Atlanta, GA – Hillels of Georgia (HGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rabbi Larry Sernovitz as Chief Executive Officer of the statewide organization committed to creating vibrant Jewish life on college campuses across Georgia.
Sernovitz has served the Jewish community for 16 years and brings to HGA extensive knowledge in Jewish community leadership and organizing. He comes to this position from Temple Kol Emeth of Marietta, GA, where he was Senior Rabbi. Prior to that he served as Founding Rabbi & Executive Director of Nafshenu of Cherry Hill, NJ. Previously, Sernovitz led as a Rabbi with Temple Emanuel of Cherry Hill, NJ and Assistant Rabbi with Old York Road Temple-Beth Am of Abington, PA.
“Larry brings to us real passion and energy for the mission of Hillels of Georgia, as well as extensive knowledge and connections in the Atlanta Jewish community,” said Michael Coles, Chair of the Hillels of Georgia Board of Directors. “We could not be more excited to have him in this role.”
Sernovitz’s appointment was the result of a nationwide search chaired by Mark Silberman, Chair Appointee to Hillels of Georgia’s Board of Directors, as well as members of the Board and the assistance of Hillel International.
“We went through an exhaustive process interviewing many qualified candidates,” said Mark Silberman, Search Committee Chair. “Rabbi Larry Sernovitz proved himself to be an exemplary candidate and an excellent fit for the role. I and the rest of the Search Committee are excited to have him in this leadership position.”
Sernovitz is a respected and recognized Rabbi and Jewish community professional with expertise in fundraising, board development, strategic planning, member engagement, community organizing, and building bridges with leaders across Metro Atlanta. He is a current member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2023 and in 2022 was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
“Our college campuses are the frontlines, the incubators for the Jewish future,” said Sernovitz. “At Hillel, we shape Jewish identity and inspire our students to live lives of meaning and purpose, deeply engaging in the world around them. I am excited to be able to help our campus directors and staff to be fully present for students across the state of Georgia, providing meaningful experiences that will transform their lives.”
Sernovitz is a decorated scholar having received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh and Masters in Education from Temple University. He went on to earn his Master of Arts in Hebrew Literature from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion where, in 2007, he presented his Rabbinic Thesis: “A Translation, Analysis, and Contextualization of Natan Ha-Bevli’s Seder HaYeshivot and received his Rabbinic Ordination as well as the Rabbi Edwin N. Soslow Memorial Prize in Jewish History.
Rabbi Sernovitz and his wife, Becky, are the proud parents of three children. They are active members of the Jewish community in Atlanta, a city they proudly call home.
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About Hillels of Georgia
In 2003 Hillels of Georgia was established to ensure students could explore their Jewish identities and celebrate Jewish life proudly on campus. The hope was that through vibrant and dynamic Jewish community on every campus across the state Hillel would become a “Jewish home away from home” for all Jewish students. Today Hillels of Georgia serves thousands of students including at Hillel centers at Emory University, the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, and Georgia College.
Hillels of Georgia is dedicated to the engagement and empowerment of Jewish students. Hillel student leaders work in collaboration and partnership with Hillel staff to create exciting and innovative Jewish programming that resonates with them and their peers. Hillel’s diverse range of programming centers around five “pillars:”
· Jewish life, learning, and celebration
· Israel awareness, education, and advocacy
· Tzedek social action, community service, and philanthropy
· Community building and leadership development
· Socialization, friendships, and networking
We are proud of our “come-as-you-are” approach to all Jewish students, providing a welcoming, diverse, and pluralistic Jewish experience. Whether a student is starting to explore their Jewish identity or looking to deepen an already strong connection and commitment to Judaism, Hillels of Georgia provides a multifaceted program for all students on their journey towards Jewish pride and fulfillment.
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Coles, Board Chair, Hillels of Georgia
(404) 429-8779