Meet the Staff

Rabbi Brad & Simi Yellin EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

With business and leadership experience as a young entrepreneur, corporate fast-tracker, world traveler and collegiate Track and Field captain, Rabbi Brad Yellen was on his way to the Kellogg School of Business before deciding to channel his talents to enhance the lives of Jews from all backgrounds. As a teacher of executives and industry leaders Rabbi Yellen teaches the relevance, depth and beauty of our heritage.

In addition to teaching and development Rabbi Yellen helps students advance their careers and connect them to the Jewish Community, thus cultivating future Jewish lay leadership. A graduate of Carleton College, Rabbi Yellen received Rabbinic Ordination in Jerusalem .

Heading up JAM’s alumni and adult education is Simi Yellen, a highly acclaimed parenting teacher for mothers with young children. Simi is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and a dedicated mother to the Yellen’s seven children

Mrs. Naomi Manela EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR

A proud graduate of Bais Yaakov Los Angeles, Naomi continued her Jewish studies abroad in Israel. A proud mother, Naomi Manela has been the office administrator for JAM for the last 15 years.In addition to guiding students as they travel abroad Naomi is solely responsible for coordinating huge Shabbaton events and JAM’s annual fundraiser. Always cheerful, hardworking and dedicated, Naomi is an example to all.

Rabbi Dovy & Mimi Sales UCLA

Rabbi Dovy Sales moved with his family to Israel, where he studied in Jerusalem and received rabbinical ordination while studying at the Ohr Legolah Leadership Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Talmudic Law and received a teaching credential from Israel’s Ministry of Education.

Mrs. Mimi Sales, who hails from a family of authors holds an MSW from Yeshiva University’s Wurtzweiller School of Social Work. The Sales initially moved to San Diego and spearheaded a JAM program. . They reached hundreds of students who participated in weekly programs.. Their “open door policy” made for many guests at their Shabbos table every week.

Rabbi Dovy and Mimi and their children, now live at the JAM Center at UCLA They have brought their knowledge and passion for Judaism to create a JAM community of students in Los Angeles..

Rabbi Jacob & Julie Rupp UCLA

Rabbi Jacob and Julie Rupp are the youngest JAM couple living and working with the students at UCLA.

Julie was raised in Los Angeles after moving with her family from Hungary when she was seven. She graduated from UC San Diego in 2005 and pursued her passion for Jewish learning at a College of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Julie and Jacob lived in Israel for three years, and Julie continued her education and received her Master’s in Clinical Sociology.

Rabbi Rupp, from Northern California studied history and political science at the University of California, San Diego. As a college student our rabbi was very active in every facet of Jewish life on campus, holding leadership positions in Hillel, Alpha Epsilon Pi, and JAM. After graduating he continued his Jewish studies in Jerusalem, spearheaded the Ohr Lagolah campus outreach program, and received his Rabbinical Ordination .

By far the cutest member of the Rupp clan is Esther Leah. She, along with her mom and dad are thrilled to be at UCLA.

Rabbi Yehoshua & Chaya Samowitz SDSU

Rabbi Yehoshua and Chaya Samowitz run JAM at San Diego State University.

Originally from New York, Rabbi Samowitz,earned a Bachelors degree in Talmudic Law from Ohr Somayach Tannenbaum College in Israel, There he received his rabbinic ordination and earned a teachers certificate from the Department of Education. In Israel and subsequently in New York, he served as a personal mentor to young adults. Rabbi Samowitz is an avid swimmer and enjoys long distance and mountain biking.

Chaya Samowitz, also from New York, spent a year studying Judaism in depth at Meohr Beth Jacob Teachers Seminary for women. She subsequently received a Bachelors degree from Thomas Edison College in New Jersey, and went on to pursue a Masters degree in special education.

The Samowitz home in San Diego is always full of energy, excitement and students. The Samowitzes have six adorable children who love entertaining the constant flow of guests. Their love of Judaism guides their work at SDSU, bringing knowledge and meaning, (and good homemade food) to the lives of many Jewish students.

Rabbi Eric & Chaya Ertel UCSD

Rabbi Eric and Chaya Ertel represent JAM at the UCSD campus in La Jolla.

Chaya, originally from Chicago and Los Angeles is an educator, specializing in teaching women. She studied at Hebrew University and completed her Bachelors in Humanties while in Israel. She then studied and received a certificate as a teacher for new brides on Jewish marriage.

Eric, originally from New Jersey, has many and varied interests. He was the host of his own TV public access talk show and is an avid runner. Now called the “Running Rabbi” Eric started the organization “Running for Israel”. He led other motivated runners in the 2004 and 2005 New York City Marathons to raise money for causes that support Israel.

Rabbi Ertel lived on a kibbutz in Israel, and then remained living and studying there for several years. In the spring of 2002, he received his rabbinic ordination.

Since returning to the United States in 2002, Eric and Chaya have been teaching classes, running trips, outreach programs, and have hosted hundreds of people at their home for Shabbat meals. Now, along with their three daughters:, they come to San Diego to do what they do best: teach, host, and inspire.

Rabbi Yaakov & Elana Soussan UCSB

Rabbi Yaakov Soussan, originally from Paris, France is going on his second year with the Jam Santa Barbara team. Rabbi Soussan is known for his wide range of activities for college students from basketball tournaments, to learning groups, and concerts. A musician and a surfer, Rabbi Soussan is passionate about teaching college students and making sure they have a blast while learning about their Jewish heritage. Rabbi Soussan received his Rabbinic Ordination in Israel. He is a certified educator and marriage counselor.

Mrs. Elana Soussan, enjoys learning, art, and music. She has training in education, business and natural medicine. Famous for their ‘cool’ home and Morrocan food the Soussans and their two adorable, outgoing toddlers combine to make the Soussans’ a home away from home for hundreds of students.