After one semester at Elon, Rabbi Becky Joseph stepped down as Director of Elon Hillel and Associate Chaplain for Jewish Life.

"We were really happy to have her here, but it just wasn't a good fit and that's something that happens in organizations a lot," said Ginny Vellani, the new Acting Director of Elon Hillel and Elon's Coordinator for Jewish student life.

Rabbi Joseph was here for a shorter duration than some expected.

"I think that's [a semester] as much time as it takes to figure out if you're in the place that's right for you," Vellani said.

Student leaders and families on the Jewish Life Advisory Council were notified last Monday evening. The official e-mail was sent Tuesday morning to the Elon Hillel mailing list.

"We wanted to make sure when we announced it to students that it was at a time when everyone could talk about it and be together," Vellani said.

Rabbi Joseph had not discussed ending her position with Hillel staff before winter break.

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Vellani said Rabbi Joseph's departure was amicable. She said Hillel hopes to get more students involved with searching for an Associate Chaplain for Jewish Life.

"Students will have a huge say in who's coming," she said.

They're looking for someone who's dynamic and engaged with Jewish programming around campus.

"I will say it is not necessarily going to be a Rabbi," Vellani said.

Vellani will appoint a group of students to serve on the search committee along side faculty and staff. Additionally, students involved in Elon Hillel will get to meet prospective candidates for the director position.

"We are really focusing on making sure everything is student-run because that's how it became so successful in the beginning," said Rachel Garrity, 2015 President of Elon Hillel.

Garrity is looking forward to more student inclusivity.

"Right now, we are looking to separate Hillel function from this Associate Chaplain function," Vellani said.

While Vellani and a team of Jewish students and faculty prepare to find a new Associate Chaplain, Vellani will remain Director of Hillel. The Associate Chaplain of Jewish Life will serve with Father Gerry Watterman, the Associate Chaplain for Catholic Life, and Joel Harter, the Associate Chaplain for Protestant Life, under University Chaplain Jan Fuller.

"What's different about my position is now I'm taking on all the work. Now we have one staff," she said.

Although, the Rabbi Joseph's former position is split into two postions and Vellani has additional work, she feels eager about finding a new Associate Chaplain.

"We are just looking for someone who is ready to be in our energetic community and spend time with students," Vellani said.

Elon University will begin the search process for a new Associate Chaplain later this month.