Executive Director
laurel@hillelattemple.org

Laurel began her journey with Hillel while studying social work at the University of Texas, Austin. From her first Birthright Israel trip to her work today she has known the importance of vibrant Jewish life on campus.  

In addition to her MSW (2009) & BSW (2005) from UT, Laurel also received a MA in Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. She comes to Temple Hillel with diverse professional experience within the Jewish community including: Federation, summer camps, early childhood education, and young adult engagement.  

Laurel, her husband Rabbi Eli Freedman of Congregation Rodeph Shalom, their two daughters, and two dogs, live near campus in Olde Kensington. When not at the Rosen Center, Laurel can be found playing music, going to shows, or making challah. She looks forward to connecting with you!

Operations Manager
zach@hillelattemple.org

Zakariya has over 20 years of expertise in finance, grants, contracts, procurement, operations, and compliance, with a strong track record in managing multi-million-dollar, federally funded peace programs—particularly across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

He has worked with major international donors, including the U.S. Government, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Affairs (DRL), the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and the World Bank.

He is passionate about working in multicultural environments and dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals from all communities regardless of their backgrounds.

Zakariya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He grew up in the United Arab Emirates and currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Senior Jewish Educator
rabbi@hillelattemple.org
Rabbi Leah Berkowitz is thrilled to join the Hillel at Temple University team as the Senior Jewish Educator. Rabbi B. is a Philadelphia native, an alumna of URJ Camp Harlam, and a graduate of Brandeis University. She was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, where she also earned a Master of Arts in Religious Education. She has served congregations in Durham, NC, Poughkeepsie, NY and Elkins Park, PA, and also taught high school at Gann Academy in Waltham, MA. (She loves a college town!)

Rabbi B. is passionate about the intersection between Jewish learning and creativity, particularly around writing and storytelling. Each summer, she serves on the faculty at the URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy, and she is currently training to be a Jewish Studio Project Facilitator. She is the author of three children's books and the co-author of the middle-grade midrash collection Maybe It Happened This Way: Bible Stories Reimagined (which she got to write with her former college roommate!). 

In addition to her work at Temple, Rabbi B. teaches for Gratz College, the Union for Reform Judaism, the Jewish Learning Collaborative, and Laasok.org. Her favorite and most important role is “Tante” (Auntie) to her adorable niece and nephew. 

You can find her on social media @rabbilrb or online at leahrachelberkowitz.com

Jewish Agency for Israel Fellow

Community Engagement Associate
brooke@hillelattemple.org

Brooke grew up in the North Hills of Pittsburgh and graduated from Penn State University in 2023. There she majored in Human Development and Family Studies, with a double minor in Rehabilitation and Human Services and Jewish Studies. During her time in college, she was involved with THON, the Penn State Alumni Associate, and Penn State Hillel. 

Following her graduation, she was Penn State Hillel’s Springboard Innovation Fellow for two years where she focused on supporting students to be the best versions of themselves while growing their Jewish identities. In her free time, Brooke loves to travel, rarely turns down a concert, and is on the hunt for the best burger (recommendations encouraged)!

Brooke is excited to step into her new role at Hillel at Temple as their Community Engagement Associate! She looks forward to meeting new students and learning all the best places in Philly!