Meet Our Team
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Jake Rubin, Executive DirectorJake has served as the Executive Director of the Brody Jewish Center at the University of Virginia since 2009. During his tenure, Jake has served as the President of the United Ministries at UVa, a coach for new Hillel directors, and a member of the Executive Committee of Hillel International’s Board of Directors as well as the Chair of Hillel International’s Directors Cabinet. He was awarded the Cohen Fellowship as well as the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence award for his contributions to the Hillel movement.
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Jake holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia. In 2009, he received his rabbinic ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC), from which he also graduated with a Master's of Arts in Hebrew Letters. Prior to rabbinical school, Jake was a fellow for PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values. He lives in Charlottesville along with his wife Lindsay and their children Sophie, Jonah, and Caleb. Jake loves going to see live music and is a devotee of Tony Bennett, the pack line D, and his Hoos. He can be reached at jake@brodyjewishcenter.org. |
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Paige Simunek, Assistant DirectorRaised in the Atlanta area, Paige graduated from The College of Charleston in 2011 with a BS in Psychology, a BA in Political Science, and minors in Jewish Studies and Crime, Law, and Society. After graduation, she worked at a law firm in Atlanta as a trainer and senior legal assistant and later worked as a director at a medical healthcare funding company. She went on to earn a Master’s in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology in 2016 from Southern New Hampshire University. Paige taught Sunday school for a combined nine years while in Charleston and at her home synagogue Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, GA. She also served as the Senior Youth Group Advisor for five years where she found her passion for young adult Jewish education, programming and leadership development.Paige enjoys hiking and loves being surrounded by mountains. She also enjoys baking, cooking, and simply adores her two cats, Ringo and Lennon.
You can reach Paige at paige@brodyjewishcenter.org |
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Annie Weinberg, Springboard Innovation FellowAnnie joined the Brody Jewish Center team as a Development Associate in 2019 after graduating from the University of Virginia with a B.S.Ed in Youth & Social Innovation and a B.A. in Psychology. Passionate about innovation, building strong Jewish communities, and fostering leadership in young adults, Annie is thrilled to be the BJC's Springboard Innovation Fellow for the next two years, where she will use her education background and personal experiences to enhance the Jewish student experience at UVA and in the Charlottesville community.
Drawn to anything outdoors, Annie enjoys staying active while exploring the mountains and trails around the Charlottesville area. She also loves spending time with friends, cooking, reading, and traveling as often as she can! Annie can be reached at annie@brodyjewishcenter.org |
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Doris Ovadia, JAFI Israel FellowDoris comes to the Brody Jewish Center from Eilat, Israel. She graduated with a B.A. in Israel Studies from Kinneret College and worked for six years as a licensed tour guide through Israel's Ministry of Tourism. In the army, Doris was a teacher-soldier with the Education Corps. Doris has always enjoyed volunteering with youth organizations, and was involved with Education for Excellence, the Eilat Summer Tent, and the Jordan River Village. Doris spends her time traveling, in the outdoors, and doing anything athletic - from pilates to TRX to running. Doris also likes spending her time knitting, sewing, doing pottery, and meeting new people.
You can contact Doris at doris@brodyjewishcenter.org |