Maryland Hillel 7612 Mowatt Lane College Park, MD 20740

May 7, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dara Gold, Director of public relations and community outreach

Hillel announces new JLIC couple

After months of screenings and interviews, Hillel has chosen Rabbi Ari and Shira Neuman of Highland Park, NJ, as the new Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) educators. They will join the Hillel staff starting this fall and have the job of facilitating Jewish learning and serving as mentors to students. Both of the Neumans are dynamic and excellent educators who are excited to bring their knowledge, energy and focus to the Orthodox community at the University of Maryland as part of the Maryland Hillel team, said Rabbi Jessica Shimberg, associate director for Jewish life and learning. The Neumans will be replacing the current JLIC couple, Rabbi Eli and Naomi Kohl, who have been part of the Hillel team for the past seven years. It is bitter sweet, but I am excited for the Neumans to experience the warmth of this community the same way we have, said Naomi. Rabbi Ari Neuman has a masters in medieval Jewish history and will be receiving his official ordination as a Rabbi this May. Shira Neuman will be receiving her Master of Science in

education this coming September. Both will receive their degrees from Yeshiva University in New York. The Neumans will move to College Park this summer and begin their new position as JLIC educators at the start of classes. JLIC strives to help Orthodox students navigate the college environment and balance their Jewish commitments with their desire to engage the secular world, according to the official JLIC website. Hillel and JLIC work together to strengthen the Orthodox community on campus while also encouraging openness and warmth to all Jews. To learn more about JLIC at Maryland, visit the Facebook page at, www.facebook.com/JLICAtMaryland.

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