Rabbi Oren J. Hayon

Rabbi Oren J. Hayon is the Greenstein Family Executive Director of the Hillel Foundation for Jewish Life at the University of Washington. He brings an extensive background in Jewish education and multimedia to his role as a nonprofit leader, and infuses his work with a warm and dynamic presence and a commitment to building and enriching Jewish community.

His work at Hillel UW includes a full slate of rabbinic responsibilities in a devotedly pluralistic and diverse religious setting, including providing worship services and creative programming for Shabbat and holidays, life cycle services, interfaith outreach, pastoral counseling, and learning opportunities for constituents of all backgrounds and abilities. In his capacity as chief executive, he also oversees supervision of a large and robust staff team, the fundraising necessary to support a $1.2MM budget, and the community organizing skills necessary to serve as a convener and organizer of Jewish communal leadership across institutional and denominational lines.

Before moving to Seattle, Rabbi Hayon served as Associate Rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Texas, where he was responsible for adult education and congregational programming for young adults, in addition to his full complement of pulpit and life cycle portfolios.

He is a graduate of Rice University and received his rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He is currently at work on a doctorate in Jewish Studies from Spertus College.

When he's not working, Rabbi Hayon is likely to be found spending time outdoors with his wife and daughters, taking photographs, listening to music, or playing Scrabble competitively.