Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University | The Jewish Graduate Student Initiative

2022-2023 Leadership

Leah Avni

Social Media Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL

I am a 3L and am interested in Family Law. Before I started undergrad, I took a gap year in Israel in the Tel Aviv area. I studied political science with a minor in communication in undergrad which led me to law school. I want Jews to have a safe space to come to when they are on campus. I enjoy meeting others and welcoming new students into the community.

Jaime Feerst

Treasurer Hometown: Long Beach, NY

Speech therapist turned law student, current 2L and treasurer of Hillel JD at Hofstra Law.

Evelyn Gitsin

Event Coordinator Hometown: Woodmere

Evelyn Gitsin is a 2L who is interested in family law and criminal law. Evelyn has been a part of the Hillel JD since she started law school. She has a passion for spreading knowledge and awareness about Judaism. She believes that it’s important to have a safe space for people to talk and express their beliefs. She is always open to talk so feel free to reach out.

Sara Gruszczynski

President Hometown:

Hi! My name is Sara Gruszczynski, and I am super excited to be serving as the newly elected President of Hofstra Hillel JD. We have some amazing things planned for our peers, and are so excited to finally welcome people back in person. Please feel free to reach out about anything and everything!

Sasha Pezenik

Secretary Hometown: Queens

Sasha Pezenik is a rising 2L at Hofstra Law. Before graduating from Hofstra University, Sasha studied history, Hebrew, and legal studies in business. She also received the NECTFL Award for her work as a teaching assistant (Hebrew) in the foreign language department. During her time as an undergraduate student, Sasha served as President of Hofstra Hillel, Vice President, Community Engagement Fellow, and Jewish Learning Fellow. Sasha is proud to serve as an executive officer Hofstra Hillel J.D.

Joseph Rabanipour

Treasurer, JD Hillel Hometown: Great Neck

Joseph Rabanipour is a rising 2L who is pursuing a legal career in Real Estate. Joseph not only has a passion for Real Estate, but a strong love and commitment for Judaism. Studying religious studies seriously for a year in Israel, made me want to join and be a part of the Hillel JD, in order to ensure that he stays close to his religious side and spread acceptance and love to all people, no matter their religion.

Leor Vaknin

Co-President Hometown: Albertson, New York

My name is Leor Vaknin and I’m a 3L at Hofstra Law. As co-president of Hofstra Hillel JD, I am committed to enhancing Jewish life both on and off campus. I went to HANC high school and took a gap year in Israel and plan on using those experiences to help achieve my goal. On a professional level, I’m looking to pursue a career in real estate law and international law.

Rachel Yakubov

Secretary Hometown: Long Beach

Rachel Yakubov Secretary Rachel Yakubov is a rising 2L concentrating in Health Law. She originally was a pre-med student and graduated from Touro college with a bachelor's degree in biology. She found herself interested in law, and therefore combined her interest with her studies. She joined Hillel JD to develop a place where Jewish students can unite and travel the journey together through law school and beyond.

Rachel Yakubov

3rd Year Representative Hometown:

Rachel Yakubov is a 3L, who graduated from Touro College with a bachelor's degree In science. Although she was a pre-med student, she found herself interested in law, and began pursuing her law career with interest and passion. She joined Hillel JD in 2020-since she wanted to find and help create a place-where Jewish students can unite, spend holidays, share experiences, and more.