Erica Ho '27
Co-President
Erica Ho is a junior from Albuquerque, New Mexico studying economics and environmental science. She's interested in the market's influence on technology that drives the clean energy transition.
“Harvard Chabad was my first Jewish community. Growing up in New Mexico, I lacked a strong Jewish support system and didn't feel connected to the faith until I was embraced by Harvard Chabad. Chabad provided me with confidence in my jewish identity, a bat mitzvah, and one of my strongest support systems I've known.”
Josh Kaplan '26
Co-President
Josh Kaplan is a senior in Winthrop House studying Computer Science and is originally from New York City.
“Harvard Chabad feels like home on campus, bringing together a warm community of interesting people from all walks of life. I cherish the time I spend there each week, and it has truly enriched my Jewish identity and experience at Harvard.”
Margot Cerbone ‘28
Co-Chair, Outreach Committee
“Hi! I‘m Margot Cerbone, and I’m from a small town in rural West Virginia. I’m currently a sophomore in Mather House planning to concentrate in Linguistics and Statistics.
Growing up, I didn’t have a Jewish community available to take part in. When I came to Harvard, Chabad became the community I had always been looking for! It welcomed me with open arms and has allowed me to further explore my Judaism.”
Samuel Colchamiro ‘28
Co-Chair, Israel Committee
Chabad is my favorite community on campus congregating students around joint values, unparalleled vibes, and excellent leadership. This makes every interaction with Chabad a highlight of my week.
Charlie Bernat ‘27
Co-Chair, Shabbat Committee
House: Winthrop
Concentration: Electrical engineering & math
Hometown: Highland Park, IL
“Harvard Chabad is my home away from home.”
Sophie DePaul ‘27
Co-Chair, Holidays & Special Events Committee
House: Eliot
Concentration: Applied Math
Hometown: Springfield NJ
“Harvard Chabad provides a non-judgemental place for Jewish community at Harvard for Jews of all different backgrounds. It has been the place where I met so many of my friends, where I’ve gotten chicken soup when I’m sick, and where I’ve spent pretty much every Tuesday dinner.”
Jackson Deutch ‘28
Community Committee
“I'm a sophomore in Cabot House studying Economics and Government. I was born in Washington, D.C., and lived there for about 11 years before moving to Atherton in the Bay Area, California. Outside of Chabad, I'm involved in the IOP, finance, and more on campus. In my free time, I love to play basketball, tennis, and poker. I'm also a huge movie guy, and have wasted way too much time watching them.
Harvard Chabad is important to me because it provides a warm, welcoming community where I can deepen my understanding of Judaism. It’s where I made some of my first friends at Harvard and continue to meet new students, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Serving on FLC during my freshman year was a meaningful opportunity to contribute to Jewish life on campus, and I’m excited to continue that work as a member of the Undergraduate Board.”
Kyra Esrig ‘28
Israel Committee
Kyra Esrig is a sophmore in Dunster from Westchester, NY concentrating in Economics and Government. She served on Chabad’s First Year Leadership Committee last year and is very excited to be joining Chabad’s student board this year. When she is not at Chabad, Kyra loves to hang out with friends, try new workout classes, and read.
“Chabad is the place on campus where I feel most at home. It’s an exceptionally accepting, supportive, and warm community that has welcomed me with open arms from the moment I stepped foot on campus. Because of Chabad I feel more connected to my religion, my culture, and my peers.”
Daphne Feigin ‘27
Holiday Committee
Daphne Feigin is a Junior in Adams House studying Applied Mathematics.
“Harvard Chabad is a Jewish community on campus that truly feels like home. Coming from a hometown with a small Jewish population, Harvard Chabad has offered me the opportunity to explore my Jewish identity in a supportive and welcoming environment. Through Harvard Chabad, I have met some of my closest friends, created some of my most cherished memories, and learned some of the most important lessons about my Jewish identity. I am truly grateful for the amazing community and all of the tireless work that Rabbi Hirschy, Elkie, Rabbi Berel, and the entire Chabad team have put in to making Chabad the heart of Jewish life on campus.”
Carly Gelles ’27
Co-Chair Community Committee
“Hello! My name is Carly and I’m a junior in Adams, doing a double concentration in Linguistics and MCB with a language citation in Mandarin. On campus, I’m involved in research, Expressions Dance Company, Crimson Key, and of course, Chabad!
Harvard Chabad has brought me an incredible sense of community and connection with other Jews on campus!”
Chloe Goldberg ‘28
Holidays & Israel Committee
“I am a sophomore from San Juan, Puerto Rico studying Government with a secondary in Psychology.
Harvard Chabad has consistently served as a home on campus that unconditionally provides warmth and community. Chabad has introduced me to some of my greatest friends while allowing me to engage with aspects of my identity that are most important to me: Judaism and Israel.”
Zoe Graham ‘27
Shabbat & Israel Committee
“Hi! I’m Zoe, a junior in Kirkland House studying Government. I grew up in the Bay Area and recently spent time living and working in Tel Aviv. I’m excited to be part of the Chabad board and to help strengthen Jewish life and community at Harvard.
Harvard Chabad has been a meaningful source of connection and community for me on campus. It’s a space where I’ve been able to celebrate Jewish life, deepen my identity, and build friendships that feel like family.”
Gailen Greenstein ’26
Co-Chair Challah Committee
“I am a Senior in Dunster house studying History of Science! I am from Seattle and love to cook, run, and paint.
Chabad has been a great place to make friends, find community, and connect with my jewish identity.”
Jacob Gross ‘28
Outreach & Israel Committee
Jacob is a sophomore in Adams House from New York, studying Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. In addition to serving on the Harvard Chabad Student Board, he is a board member of Harvard Undergraduate Capital Partners, a member of Tamid, and a campus tour guide. Jacob is especially interested in quantitative finance and biotechnology, and in his free time he enjoys skiing and sailing.
“To me, Harvard Chabad feels like a home away from home. Whether I come for Shabbat, minyan, or a holiday celebration, I know I’ll always be welcomed and feel completely comfortable.”
Rebecca Hirschfeld ‘27
Co-Chair, Community and Challah Committees
Junior at Harvard studying Economics. From Mountain Lakes, NJ. Member of the varsity lightweight rowing team, and pursuing a career in finance. Has been involved with Harvard Chabad since the fall of her freshman year.
“Harvard Chabad is the most important community I have found at Harvard. It lets me explore simultaneously what it means to be a Jew on Harvard and what it means to be a part of a community larger than itself.”
Daniel Hochberg ‘27
Co-Chair, Shabbat Committee
Daniel Hochberg is a junior in Pfoho studying Math and Economics. When not at Chabad, he manages the varsity squash team, is the president of the club squash team, or riding his bike all across campus.
“Harvard Chabad provides me a community of fun, interesting, likeminded jews who are here to support me no matter what. Chabad is a steady presence in my life that is always there for me.”
Ben Hyman ‘28
Community Committee
“My name is Ben Hyman and I am a Sophomore concentrating in Economics. Outside of the classroom, I am extremely interested in photography, tennis, and guitar.
I took a gap year in Israel the year of October 7 and became extremely invested in the Jewish community through volunteering and activism. In high school, I studied genocide and focused on sharing survivor stories. Through Harvard Chabad, I can stay in touch with this aspect of my identity.”
Brenton Jaffe ’26
Shabbat Committee
Brenton Jaffe is a Senior in Lowell House studying History. He is originally from New York.
“Chabad is truly a second home. I have met most of my closest friends here and could not imagine life without Chabad.”
Sadie Kargman ‘26
Co-Chair Outreach and Community Committee
“Hello! My name is Sadie and I am a Senior in Pforzheimer House from New York City. I am a Romance Languages and Literatures concentrator, on the French and Italian tracks.
I absolutely adore the Chabad community where every student is welcome from first-year to seventh-year PhD. I love bringing friends from all backgrounds to experience Jewish culture and tradition. Now, as a Senior, I’m excited to help carry forward Harvard Chabad’s legacy of inclusivity, joy, and meaningful learning.”
Ari Kaufman ‘27
Description goes hereHolidays & Special Events Committee
Ari is a junior from Anchorage, Alaska studying Social Studies and Math. Beyond school, he enjoys skiing, freediving, and flying planes.
“Growing up in Alaska, I could count the number of Jewish friends I had on one hand. My Bar Mitzvah was the first — and last — exposure most of my friends would ever have to Jewish culture. I'm incredibly excited to now have the opportunity to connect with this strong and energetic Jewish community.”
Matthew Linsky ‘26
Community Committee
Matt is a senior from New York City. He lives in Currier House and studies economics and psychology. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys visiting new restaurants, watching and playing sports, and learning how to make cocktails.
“Chabad is important to me because it allows me to connect with a part of my culture that I did not celebrate as much before college. It has helped me meet other Jewish students on campus and given me a new community here.”
Adina Lippman ‘27
Co-Chair, Holidays & Special Events
“Hi!! My name is Adina Lippman and I’m a Junior studying MCB, stats, and ASL in Cabot house. I’m from Long Island, NY and the second to oldest of 6 kids. On campus I’m always studying in a different dhall and taking pictures of any dogs I can find (and the turkeys too). I also love to bake, especially challah and desserts for Shabbat!
Harvard Chabad allows me to have a space of genuine comfort and connection during a hectic week of work and busyness. It’s the place where I find my closest friends and best memories.”
Maya Madar ‘26
Co-Chair Challah Committee
Maya Madar is a Senior in Currier House studying Government and Psychology.
“Chabad has become a second home where I can connect with other students, join weekly events, and feel part of a warm Jewish community.”
Isaac Mansell ‘26
Israel Committee
House: Kirkland
Concentration: Economics
Hometown: Toronto
Fun Fact: I’m quite good at rock skipping
“I love building a warm and welcoming Jewish community at Harvard!”
Adrian Maydanich ‘28
Harvard Chabad 613 Fellowship
“I’m from Baltimore, MD and am studying Economics & Government at Harvard. Passionate about my Ukrainian Jewish heritage and all things business. You can usually find me watching a movie or on a run.
I grew up in a tight-knit Jewish community and wanted to find that ethos at Harvard. Chabad has been an outlet to explore and deepen my Jewish roots while connecting with others who are equally as passionate.”
Jordan Mittler ‘27
Co-Chair, Israel Committee
Jordan Mittler is a Junior in Leverett House studying economics and computer science with a secondary in music. Born and raised in New York City and spent a gap year in Tel Aviv before starting school. On campus, involved in Harvard Chabad, TAMID, and ApiChorus.
“Harvard Chabad is my Jewish home in Cambridge. I spend many hours in the Chabad building each week simply because of the warm and welcoming community that is so core to both Chabad’s mission and Harvard Chabad’s commitment to the broader Jewish community. There is something so special about turning onto Banks Street and time after time seeing hundreds of Jewish (and non-Jewish) students coming together from across campus to celebrate Jewish holidays, Shabbats, and many other smachot.”
Sophia Rascoff ’27
Co-Chair, Shabbat Committee
Sophia is a junior in Adams studying Government and Sociology.
“It’s such an incredible community, filled with supportive, passionate, and interesting people.”
Nessya Rosenberg ‘28
Holidays & Special Events Committee
Nessya Rosenberg is a sophomore in Dunster from Miami, Florida. As a pre-med student, Nessya is concentrating in Neuroscience and Government. When she is not at Chabad, Nessya loves to spend time with friends and family, play tennis and got o workout classes.
“Harvard Chabad has become my home away from home. It provides me with the most amazing community full of support and love. I am always greeted with the most warm and welcoming smiles and I couldn't ask for a better Harvard family.”
Nate Shuman ‘28
Co-Chair, Outreach Committee
“I am a Sophomore in Leverett House from New York City. I am an avid athlete, sports fan, and chess player, majoring in Economics and Mind, Brain, Behavior.
Harvard Chabad is important for me because it is truly a place that welcomes Jewish students with open arms no matter how religiously observant they are. Harvard Chabad transformed my relationship to my Jewish identity and I hope to be able to give back to Chabad and other students just like it did for me.”“Harvard Chabad has become my home away from home. It provides me with the most amazing community full of support and love. I am always greeted with the most warm and welcoming smiles and I couldn't ask for a better Harvard family.”
David Sunshine ‘28
Shabbat Committee
“I'm a sophomore in Adams House studying English and History of Science. I live just across the river in Boston, and outside of Chabad, I'm a cadet in the Army ROTC program.
One of the biggest reasons why Harvard Chabad is important to me is because of the community it offers. It's very rare to find such a great group of people that you get to see regularly, and even when I don't see my close friends there, I still feel such a welcoming atmosphere from everyone. Overall, Chabad hasn't only enriched my life spiritually but also socially.”
Theodore Taubman ’26
Outreach Committee
“Originally from Detroit, Michigan, I am now a senior concentrating in History.
I credit the Chabad with teaching me what it means to be a Jew. From learning Talmud with Berel to late night fabrengens, the Chabad has encouraged me to grow and live a more grounded Yiddishkeit.”
Alexander Van Poecke ‘28
Co-Chair, Community Committee
House: Leverett House
Concentration: Applied Math
Hometown: Belgium / London
“The Harvard Chabad Community is so important to me.”
Josie Whelan ‘28
Outreach Committee
House: Cabot House
Concentration: History of Science
Hometown: Nashville, TN
“Being involved with Harvard Chabad has really enriched my experience at Harvard. I have met many amazing people through Chabad and have found so much comfort in having such a warm and supportive community.”
Jake Wiczyk ‘28
Shabbat & Holidays Committee
“My name is Jake Wiczyk, I am from LA, and I'm studying stats at Harvard. I'm in the rock climbing club and am looking forward to being on the board of Chabad.
I have made some of my closest friends through Harvard Chabad. The Jewish community on campus, particularly at Chabad, has been extraordinarily welcoming and helpful to me throughout my Harvard journey, and I hope to carry that spirit on.”