Adam Bershad – Director of Engagement and Israel Experiences at U-Md Hillel

Adam Bershad serves as Director of Engagement and Israel Experiences for U-Md Hillel and is currently working towards earning his Master’s of Jewish Professional Studies at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership.

He has recently joined the University of Maryland Hillel after having previously served at University of Central Florida Hillel in Orlando. His passion lies in building relationships and helping students foster their Jewish identities.

Early Life and Education

Adam was raised by his father as an introvert, receiving lessons to develop his writing abilities; eventually becoming a journalist himself.

Adams also had an exceptional eye for photography, particularly of Yosemite’s natural surroundings. Adams’ most celebrated image, one depicting Half Dome covered with fog from 1902, became an important promotional piece for Sierra Club.

As the Director of Engagement and Israel Experiences for University of Maryland Hillel, he organizes Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations and Jewish Learning Fellowship classes as well as helping students plan Birthright trips to Israel – an enjoyable way to meet Jews from around the globe! One of his favorite parts of his job is meeting diverse Jewish students and helping them develop their Jewish identities.

Professional Career

Adam Bershad serves as Director of Engagement and Israel Experiences for University of Maryland Hillel. A graduate from Temple University, Adam is currently studying towards his Master of Jewish Professional Studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership.

He hails from New Jersey and spent four years working at the University of Central Florida Hillel in Orlando. Now at Syracuse University Hillel, he looks forward to engaging with its students and cultivating a vibrant Jewish presence on campus.

He is charged with conspiracy to commit kickbacks for his participation in a scheme where Milberg Weiss & Bershad LLP clients were paid kickbacks in return for being lead plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits filed by them. Cooperation from Weiss’ lawyer helped prosecutors charge Weiss, as well as gain plea agreements from two other former Milberg partners William Lerach and Steven Schulman.

Achievement and Honors

Adam Bershad is no stranger to the University of Maryland campus in College Park, yet has lived primarily out west for most of his life. With a degree in psychology under his belt and being proud parent to an audacious and unruly golden retriever named Fozzie. Additionally, Adam was the star of his high school marching band as well as receiving various scholarships – one being appointed Distinguished Graduate Fellow! In his free time Adam enjoys sipping premium coffee as well as exploring DC metro areas looking for interesting books to read!

Personal Life

Adam Bershad is currently employed at University of Maryland Hillel as director of engagement and Israel experiences, where he builds relationships with students. A native of New Jersey himself, Bershad has been working at Hillel for one month.

He is also a REMAC-paramedic and one of 12 active members in the Elite Emergency Service Unit where he works as team leader. He enjoys creating content on TikTok and has an avid interest in genealogy.

Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel in Philadelphia was where he helped develop Green initiatives. Learning is his passion; currently working towards his Masters of Jewish Professional Studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. He’s very much looking forward to building community with Temple students while further exploring his Jewish identity.