Our Admissions Team
Office of Admissions
Marc “Ziggy” Zharnest
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Hometown: Fair Lawn, New Jersey
Degree: B.S. in Business Management, M.S. in Healthcare Administration
Alma Mater: Yeshiva University, Seton Hall
Hobbies/Interests: Riding the ambulance, sports, learning
Contact me: (646) 592-4440,
marc.zharnest@yu.edu or text (646) 600-9185
If I was to describe YU I would say, we are a small top tier University with a Yeshiva located in New York, where you can play on a NCAA sports team, join clubs, get internships all while making no sacrifices on your Judaism!
Ari Lewis
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Degree: B.S. in Business Management
Alma Mater: Yeshiva University
Hobbies/Interests: Sunday outings with my family, singing, cooking, home improvement projects
Contact me: (646) 592-4440, ari.lewis@yu.edu or text (646) 791-4086
YU provided me with an environment to develop the tools I needed to succeed professionally and spiritually. I look forward to helping prospective students discover the many opportunities for growth that await them at YU!
Aharon Goldwasser
Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Hometown: Teaneck, New Jersey
Degree: B.S. in Management, M.B.A. in Finance
Alma Mater: Yeshiva University
Hobbies/Interests: Sports, music, spending time with family, traveling
Contact me: (646) 592-4440, aharon.goldwasser@yu.edu or text (856) 397-4709
Yeshiva University is a world class University where a student can receive both an unparalleled secular education as well as a top notch Jewish education. As a former student, I understand the commitment our students take upon themselves when they commit to Yeshiva University and it is quite inspirational. I am grateful to have the opportunity to play a small role in helping our students reach their goals.
Rabbi Jon Green
Director of the James Striar School of Jewish Studies; Admissions Counselor
Hometown: Far Rockaway, NY
Degree: Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, Semicha, Yeshiva Shor Yoshuv
Alma Mater: Bellevue University
Hobbies/Interests: Biking, hanging out with my wife and five children in Far Rockaway
Contact me: (646) 592-4440, jon.green@yu.edu or text (516) 316-8782
I am passionate about inspiring future inspired Jews. I love working for Yeshiva University in both my roles as Director of JSS and as an Admissions Counselor, because it allows me to help students before, during and even after they come to YU. If you visit campus, you can find me in the JSS Beit Medrash, in the Admissions office or on the Quad playing frisbee. I would love to invite you to join me and my family for Shabbos in Far Rockaway.
Elaine Frankel
Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Hometown: West Hempstead, New York
Degree: B.S. in Accounting
Alma Mater: Brooklyn College
Hobbies/Interests: Piano, dance, listening to shiurim and spin. Proud parent of 3 YU Alum and 2 Alum sons in law.
Contact me: (646) 592-4440, elaine.frankel@yu.edu or text (646) 798-1857
As soon as you step foot to YU’s campus you will understand what I love about YU. The warm community, shared values, Yeshiva in the heart of Manhattan. My passion is meeting prospective students and families, assisting them in their journey to YU.
Ayelet Strauss
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Honors Program Admissions Coordinator
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Degree: B.S. in Marketing and a minor in Accounting
Alma Mater: Yeshiva University
Hobbies/Interests: tennis, reading and baking
Contact me: (646) 592-4440, ayelet.strauss@yu.edu or text (646) 969-3784
I joined the Admissions team shortly after graduating from YU’s Sy Syms Business School and I really enjoy having the chance to share everything I loved about YU with prospective students and guide them along the application process.
Rabbi Ari M. Solomont
Director of International Admissions and Recruitment
Hometown: Ashkelon, Israel
Degree: B.S. in Business Administration
Alma Mater: Touro College
Hobbies/Interests: Mountain biking, grill master, guitar playing and floral arrangements. Proud 9x grandfather.
Contact me: solomont@yu.edu
Yeshiva University is the only University outside of Israel the flies the Israeli flag 365 days a year. International students at YU combine a top level university degree, individualized career preparation, with engaging and inspiring Torah classes. YU’s International students hail from over thirty countries across the globe, enhance the campus experience for all students, and are a dynamic presence involved at every level of campus life. At YU, tools for success are not only defined as the education necessary to prepare for a successful career, but include the skills required for a vibrant and meaningful life.
Sydney Beberman
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Hometown: Highland Park, NJ
Degree: B.A. in Psychology
Alma Mater: Yeshiva University
Hobbies/Interests: Playing soccer, hiking, and reading.
Contact me: (646) 592-4440, sydney.beberman@yu.edu or text (347) 609-7839
Yeshiva University has been a transformative place for me, fostering my personal, spiritual, and professional growth. The exceptional education and engaging extracurricular activities are just a few of the reasons I love YU. As a member of the admissions team, I am excited to share my experiences with prospective students and assist them in creating their own meaningful journeys!
Ilana Ahdout
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Hometown: East Windsor, New Jersey
Degree: B.A. in English/Media & Advertising Concentration
Alma Mater: Yeshiva University
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, crafting, cooking, and spending time with family & friends.
Contact me: (646) 592-4440, illana.ahdout@yu.edu, or text (332) 290-2331
From the challenge of Stern's Honors Program to the friendships, mentorship, and opportunities I found along the way, Yeshiva University gave me an experience that helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally. I'm so grateful for the impact it had on my life, and I'm thrilled to now help prospective students navigate their own college journey and discover the opportunities that made my own YU experience so meaningful.
Operations Team
Chad Austein
Director of Enrollment Management Systems
Hometown: River Vale, New Jersey
Degree: B.A. in Political Science, minor in Judaic Studies, M.A. in Higher Education Administration
Alma Mater: University of Hartford, University of Connecticut
Hobbies/Interests: Playing golf and playing pickleball
Contact me: (646) 592-4440,
chad.austein@yu.edu
I have been a higher education administrator for over two decades and have worked at several different institutions and can honestly say there is no place like YU! Now, more than ever, a place like YU is vital for the future of the Jewish people.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Benjamin Alexander
Associate Director of Enrollment Management Analytics
Hometown: Teaneck, New Jersey
Degree: B.A. in Accounting
Alma Mater: Rutgers University
Hobbies/Interests: Birding, travel, learning, reading autobiographies and non-fiction, and volunteering
Contact me: (646) 592-4440,
benjamin.alexander@yu.edu
As someone who works in data and analysics, I spend my days turning data into insights that help shape the future of the University and its students. What makes that work especially rewarding at Yeshiva University is its Jewish mission. Being part of an institution that fosters Torah learning, strengthens Jewish identity, and instills values that last a lifetime allows me to contribute to something much greater than numbers alone.
Marla "Marlee" Goodman
Senior Assistant Director of Enrollment Management Analytics
Hometown: Teaneck, NJ
Degree: B.B.A. in Finance, M.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization
Alma Mater: Queens College, Yeshiva University
Hobbies/Interests: Walking, reading, spending time with friends and family
Contact me: (646) 592-4440, marla.goodman@yu.edu
Yeshiva University has played a special role in the Jewish community, creating a space where many Jews can feel comfortable and understood. I enjoy helping students through the technical application process, with the knowledge that they will soon get to experience everything YU has to offer them.
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