Jewish Community Partners

Memphis Jewish Federation is thrilled to welcome Phoenix Goldberg as the new Director for Hillels of Memphis, one of Federation’s key programs. In this role he will work with Jewish students at both Rhodes College and University of Memphis to help them navigate Jewish life throughout their college journey.

Phoenix started on November 6, concluding a national search led by Hillel Advisory Council co-chairs Audrey Siskind and Daniel Snyder. Members of the diverse search committee included Rhodes Professor Victor Coonin, University of Memphis professor Dan Unowsky, community leaders Hal Fogelman and Jennifer Roberts, and Hillel student presidents Karleigh Ring (Rhodes) and Aaron Bardos (U of M).

Audrey Siskind said of choosing Phoenix, “He has such a heart for Hillel and clear goals for Hillel’s growth and sustainability. Phoenix wants Jewish students to be engaged with each other and with the greater Memphis community, and we cannot wait to see his ideas come to life.” 

When Phoenix was asked what interested him about moving across the country to Memphis, a place he knew very little about, he replied, “This position is the perfect fit for me. Throughout my life, I’ve looked for leadership roles in my Jewish community. It’s an honor to be chosen to lead Hillels of Memphis and to have joined this incredibly welcoming community. I am passionate about Hillels of Memphis being a home away from home for Memphis Jewish students.”

Phoenix, who is from Los Angeles, grew up in a welcoming Jewish community where he attended Jewish preschool, went to religious school every Friday night at his synagogue and went to Jewish camps. He credits the support of his community with helping him thrive in every phase of life and inspiring him to immediately get involved with Hillel during his time at California State Polytechnic Institute (Cal Poly). During his college years he held different positions with Hillel and led several key events while receiving mentorship from the Hillel Director at Cal Poly.

Following graduation, Phoenix wanted to find a position as a Jewish community leader, but as a college graduate in 2021 he stated, “My perfect job was not available. I studied marketing and business development because I knew I would acquire job-ready skills. After graduation, I worked at tech start-ups in sales and marketing, but I kept looking for an opening with a Jewish organization. When I saw the Director opening in Memphis, I knew I had to apply.”

Bluma Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein, Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, said, “We are so pleased to have Phoenix as our new Director for Hillels of Memphis. He brings energy, enthusiasm, and a compelling vision for Hillel. The newly renovated Morris S. Fogelman Jewish Student Center at U of M will be an ideal gathering place for Hillel students from across the city. We are confident Memphis Jewish students will benefit from his leadership and care.”

Phoenix is fully embracing his new role by meeting with Rhodes College and University of Memphis faculty and staff, and with parents of students. He explained, “I want everyone in a Hillel student’s life to know I will provide a support system for their student or child during a time of growth and change. I’ve been meeting Hillel students and lending my leadership and support for scheduled and future events. I am dedicated to creating strong ties with every Hillel student, so they feel at ease and comfortable to be proudly Jewish. Hillels of Memphis will be their second home.” You can reach out to Phoenix at pgoldberg@hillelsofmemphis.org with any questions