The community of Columbia/Barnard Hillel notes the death of Yakov Shapiro, the Jewish Agency Israel Fellow from 2021 to 2024, with great sadness. Yakov stayed in New York City to teach Hebrew at a nearby school after serving Columbia/Barnard Hillel in June. He greeted everyone with a brilliant smile, gentle eyes, and the heartfelt statement “chayim sheli—my life!” a beloved term of endearment for everybody he came across; he left a big mark on the town.
Known affectionately as Yasha, he interacted with students informally over casual coffee discussions on campus, visited Israel, spoke Russian with the Russian Speaking Jews (RSJ) organisation, and promoted relationships at Kraft Shabbat Dinners. Yasha fully embraced his responsibility and often expressed thanks for the chance to work in such a remarkable society.
Yakov committed his time to the worldwide Jewish community outside of his dedication to Columbia/Barnard Hillel. His compassion is shown by his voluntary work at a Jewish camp in Cherkasy, Ukraine, and by his efforts following the Russo-Ukrainian War. Travelling with the Jewish Agency to the Polish border, he helped arriving immigrants and carried presents for young children and High Holiday prayer books in Russian to help the community through the holidays.
Yakov, remembered for his love of running, boldly finished the 2023 NYC Marathon. Living in New York City, he loved sampling many cuisines and building community all throughout the city.
As the community grieves this loss, the Hillel professional team is poised to provide support. On the third floor of the Kraft Centre until 6 p.m., team members are accessible for talks, memories shared, or just consolation today. Announcements of other chances for meeting will follow Rosh Hashanah. Resources, including CPS and Furman, are still available now.
