Hillel to undergo a staff transition

By: Kat Zhao
Posted: 4/14/08

After serving at St. Louis Hillel for four years, Rabbi Avi Katz Orlow will be leaving the organization.

Hillel's impending search for a new rabbi comes in tandem with the organization's efforts to find a new executive director, a position that has not been filled permanently for one year. Debbie Igienik currently serves as Hillel's interim executive director.

Orlow cited personal reasons as the cause for his departure, chief among them a desire for his children and his parents-who now live on the East Coast-to be close to each other.

"There are a number of opportunities for me and my family that are too great to pass up on." Orlow said. "It's been amazing with students here, but I do have a family to take care of. I would like to get closer to where my parents live. I want my children to know their grandparents."

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Rabbi Hershey Novack of Chabad on Campus, a Jewish student organization unaffiliated with Hillel, also feels that Hillel will continue its past success.

"I am saddened that Rabbi Avi Orlow will not be here next year." Novack wrote in an e-mail. "Although his departure leaves a big void, I am hopeful that a worthy successor will be found. I am confident that Hillel will advance its fine work."

Andy Ratto, Hillel's Steinhardt Jewish Campus Service Corps fellow, will also be finishing his two-year term at the organization.