Bloomfield native Matt Baram has been appointed executive director of Hillel 818 team. Hillel 818 (Hillel of California State University) is part of a global network of Hillels on over 500 campuses worldwide. Baram succeeds longtime Executive Director David Katz. He will begin his tenure with Hillel 818 on July 1.

Prior to joining Hillel 818, Baram served for eight years as the millennial director at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, during which time he built a highly successful teen program and led one of the most robust young professional communities in the country. His portfolio included the Teen Center, Chai School, David and Angella Nazarian Youth Leadership Program, Atid: Sinai Temple 20s & 30s, and the Ted and Hedy Orden & Family Friday Night Live. 

A graduate of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford, Baram received Far West USY’s “Kesher” Award in 2017 for his outstanding work with the Los Angeles’ Jewish teen community. 

“The Hillel 818 board and community stakeholders are thrilled to welcome Matt Baram as our new executive director. Matt brings enthusiasm, creativity and a drive to connect with Jewish students throughout our community. He is dedicated to ensuring continued growth and development of this Hillel for the benefit of all the students served today and for many years to come,” said Kathi Mangel, chair of Hillel 818’s board.

“Hillel 818 is primed for continued growth in the years to come,” Baram said. “My predecessor, David Katz, laid an incredible foundation, and I’m honored to work with the Hillel 818 board, staff, students, alumni and community friends as we continue his great work, ensuring an exciting and vibrant Jewish future at Hillel 818 and in the community at large.” 

Baram holds a Masters in Education with a concentration in Judaic studies from the American Jewish University, and a BS in Communications from Boston University. While at Boston University, he served as the president of Hillel’s Conservative Minyan and as a member of Hillel’s Religious Life Council. He was also a member of the Jewish rock band, “The Rif.”  

Hillel at California State University (CSUN) was founded in 1960. It has been the Jewish address at CSUN, Pierce College and Los Angeles Valley College.