Meet the professional staff who are dedicated to building deeply meaningful Jewish experiences with incredible student leadership in a pluralistic, welcoming environment
The Team at Hillels of North Texas
Jordan Swidler
Director of Jewish Student Life
Jordan grew up in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, where he developed a deep connection to Jewish life. He spent seven formative years attending URJ OSRUI, which sparked his passion for Jewish community and leadership. During high school, Jordan was also an active member of BBYO, where he honed his leadership skills and built lasting friendships.
Jordan went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Management from the University of North Texas in 2022. As an undergraduate, he was deeply involved with both Hillel and AEPi, serving on the Hillel student board and as President of AEPi. His time at UNT solidified his commitment to fostering vibrant Jewish life on campus, making him the perfect fit for this role.
Abbii Cook
Executive Director
Abbii Cook is the Executive Director of North Texas Hillels, prior to beginning her role as Executive Director, Abbi served as the Director at the Weintraub Israel Center, Assistant Director of the Hillel at the University of Arizona, and Youth and Teen Director at the Aaron Family JCC in Dallas, TX.
Abbii's journey began after graduating from the University of Arizona with a BA in Judaic Studies and Communications. Her early professional experiences included working at the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina, the sole pluralistic Jewish boarding school in the U.S. Following a yearlong fellowship, Abbii moved to New York to serve as the Senior Engagement Coordinator at Hofstra University Hillel. It was during this time that Abbii's passion for creating immersive Jewish experiences flourished, fueled by impactful trips to New Orleans, Israel, and Nicaragua with students.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Abbii and her husband joyfully navigate the adventure of parenthood with their two young boys. On any given Sunday from August-February you can find Abbii cheering on her Kansas City Chiefs.
Oshrat Nir
Israel Fellow
Oshrat is the Israeli Fellow at Hillel of North Texas.
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She grew up in Rehovot, Israel, and was actively involved in "Mashatzim," an Israeli youth movement. In 2017, Oshrat served as a counselor at Camp Seneca Lake in New York.
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Oshrat earned a B.A. in Filmmaking from Tel Aviv University.
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Professionally, Oshrat worked as a QA engineer in various start-ups within the medical device and food tech industries.
Additionally, she has experience teaching dance to students of all ages and volunteered as a dance instructor for "ELEM," a non-profit organization supporting youth in distress in Rehovot.
Professionally, Oshrat worked as a QA engineer in various start-ups within the medical device and food tech industries.
Oshrat has experience teaching dance to students of all ages and volunteered as a dance instructor for "ELEM," a non-profit organization supporting youth in distress in Rehovot.