Rabbi Tamir’s journey to YULA is anything but conventional. With a background that spans from professional basketball in Israel to a successful career in finance, his path to education was shaped by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. Now, as YULA’s new Director of Student Life, he is eager to enhance student experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Before stepping into the world of Jewish education, Rabbi Tamir spent years excelling in other fields. He played basketball in Israel and later transitioned into finance, working at an Israeli bank in New York before joining Bank of America, where he spent nearly six years. However, his passion for chinuch was always present. He founded a nonprofit that raised money for Israel, and after the events of October 7th, he decided to fully dedicate himself to education. His connection with Rabbi Sufrin led to an opportunity at YULA, where he now works to inspire students daily.
When asked what he has enjoyed most about joining YULA, Rabbi Tamir reflected on his decision to leave a lucrative finance career to pursue something more fulfilling. “I decided I didn’t want to do this for the rest of my life,” he shared. “The most important thing is to help the younger generation. It’s been a pleasure and the best opportunity so far.” As Director of Student Life, Rabbi Tamir has two main goals: enhancing students’ connection to chessed and strengthening their bond with Israel. He aims to cultivate excitement around Jewish identity, particularly by supporting soldiers and engaging in meaningful acts of giving. “If we can get our students excited about being Jewish,” he said, “then we’re doing something right.”
Rabbi Tamir offers powerful guidance for students looking to maximize their school experience, drawing inspiration from Mesilat Yesharim: “It’s a person’s duty to find and clarify again and again what their purpose is in this world. Each person is unique—find what you’re good at and make it a true strength. That passion will lead to success.” One of Rabbi Tamir’s initiatives is the highly anticipated intramural tournament, designed to bring a new level of fun and friendly competition to YULA. “The goal is first and foremost to have fun,” he explained. “We want to create a healthy, competitive atmosphere beyond just the school’s official sports teams. Seasonal tournaments, prizes, and school-wide excitement—it’s all about getting the kids hyped up.”
Beyond student life programming, Rabbi Tamir is also looking forward to the senior Shabbaton and upcoming Israel trips, as well as a new chessed and volunteering app to make giving back even more accessible. With so many exciting initiatives in the works, his enthusiasm for engaging students and fostering a strong Jewish identity is unmistakable. Rabbi Tamir’s journey may have taken many twists and turns, but his passion for education and student development is clear. As he continues to shape student life at YULA, there is no doubt that his impact will be felt for years to come.