Rabbi Aryeh and Sharona Kaplan, have been leading the JLIC community at UCLA for an astounding 20 years! Their powerful impact on Jewish Bruin life earned them the designation of Exemplars of Excellence – they highest honor bestowed on campus professionals by Hillel International.
Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan and Sharona Kaplan
Rabbi Aryeh studied at Gush and Yeshiva University before arriving at UCLA in 2004. There he leads an expansive and vibrant student community, teaching, counseling and invigorating hundreds of students and thousands of alumni.
Sharona Kaplan earned her BA and MSW from Yeshiva University. Recognized for her programming expertise and motivational speaking, she is a celebrated mentor and leader of the campus community. Living by the adage, “Im Ein Kemach, Ein Torah” the Kaplans can be counted on for providing food for the body alongside their food for thought.
With their strong team of student leaders they redefine the Jewish campus experience through a robust menu of weekly programs and signature Shabbat and holiday celebrations. The six Kaplan kids, authentically ‘Bruin born and Bruin bred’, round out the *optimal* JLIC team. Beyond their campus roles, the Kaplans are celebrated as visionaries who are committed to strengthening the JLIC and Yavneh presence in the region. As Directors of JLIC West, they pioneered a robust student leadership network in California and oversee operations of all of the West Coast JLIC campuses. Rabbi Aryeh and Sharona are each valued members of JLIC’s National Staff, engaging in strategic planning and providing mentorship and support for JLIC’s professional network internationally.
Please reach out to RabbiAryeh@UCLAHillel.org with any questions