May 14, 2025

 

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) is proud to announce the hiring of Rabbi Jill Avrin as the organization’s first Director of Campus Affairs. This new position is a direct response to the intensifying challenges facing Jewish students, faculty, and staff on college campuses across the country—including right here in Minnesota. 

 

In this role, Rabbi Avrin will lead JCRC’s efforts to disrupt antisemitism on campus by empowering students, educating stakeholders, and fostering critical relationships with university staff and faculty. While the position will support campuses across the state, its primary focus will be the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. 

 

The Director of Campus Affairs will serve as a key liaison between JCRC and Jewish student groups, including Minnesota Hillel, Chabad U of M, and Jewish Greek life, as well as campus administrators and community partners. Rabbi Avrin will coordinate education and advocacy efforts, support students navigating bias and harassment, and help shift the campus climate through sustained relationship-building and strategic engagement. 

 

Rabbi Avrin brings to this position not only deep experience in the Jewish community, but also a personal connection to the challenges faced by today’s college students. As an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, she encountered antisemitism firsthand while leading a Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. That moment helped catalyze her journey into the rabbinate—and continues to inform her leadership today. 

 

“Rabbi Avrin’s passion, wisdom, and compassion make her the ideal person to step into this important new role,” said Steve Hunegs, JCRC Executive Director. “She is already a trusted presence on campus, and her ability to build relationships and respond with clarity and care is precisely what this moment demands.”  Ethan Roberts, Deputy Executive Director, added, “I’ve known Rabbi Avrin since the very beginning of her rabbinic career at Bet Shalom Congregation, worked closely with her when she was the co-chair of the Minnesota Rabbinic Association during the difficult years of the pandemic, and have long admired her bravery, warmth, and passion for the Jewish people.” 

 

Rabbi Avrin currently serves on the Board of Minnesota Hillel and has supported both Hillel and Chabad through recent campus crises, including leading a joint commemoration of October 7. Her extensive rabbinic experience, strategic mindset, and pastoral sensibility make her uniquely suited to support both students and staff as they navigate increasingly complex challenges. 

 

“Rabbi Avrin has long been a powerful advocate for Jewish students at the University of Minnesota,” said Emily Boskoff, Executive Director of Minnesota Hillel. “Her presence in this role sends a clear message to students: you are not alone, and our community stands with you.” 

 

“Rabbi Avrin is a trusted partner and a calming presence during challenging times,” said Rabbi Yitzi Steiner, Director of Chabad at the University of Minnesota. “Her leadership will help students feel supported, proud of their Jewish identity, and empowered to stand up with strength and dignity.” 

 

Reflecting on the opportunity and the work ahead, Rabbi Avrin shared: 

 

“The maggid of Zlotchov taught, ‘Just as our biblical ancestors found new ways of service according to their character, one of love, one of justice, one of beauty, so should each of us do what has not yet been done according to our character.’ This role provides an opportunity for me to do exactly that – to bring together my skills and my passions – building relationships, showing up for students, and collaborating with partners – in order to help create a safe, proud, and vibrant Jewish life on campus. I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this new role and I look forward to partnering with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community leaders to meet this moment together.” 

 

Rabbi Avrin will begin her role on June 1, 2025. Her work will be guided by the belief that strong relationships, clear moral leadership, and unwavering support for students are key to transforming the campus experience and ensuring that Jewish life can thrive. Join us at our Annual Event on June 8, 2025 to welcome her.