MEET OUR STAFF
Get To Know Rabbi Sara
Hi, I’m Rabbi Sara! Originally from Toronto, I was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. My rabbinate has been built on the central values of Am Yisrael (people of Israel), Kehila (community), and Chesed (loving-kindness). Over my career, I have served as a collaborative and entrepreneurial leader of Jewish communal life.
Prior to joining Northeastern Hillel, I worked as the Director of Spiritual Care at Hebrew SeniorLife, where I founded the Hebrew SeniorLife Chaplaincy Institute and was part of the founding board for the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab at Brandeis University. I am a former president of the MA Board of Rabbis and an active member of the Walnut Street Minyan. Israel is a central component of my Jewish life, and I have spent significant time there.
I envision Northeastern University Hillel as a vibrant Jewish student community, welcoming students of all Jewish backgrounds and levels of knowledge into joyful Jewish life, a love of Israel, and the global Jewish community.
My commitment to Northeastern includes helping the University fight bias, educate about antisemitism, and create a campus where Jewish students, staff, and faculty can live proud Jewish lives.
Please reach out to me to share what Hillel means to you, ideas and concerns, and to join together to continue to help Northeastern Hillel grow and flourish.
You can reach Sara at: s.paasche-orlow@northeastern.edu
Get To Know Julia
Hi! I’m Julia Cottrell. I am originally from Western Massachusetts. I spent four amazing years escaping winters down in New Orleans where I got my BA in Spanish and Teaching, Learning, and Training from Tulane University. Before Northeastern Hillel, I worked for Hillel Council of New England for five years building Jewish communities across 12 small campuses in the Greater Boston area. I am deeply excited about supporting and mentoring student leaders and continuing my career with Hillel in the Boston area.
At Northeastern Hillel, I am the Assistant Director and oversee all things student-facing including the student life team and student leadership. I strive to make sure our Hillel is meeting the needs of the Jewish student community and that we are constantly innovating and trying new things. Outside of work, I love exploring Boston and the South Shore, working out, and trying out new recipes (ask me about my sourdough)!
Reach out to me to connect about your needs as a Jewish student at Northeastern, to dream up new ideas for student programming together, and to simply tell me all about Northeastern.
You can reach Julia at: jcottrell@northeasternhillel.org
Get To Know Hannah
Hi! I’m Hannah Swartz, Director of Development. I come to Northeastern Hillel with a broad background in nonprofit administration and fundraising, primarily for arts and culture organizations. I earned a BA from Smith College, and an MA in Arts Administration & Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
At Hillel, I lead our fundraising programs in partnership with Rabbi Sara, our visionary Executive Director. I love connecting with people, hearing their stories, and matching people’s passions and philanthropy with our organization’s programs and initiatives.
Please reach out if you have any questions about supporting Hillel, our Chai Society or Family Council, getting involved as an alum, hosting events, or learning more about our plans and dreams for Northeastern Hillel!
Outside of work, I live in Brookline with my husband and two boys, and many, books, games, art supplies, family heirlooms, and chachkas. We love to go on adventures, visit museums, ride bikes, try new things, and eat interesting foods!
You can reach Hannah at: h.swartz@northeastern.edu
Get To Know Brian
Hi, I’m Brian, Director of Finance and Operations at Northeastern University Hillel. I served as student president of Hillel while earning a B.S. in Economics from Duke University and also established a Jewish graduate student organization while earning a PhD in Political Science from Yale University. Today I am an active member of TBS (across the river in Cambridge) and adaptive programs in the Boston area.
As Director of Finance and Operations, I ensure that everything running behind the scenes furthers the continued growth of NU Hillel's diverse and supportive community. In my free time I enjoy running, climbing, cooking, and hosting. Reach out to me if you want to learn about building access, using the kitchens, or practice speaking Portuguese or Spanish!
You can reach Brian at: br.fried@northeastern.edu
Get To Know Aaron!
Hi! My name is Aaron Berc, and I am the Rabbinic Intern at Northeastern Hillel. I currently study at Hebrew College in Newton, while also am a graduate of the University of Kansas in Environmental Studies & Physics. I'm excited to get to know the Jewish community at Northeastern this year!
Here at Northeastern Hillel, I support both Nefesh & Koleinu (our Reform and Conservative style minyanim), JLF (our Jewish Learning Fellowship), and a whole host of other aspects of Jewish life at Northeastern. Outside of Northeastern, you can find me studying Torah at Hebrew College, watching the NBA, or on a walk around Jamaica pond.
Be in touch with me about Jewish life at Northeastern, pop culture drama, and who you are and what you're passionate about!
Get To Know Julia
Hi my name is Julia Cestari, and I am the Innovation Springboard Fellow at Northeastern University Hillel. I am from Beacon, NY, and I graduated from Franklin & Marshall College, where I received a BA with a joint major in American Studies and Sociology and a minor in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies. I am deeply excited to connect with Jewish students and foster a strong sense of belonging at Hillel.
I lead our Hillel Leadership Institute program, oversee FYSH Council, and support overall first-year student engagement. I also supervise our Service Engagement Interns and partner with students in London to help cultivate meaningful Jewish life on their campus. Most days, you can find me on the Boston campus connecting with students over coffee, playing Bruno Mars in the office, or eating more than my fair share of Oreos.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions regarding Jewish first-year life (such as Freshfest or the Fall Europe Retreat), if you’re interested in one of our learning/engagement opportunities, or if you just want to talk! :)
You can reach Julia at: j.cestari@northeastern.edu
Get to Know Dr. Markowitz
Hi! I’m Jess Markowitz, and I am a Clinical Psychologist. I grew up in the Boston area, and after graduating from Vassar with a BA in Psychology, I went on to earn my PhD from Drexel University. I see students at Hillel for individual therapy and also run “De-stress with Jess” workshops once a month. I love working with college students and believe that everyone can benefit from therapy.
My approach is non-judgmental and collaborative, and my practice is grounded in meeting students where they are. I work with students to help them with anxiety, depression, relationships, identity development, and academic and family stress.
My schedule varies by semester. Reach out to me to make a FREE appointment (20, 30, or 45 minutes) or just come by the house and say hello! You can also ask a Hillel staff member for a link to schedule an appointment directly.
You can reach Jess at: jessica@northeasternhillel.org
Meet Revi!
He is a Golden Doodle who belongs to our Executive Director, Rabbi Sara. He is happy to join students for walks around campus, and to be visited (and pet) at the Hillel House!
Revi would be happy to walk with you. Just email us to set up a time!
Coffee Connection
We’d love to get know you! Grab a coffee with a Hillel staff member— coffee on us!
Want to learn more about Hillel?
Want to learn about Israel programs?
Want to talk about your time at Northeastern?
Whatever the topic, we’d love to meet with you!