The JLIC community at Rutgers University recently demonstrated the profound impact that dedicated leadership can have on students’ lives. The community gathered to honor outgoing JLIC Directors Rav Avi and Sara Schwartz, who are leaving after five years of devoted service to the Rutgers Jewish community.
Students organized a heartfelt kumzitz bonfire to express their gratitude. During this gathering, they creatively adapted one of Rav Avi’s favorite Hebrew songs, changing the lyrics to convey their appreciation for the couple’s unwavering support throughout their tenure. The musical tribute highlighted the meaningful connections the directors had fostered with students over their years of service.
As a token of their appreciation, the students presented the departing couple with a Rutgers “R” logo, accompanied by a note signed by all the students. This gesture symbolized how the Schwartzes had become an integral part of the Rutgers family and community.
During their five-year tenure, Rav Avi and Sara transformed the JLIC program through innovative and impactful initiatives. One of their most ambitious projects was leading Rutgers students to India on an OU Relief mission, where students engaged in meaningful service work while exploring Jewish values of tikkun olam in action. This life-changing experience broadened students’ perspectives and created bonds far beyond the Rutgers campus.
The couple also established the monthly Open Beit Midrash with Yachad, a program that fostered inclusion and learning among students and individuals with different abilities. This initiative not only provided valuable Torah study but also cultivated empathy and community connection across diverse populations.
Their annual dodgeball fundraiser became a campus highlight that grew more successful each year. What began as a simple charity event evolved into a major campus-wide phenomenon, raising substantial funds for JLIC programming while building camaraderie among students.
Beyond these signature programs, the Schwartzes’ impact was felt through their consistent presence in students’ daily lives. They conducted numerous weekly shiurim that catered to different knowledge levels and interests, making Jewish learning accessible to all. Their countless one-on-one coffee meetings provided students with personal guidance, mentorship, and a listening ear during challenging times. Campus events organized by the couple became reliable touchpoints for Jewish students seeking community and connection.
The emotional farewell demonstrated the deep impact Rav Avi and Sara had made through their positive connections with students. Their approach to leadership resonated with the JLIC community, creating bonds beyond formal programming and religious guidance.
Each JLIC couple leaves a unique and lasting mark on the communities they serve and the students’ lives they touch. The shoes left by Rav Avi and Sara will be difficult to fill. The community is confident that the incoming directors will establish their own meaningful legacy as they embark on their new journey at Rutgers.
The Rutgers JLIC community wishes Rav Avi and Sara the best as they start their next chapter with a move to Israel. Though they will be missed, their influence will continue to resonate within the community they had so lovingly nurtured through their innovative programs, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering commitment to Jewish campus life.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about JLIC and to support our programming.
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