Hillel at Virginia Tech | Jewish Life, Community, and Leadership on Campus

Amanda Herring

Kurtz Family Executive Director

Amanda Herring is an experience curator and Jewish educator. As a 2011 Hokie and former Hillel President and staff member, returning as the ED in May 2023 feels full circle. In between school and her return to Blacksburg, she worked at Birthright, the Israel on Campus Coalition, OneTable, and the DCJCC. In 2018 Amanda received her Master’s in Experiential Education and Jewish Cultural Arts at GW, and completed a Fellowship in Jewish, Outdoor, Food, Farming and Environmental Education with Hazon. At this fellowship, she combined her passions for Shabbat and sustainable food which together can nourish and heal communities and ecosystems. Amanda enjoys going to the farmers market with her kids and eating amazing food with her Husband, Greg, who is a whole animal butcher and chef.

Amanda Herring

Kurtz Family Executive Director

Amanda Herring is an experience curator and Jewish educator. As a 2011 Hokie and former Hillel President and staff member, returning as the ED in May 2023 feels full circle. In between school and her return to Blacksburg, she worked at Birthright, the Israel on Campus Coalition, OneTable, and the DCJCC. In 2018 Amanda received her Master’s in Experiential Education and Jewish Cultural Arts at GW, and completed a Fellowship in Jewish, Outdoor, Food, Farming and Environmental Education with Hazon. At this fellowship, she combined her passions for Shabbat and sustainable food which together can nourish and heal communities and ecosystems. Amanda enjoys going to the farmers market with her kids and eating amazing food with her Husband, Greg, who is a whole animal butcher and chef.

Rabbi Beryl Trauth- Jurman

Assistant Director & Campus Rabbi

Rabbi Beryl is a Jewish educator and engagement professional. Before Hillel, he worked at synagogues and Jewish summer camps for over a decade. A long time Virginia resident, Rabbi Beryl is a proud alum of George Mason University and its small but mighty Hillel! He completed his rabbinical studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2024. In his spare time, Beryl enjoys building and painting miniature models, and spending time with his spouse, Mary Grace and their son, Samuel.

Rabbi Beryl Trauth- Jurman

Assistant Director & Campus Rabbi

Rabbi Beryl is a Jewish educator and engagement professional. Before Hillel, he worked at synagogues and Jewish summer camps for over a decade. A long time Virginia resident, Rabbi Beryl is a proud alum of George Mason University and its small but mighty Hillel! He completed his rabbinical studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2024. In his spare time, Beryl enjoys building and painting miniature models, and spending time with his spouse, Mary Grace and their son, Samuel.

Sasha Stadnik

Operations Manager

Sasha received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida. After graduation, she moved to Bat Yam, Israel, to participate in Masa's Teaching Fellows Program, where she taught English at a middle school. Her experience living and teaching abroad strengthened her passion for education. In her spare time, Sasha enjoys reading and spending time with her miniature dachshund puppy, Ollie.

Sasha Stadnik

Operations Manager

Sasha received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida. After graduation, she moved to Bat Yam, Israel, to participate in Masa's Teaching Fellows Program, where she taught English at a middle school. Her experience living and teaching abroad strengthened her passion for education. In her spare time, Sasha enjoys reading and spending time with her miniature dachshund puppy, Ollie.

MacKenzie York

Ezra Springboard Fellow

MacKenzie grew up in North Carolina and spent several years in Jacksonville, Florida during High School and College. He graduated from the University of North Florida (UNF) with a BA in History and a minor in Jewish Studies in 2023. While in school, MacKenzie was incredibly active in his university’s Jewish Student Union and Chabad House, and played a significant role in the creation of UNF’s own Hillel shortly after graduating. Both during and after college MacKenzie worked as a religious school teacher at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, which inspired him to pursue a career in Jewish Education.

MacKenzie York

Ezra Springboard Fellow

MacKenzie grew up in North Carolina and spent several years in Jacksonville, Florida during High School and College. He graduated from the University of North Florida (UNF) with a BA in History and a minor in Jewish Studies in 2023. While in school, MacKenzie was incredibly active in his university’s Jewish Student Union and Chabad House, and played a significant role in the creation of UNF’s own Hillel shortly after graduating. Both during and after college MacKenzie worked as a religious school teacher at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, which inspired him to pursue a career in Jewish Education.

Shelly Trub

Jewish Agency Israel Fellow

Originally from Rishon LeZion in Israel’s Central District, Shelly holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Tel Aviv University. She has worked as a social guide for Taglit-Birthright groups, an information and guidance coordinator at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, and a community coordinator with the Society for the Advancement of Education and Sports. She has also collaborated with Hillel Tel Aviv on volunteer initiatives connecting college students through hands-on engagement. As an Israel Fellow, she hopes to support students on their journeys of self-discovery and strengthen their connection to Israel.

Shelly Trub

Jewish Agency Israel Fellow

Originally from Rishon LeZion in Israel’s Central District, Shelly holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Tel Aviv University. She has worked as a social guide for Taglit-Birthright groups, an information and guidance coordinator at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, and a community coordinator with the Society for the Advancement of Education and Sports. She has also collaborated with Hillel Tel Aviv on volunteer initiatives connecting college students through hands-on engagement. As an Israel Fellow, she hopes to support students on their journeys of self-discovery and strengthen their connection to Israel.

Jana Sanchez

Marketing & Development Coordinator

Jana is originally from Spain and first came to the United States in 2010 as an exchange student at the University of Oklahoma. She later earned her Law degree, but her passion for creativity, problem-solving, and strategy led her to explore the worlds of marketing, communications, and finance. Outside of work, Jana enjoys spending time with her pug, her four-legged challah enthusiast. Together, they share a serious appreciation for warm challah, cozy moments, and the occasional sneaky bite when no one is watching!

Jana Sanchez

Marketing & Development Coordinator

Jana is originally from Spain and first came to the United States in 2010 as an exchange student at the University of Oklahoma. She later earned her Law degree, but her passion for creativity, problem-solving, and strategy led her to explore the worlds of marketing, communications, and finance. Outside of work, Jana enjoys spending time with her pug, her four-legged challah enthusiast. Together, they share a serious appreciation for warm challah, cozy moments, and the occasional sneaky bite when no one is watching!

Lynette Sherman

Hillel Chef

Chef Lynette Sherman is a seasoned culinary professional with more than two decades of experience spanning fine dining, hospitality, healthcare, and culinary education. A graduate of Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor’s degree in Safety and Environmental Engineering and the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts with an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, Lynette built her career through roles at renowned establishments including The Greenbrier, Snowshoe Resort, Julian’s Restaurant, and the Greenbrier Valley Hospital. During her 14-year tenure at The Greenbrier, she advanced from apprentice to Saucier and Sous Chef while also serving as a Culinary Instructor at Bluefield State College. As an Executive Chef, Lynette has led teams at multiple prestigious venues and currently brings her expertise to The Lemon Hotel. A decorated competitor with 12 culinary medals—six bronze and six silver—she has also mentored aspiring chefs through local high school ProStart programs, leading teams to state and national victories. Having trained under acclaimed chefs including Peter Timmins CMC, Richard Rosendale CMC, Keith Coughenour, and Hartmut Hanke CMC, Lynette combines technical excellence with creativity, leadership, and a passion for farm-to-table cuisine. Above all, she is dedicated to developing her team, inspiring future culinary professionals, and creating exceptional dining experiences.

Lynette Sherman

Hillel Chef

Chef Lynette Sherman is a seasoned culinary professional with more than two decades of experience spanning fine dining, hospitality, healthcare, and culinary education. A graduate of Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor’s degree in Safety and Environmental Engineering and the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts with an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, Lynette built her career through roles at renowned establishments including The Greenbrier, Snowshoe Resort, Julian’s Restaurant, and the Greenbrier Valley Hospital. During her 14-year tenure at The Greenbrier, she advanced from apprentice to Saucier and Sous Chef while also serving as a Culinary Instructor at Bluefield State College. As an Executive Chef, Lynette has led teams at multiple prestigious venues and currently brings her expertise to The Lemon Hotel. A decorated competitor with 12 culinary medals—six bronze and six silver—she has also mentored aspiring chefs through local high school ProStart programs, leading teams to state and national victories. Having trained under acclaimed chefs including Peter Timmins CMC, Richard Rosendale CMC, Keith Coughenour, and Hartmut Hanke CMC, Lynette combines technical excellence with creativity, leadership, and a passion for farm-to-table cuisine. Above all, she is dedicated to developing her team, inspiring future culinary professionals, and creating exceptional dining experiences.

Rabbi Bruce Aft

Rabbinical Advisor

Rabbi Bruce D. Aft, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Adat Reyim in Springfield, Virginia serves as Hillel at Virginia Tech’s Rabbinical Advisor. Rabbi Aft is a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia and received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity in June of 2006. He has been the Rabbi at Congregation Adat Reyim since 1991.

Rabbi Bruce Aft

Rabbinical Advisor

Rabbi Bruce D. Aft, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Adat Reyim in Springfield, Virginia serves as Hillel at Virginia Tech’s Rabbinical Advisor. Rabbi Aft is a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia and received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity in June of 2006. He has been the Rabbi at Congregation Adat Reyim since 1991.

Our Staff

Our Staff

Amanda Herring

Amanda Herring

Rabbi Beryl Trauth- Jurman

Rabbi Beryl Trauth- Jurman

Sasha Stadnik

Sasha Stadnik

MacKenzie York

MacKenzie York

Shelly Trub

Shelly Trub

Jana Sanchez

Jana Sanchez

Lynette Sherman

Lynette Sherman

Rabbi Bruce Aft

Rabbi Bruce Aft