By Hadar Katsman, Features Editor
Haviva Chernigoff began working as the program coordinator for Yeshiva University’s Office of Torah Studies and Spiritual Life in December of 2021. Chernigoff grew up in Florida but lived in Teaneck for six years during high school. After graduating, she attended the Sy Syms School of Business and received a bachelor’s degree in Strategy and Entrepreneurship in 2021. This past summer, Chernigoff traveled to Washington, D.C. and visited several museums in the area.
Why do you like working at YU?
I’m deeply passionate about strengthening the Jewish world, especially through nonprofit work. At YU, I get to channel that passion on a broader scale — supporting students, programs and initiatives that truly make an impact. It’s a place where I can help shape meaningful change and inspire others to get involved as well.
What events do you normally coordinate?
The main thing I coordinate is Shabbat. I do all the logistics from hotel booking [for Minyan Men and guest speakers] to food ordering to sign up. I also coordinate some speakers for GPATS [the Graduate Program in Advanced Talmud/Tanach Studies].
What do you like most about the YU community?
That it’s a community — we are all here to help each other and [we’re] always looking out for one another. The main aspect I missed when I moved from Florida is the sense of community, a place where everyone knows each other and looks out for one another in every way. When I was a student at YU, I truly felt that sense of community return and I feel that still now as [a] staff member. Each faculty member is always there to help, collaborate or to just bounce ideas.
What advice do you have for YU students?
Stay in for Shabbat. Even if you would normally go home or to a friend, Shabbos on campus is a great way to meet new people and really make Stern your home away from home. Fun fact: I met a girl from staying in for Shabbat that I ended up being roommates [with] for three years after Stern, and we are still friends!
Enjoy the time at Stern and [do] not get down by the grades you need to get. You should enjoy every class you take and all the extracurriculars. You don’t need to push yourself so hard that grades end up being everything.
If you could add one course to YU’s curriculum, what would it be and why?
Cooking 101 — I think so many people don’t know how to cook or are too afraid. They then go out into the real world without the Caf and cannot cook for themselves.
What’s a favorite hobby or talent of yours?
I love cooking and baking!
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Haviva Chernigoff