Rabbi Michelle Fisher
Executive Director
Rabbi Fisher is the first alumna rabbi from MIT, and describes her return to MIT in 2009 as “the mother ship calling her home.” Rabbi Fisher earned her undergraduate degree, in chemistry, from Princeton University, and her Masters in Chemistry from MIT. Ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary, she has served as the Associate Rabbi of Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac, MD and the Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek, CA. She is an alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, a veteran of the US Naval Chaplain Corps, and a former student at both the Pardes Institute and the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. She enjoys fantasy and science fiction, cycling (and unicycling), oenology, exploring the nexus of science and religion, and, especially, meeting with students, faculty, and alumni. In 2014, Rabbi Fisher was awarded Hillel International’s highest individual award, the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award.
Rabbi Fisher’s HillelTalk at Hillel International Global Assembly, on self-care (December 2017)
MIT Hillel interview (2009) with Rabbi Fisher
Shoshana Gibbor
Director of Programming
Shoshana Gibbor brings passion to MIT Hillel through the Director of Programming position by fusing together her love for Judaism and Israel with student leadership development. On campus, she helps students learn, live, and lead Jewishly. Shoshana’s educational pedagogy helps students deepen their sense of Jewish Identity & community through values based learning and questioning. During her tenure at MIT Hillel, she has pursued Certificates with M^2 in Informal Experiential Jewish Education and from the iCenter/GW Program in Experiential Israel Education. In 2015, Shoshana received Hillel International’s highest individual award, the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award.
When Shoshana’s not using her positive attitude and upbeat energy to build meaningful relationships with students, she enjoys hiking with her family, running, and cycling.
In June 2021, Shoshana celebrated 10 years at MIT Hillel! Watch the expressions of gratitude from her students.
Read Shoshana’s reflections on outside-the-box education in a virtual/hybrid world.
Rabbi Joel Dinin
Director of Education / Orthodox Rabbi
Originally from West Hills, CA, Rabbi Dinin received ordination (Semikha) from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in 2015. He is a lifelong learner and has teaching experience with every age from 9-93! He brings his personal passions for art, history, science, philosophy and music (jazz, folk, rock and more!) into his rabbinic life, having served as both a pulpit rabbi and part time day school teacher for nearly a decade! Without his amazing experiences as a student at Hillel and Jewish summer camp he wouldn’t be where he is today! Whether he was living in Prague, Israel, or Milwaukee, his heart has always been in New England. He has three wonderful children, Meira, Michael, and Jacob, with his beloved wife Sarah.
Sarah Kaplan
Engagement Manager
Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Sarah is thrilled to join MIT Hillel as an Engagement Associate. After graduating from Tufts in 2023 with degrees in Sociology and Civic Studies, she is excited to be closer to the Charles at MIT. Sarah has always been fueled by Jewish community building and getting creative about ways to engage with the Jewish tradition. Last year, she worked in Chicago at Beyond Legal Aid as an Avodah Service Corps Member. You can ask her about all things communal living and cooking Shabbat dinners for 12+ people. Outside of Hillel, you can find Sarah hiking in the Fells, jumping in Mystic Lake, or listening to Beyoncé.
Sophie Bellwoar
Engagement Associate (Springboard Fellow)
Sophie Bellwoar is a recent graduate of Williams College, where she majored in Economics and Jewish Studies. She is so excited to be MIT Hillel’s first Springboard Fellow! Sophie was the Shabbat kitchen manager at Williams, so she is always happy to talk about anything Jewish food. She is new to the Boston area, and is very excited to explore everything the city has to offer (especially after spending the last 4 years in a very remote part of the Berkshires). Outside of Hillel, Sophie can be found on long runs, hikes, or playing Mario Kart with her friends.
Marla Choslovsky
Director of Development
Marla’s affiliation with MIT goes back to her graduate school days at the MIT Sloan School, where she earned her SM in 1988. In her role as Director of Development at Hillel, she extends that connection through her relationships with current and future supporters of MIT Hillel. When she’s not schmoozing in person or on e-mail, she can often be found doing a crossword puzzle.
Leah Kaplan
Administrative and Development Assistant
Leah Kaplan is an alumna from the University of Rhode Island, and graduated with a BA in Public Relations. She spent her senior year interning at URI Hillel, and made the smart decision to apply to MIT Hillel! A Saugus, MA native, she loves going to Sox games, concerts, and hanging out with her dog, Max.