Rabbi Kenny Weiss (he/him)
Executive Director
Rabbi Kenny Weiss is the Rabbi and Executive Director for Houston Hillel. Kenny is also a Jewish Studies faculty member at the University of Houston. Prior to arriving at Houston Hillel in 2001, Kenny served as a congregational rabbi in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. He earned a degree in Communication from the University of California at San Diego, a Secondary Social Studies Teaching Credential from the University of Colorado in Boulder, along with a Masters Degree in Hebrew Letters and Rabbinical Ordination from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. (Whew, that’s a lot of school!)
Kenny does a lot of local and national stuff to benefit Jewish life for college students and Jewish twentysomethings, but he'd rather tell you that he's married to Rabbi Amy Weiss, Founder and Executive Director of Undies for Everyone. Amy and Kenny enjoy spending time with their sons, Eli and Joshua.
When he’s not hanging out with college students, you can find Kenny running around Rice in preparation for the Houston half-marathon, biking around Houston, figuring out a bouldering problem at the local rock climbing gym, or listening to the Grateful Dead while building something in his garage.
Contact Kenny at kweiss@ricehillel.org or on Facebook.
Ulrika Shragge (she/her)
Assistant Director
Ulrika Shragge is originally from San Francisco, California. In 2019, she moved to Texas to attend Texas Christian University, where she studied History and Philosophy.
While studying, she joined TCU Hillel and served on the executive team for three years, including President.
In her free time, Ulrika loves doing ceramics, riding her bike, and trying new recipes.
Ulrika is so happy to join Houston Hillel to explore and serve a new Jewish community.
Contact Ulrika at ulrika@ricehillel.org or on Facebook.
TBD
Springboard Fellow
Rotem Tertman
Jewish Agency Israel Fellow
Growing up in Tel Aviv, Rotem was an active member of her high school FIRST Robotics team, where she served as both team leader and spokesperson. Her passion for leadership and innovation continued throughout her military service as an Intelligence Officer in the Israeli Navy.
After completing her service, Rotem earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Communication from Tel Aviv University. During her studies, she participated in a student exchange program at FIU Miami while gaining four years of hands-on marketing experience at a high-tech company. She continued to pursue this field after graduation.
Outside of work, Rotem is always on the move. Whether she’s at the gym, playing tennis, exploring the neighborhood, or relaxing on her balcony with a good romance novel, she enjoys making the most of her free time. She’s also an avid sports fan and loves cheering on her favorite teams from the comfort of her couch. And if there’s one thing you shouldn’t pass up, it’s the chance to try her homemade chocolate chip cookies or brownies; they’re a crowd favorite!
Contact Rotem at rotem@ricehillel.org.
Anna Ashburn (she/her)
Jewish Family Service Counselor
Anna grew up in the piney woods of Northeast Texas before moving to Waco to attend Baylor University where she studied child development and social work. In her work as a therapist, she has served children, teens, and young adults, most recently specializing in maternal mental health.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she values family systems, attachment theory, and person-centered therapy. She loves working with young adults on issues of identity and personal growth. She is a camp counselor at heart, bringing fun, levity, and depth to her work as a therapist.
Anna was raised by two children of the 1970’s and can most likely be found listening to the Doobie Brothers, Eagles, or Christopher Cross. When she’s not listening to Yacht Rock, you can bet she is reading a fantasy novel, playing Mario Party, or finding the nearest body of water to jump in!
Contact Anna at wellness@ricehillel.org.
