USC's Jewish population? 

Meeting interesting students, getting to know what they are passionate about, and what makes them laugh. Also, and more directly with my job, working with those that want to take the initiative in planning incredible, fun, and meaningful events for Jewish and all other university students at USC.

What do you think the greatest challenge of working on a college campus is and how can it be reconciled? 

USC might not seem big in size, but there are thousands of students zipping around with their bikes. One of the greatest challenges would be to figure the ins and outs of the university, where students hang out, places to have events around the city, taking advantage of all this big city has to offer.

What is something about yourself that others may not know?

I am a stand up comedian, and it’s exciting to be in LA as I am hoping to perform.

Shira Moldoff – Assistant Director

What attracted you to work at USC Hillel?

I used to work in the Hillel world as a JCSC <what does this stand for?> Fellow four years ago and loved it! I missed working with students because they are just a lot of fun to be around and I have found that it's where my professional passion lies. I want to provide meaningful Jewish experiences, whether it's taking students on a birthright Israel trip or helping them become tomorrow's leaders in the Jewish community. College students are a fun group to work with. They have great ideas and charisma and an excitement for life in general.

What in your life attracted you to work with Jewish college students and within the international Hillel community?

I think being in college is a very pivotal time and most challenging time in any one's life. I feel as though I can be a catalyst in Jewish life to offer Jewish college students. College students are fun to be around; they give off a great energy and a desire to care for others more than themselves.

What has been the most memorable thing that has happened to you since beginning this job?

I walked into the Big room on Friday afternoon and it was already set for Shabbat. It was like the calm before the storm. There was just something very special and memorable about that moment because it was so quiet and calm, but it anticipated such excitement, lively conversation, and a delicious meal.

What do you look forward to in working with USC's Jewish population?

I look forward to creating bonds and helping create meaningful Jewish experiences with all of the students so that they may go on and have lasting Jewish experiences to carry them through life. Who knows, maybe one day they will tell their kids how great it is to be Jewish in college.

What do you think the greatest challenge of working on a college campus is and how can it be reconciled?

I think the biggest challenge of working with college students is keeping the motivation and excitement at a level where they can be successful on the project their doing while making them feel appreciated at the same time.

What is something about yourself that others may not know?

Hmm… that's a good question. What people may not about me is that I'm pretty adventurous. I used to rock climb while I was in college and would love to get back into it again. I even got a black eye once while cliff jumping in Wales.