Staff additions bring fresh ideas, energy to Hillel

This semester Maryland Hillel welcomes two new enthusiastic members to its staff: Engagement Director Deborah Vishnevsky and Jewish Student Life Coordinator for Tzedek Marissa Neuman.Vishnevsky, who usually goes by Debbie, did not expect to be working at Maryland Hillel when she began her studies at Cornell University. The self-identified Honduran Israeli Brooklynite with "multi-colored hair [and] a bunch of piercings" did not have strong ties to her Jewish faith growing up, but became involved with Cornell Hillel.

"The staff at my Hillel was so chill that they actually got me to open up and convinced me to do Birthright," Vishnevsky said. "Cliché as it may sound, Birthright really hit something for me and I ended up getting really active on my campus."

After returning from Birthright, Vishnevsky became involved with Birthright Initiative and Cornell's Jewish Student Union programming board. She helped to plan events like Jewish Speed Dating. She recalls the event as "the most fun I've had in years."

Coming to work at Maryland Hillel after graduation was a no-brainer for the now 22-year-old.

"I knew I wanted to do Maryland because of how awesome it is here - it's a big diverse staff on a big diverse campus," Vishnevsky said.

Neuman, like her co-worker, also did not expect to work in a Hillel organization. After earning her degree in communications at the University of Delaware, the 24-year-old Pikesville, Md. native headed to Philadelphia to work at a healthcare organization, where she remained for two years.

Eventually, she set her sights on other career goals.

"Community service and social justice have always been close to my heart, and deep down I knew it was an area I one day wanted to explore," said Neuman. "I can't believe I have a job where I get to work with students to help create programs and events that help the world."

Neuman had special ties to her Jewish faith and community service from a young age.

Her father, who has an orthodox background, and her stepmother run a home building business. Her mother "has her hands in many Jewish involvements" Neuman said. Neuman considers herself lucky to have four parents and an extended loving family that supported her choices and her faith.

Her family is also connected to Maryland Hillel: her grandparents and her mother and father met at Hillel when they attended the university.

Both of the new employees consider themselves energetic and able to bring a fresh perspective to the Hillel staff. Vishnevsky adds that she "has an incredibly loud voice, so I bring a lot of volume to the staff."

Neuman and Vishnevsky agree that the staff at Hillel has been a strong support system and a great source of friendship since they've arrived at the university. "They are energetic and supportive and everyone has their own skills," said Neuman.

In addition, the students have made them feel welcome at their new home. "There are always students stopping by the office and they're all so friendly and the best part is they're all different," said Vishnevsky.

Aside from Hillel, the two are excited for football season at Maryland, although Neuman admits she was "quite torn" at the first home game versus Delaware.