CEO of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island and Hillel of Staten Island

Orit Lender, CEO of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, is a community-minded leader with more than 20 years of experience in Jewish communal work. In 2023, Orit also became the CEO of Hillel of Staten Island, which the JCC operates through a management agreement.

Her leadership fosters a spirit of teamwork within the JCC. She also helps bring the JCC out to the larger Staten Island, New York, Jewish and Israeli communities. Under her leadership, the JCC has greatly expanded its programs and services and implemented a strategic plan to ensure financial stability including the purchase of another facility.

Director

Rachel Vaynshteyn was born and raised in Staten Island, NY. She graduated from the College of Staten Island, where she was an active leader in Hillel. Rachel has a passion for Jewish life, community and identity. She loves engaging with students, and young professionals aiming to foster a love for their Judaism. Outside of her work Rachel enjoys baking, music and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Reach out to Rachel: rachel.hillel@sijcc.com

Program Coordinator

Michael grew up on Staten Island, where he attended local Orthodox yeshivas. However, his life journey ultimately brought him all around the country, where his fascination, acceptance, and love for all Jewish people and cultures only grew exponentially. Michael used this passion to propel him into the Jewish Nonprofit space, where he’s worked in development, communications, and outreach.    

As Hillel of Staten Island’s new program coordinator, he is excited to continue dedicating himself to Jewish values by improving and transforming Jewish campus life into an inclusive, welcoming space where every student’s story matters. Outside of work, Michael enjoys writing, music, and being out in nature.

Social Worker

As a dedicated social worker for Hillel, Raquelle is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for students at the College of Staten Island and Wagner College. With a passion for advocacy and empowerment, she strives to address the diverse needs of our campus community, offering guidance and resources to promote student well-being and success.

She eagerly anticipates collaborating with the Hillel team to build a campus culture where every individual feels valued and supported on their journey to personal and academic growth.

Reach out to Raquelle: rbalser.hillel@sijcc.com

Israel Fellow

Lishay is originally from Emek Hefer, Israel, and is excited to be joining Hillel as the new Israel Fellow at Wagner College and the College of Staten Island. She has a background in Information Systems and Project Management, and previously worked as a flight attendant and served as a shlicha at 92Y Camps in New York.

Lishay loves meeting new people, learning about different perspectives, and creating spaces where people feel comfortable connecting and being themselves. Outside of work, she enjoys running, photography, studying philosophy, exploring new places, and is really looking forward to getting to know the students and becoming part of the community.