Rav Yehudah and Hannah Auerbach have been the directors of JLIC at the University of Chicago since August 2021. They spent the previous four years living in Sha’alvim, where they supported many yeshiva students, building a vibrant Jewish life in the community. Together with their three children, Daniel, Elisha, and Binyamin, they are so excited to be a part of the University of Chicago Jewish community sharing and building an enriching Jewish experience.
Hannah Auerbach hails from Teaneck, New Jersey via Rochester New York. She spent a year learning at Michlelet Mivaseret Yerushalayim, did national service in Israel, and studied at the Jerusalem College of Technology for a BA in Accounting and Informational Science. She has spent summers working at various summer camps, and for many Jewish organizations. Hannah is currently exploring her Mada side of the Torah U’Madah scale by becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Beyond her professional commitments, Hannah is a staunch advocate for personal growth and Jewish education. Hannah enjoys crocheting yarmulkas, riding for Peloton, and amateur interior design. Hannah is currently writing a book on the Jewish postpartum experience in the post-modern era.
Yehudah grew up in the Cedarhurst, New York and attended local high schools. Upon graduating, he attended Yeshivat Sha’alvim, where he made Aliyah and joined the hesder program. Yehudah served in the Golani Brigade and married Hannah upon finishing his service. After the army, Yehudah returned to Sha’alvim, joining the kollel and eventually becoming a member of the faculty. He also graduated from the Jerusalem College of Technology with a degree in Business Management & received Semicha from World Mizrachi Musmachim. Yehudah is also an avid golfer, a marathon runner, and especially enjoys sitting on the couch with a good book & french press.