Avi Feder Takes Over as Wilf Campus Director of University Housing and Residence Life

Avi Feder began his tenure as the new Wilf Campus director of University Housing and Residence Life (UHRL) on Aug. 2. 

Feder is the fourth Wilf Campus director since November 2020, when Jonathan Schwab left the position. After Schwab’s departure, Senior Director of the Office of Student Life Rabbi Josh Weisberg served as interim director of UHRL until February 2021, when Lee Seguin took over for just four months. As of publication, the university has not communicated Seguin’s departure but notified students of Feder’s appointment in an email on Aug. 23. 

Following four years as Yachad’s director of Volunteers and Advisor Engagement, Feder transitioned to this new role over the summer. Previously, he was the director of Dormitory Life and National Recruitment at the Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy, YU’s affiliate high school, from August 2015 to July 2017. Feder graduated from the Sy Syms School of Business in 2014 and the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary in 2017. During his time as a YU student, Feder served as both a resident advisor (RA) and a head RA.

“I am excited to be back at Yeshiva as the Director of Residence Life, and particularly excited to welcome students back to campus very soon!” Feder told The Commentator. “I will be focusing my efforts on the Wilf Campus while working collaboratively with the staff from Beren Campus. Working closely with Michael Altaras and our talented group of RAs and Head RAs, we will continually enhance and improve the housing and resident life experience for all.”

YU administrators expressed optimism regarding Feder’s appointment. “In addition to Avi’s strong background in Housing and his intimate understanding of the YU community, he is also a caring, approachable, and creative leader,” Vice Provost for Student Affairs Chaim Nissel said. “I am fully confident that Avi — along with Assistant Director of Housing Michael Altaras — will truly accomplish great things for resident life this year.”

Head Resident Advisor Mordy Blau (YC ‘22) also expressed excitement toward Ferder’s appointment. “Avi truly cares about the students and about the people that he works with,” he said. “He really pushes us [resident advisors] to be our best and we’re excited to see all that he has to offer to Yeshiva.”

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Photo Caption: Avi Feder took over as director of UHRL on August 2nd.

Photo Credit: Avi Feder