Meet Our Staff
Rabbi Dave Siegel
Executive Director
Email: Dave.Siegel@Hofstra.edu
Phone: (516) 463-7062
Growing up on Long Island, Rabbi Dave Siegel was an active member and officer of METNY United Synagogue Youth (USY). He received his BA in Politics, Philosophy, and Law/History from Binghamton University and has received masters degrees from both New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and the Jewish Theological Seminary’s William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education. Before attending JTS, Dave worked as the Director of Special Projects at the 92nd Street Y. During his time in Rabbinical School Dave focused on leadership and professional development in the Jewish community. He has also served in leadership positions at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, and United Synagogue Youth. Dave is currently the Executive Director of Hofstra University Hillel and serves as a university chaplain.
Avital Svhat
Jewish Agency Fellow
Email: avital@hofstrahillel.org
Phone: (929) 428-6504
After studying chemistry at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Avital began her fellowship at Hofstra Hillel through the Jewish Agency’s Campus Fellowship Program. Avital coordinates social and educational events on campus, such as Kol Yisrael and Shulchan Ivrit, to support Jewish life at Hofstra. She works to foster meaningful relationships with students by creating spaces for important conversations, community, and cultural connection.
Avital is passionate about strengthening Hofstra’s Jewish community and creating opportunities for students to engage with Israeli culture, identity, and community.