Scott and Talya Sandor are thrilled to lead the JLIC community at the University of Michigan!
Scott grew up in Queens, New York, and studied at Yeshivat Lev HaTorah in Ramat Beit Shemesh before continuing his education at the University of Maryland, where he majored in Neuroscience. He later earned a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Yeshiva University and currently holds board-certification as a physician assistant. Scott is also currently pursuing semicha through Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh’s Virtual Halacha Program.
During his time at Maryland, Scott was deeply involved in OU-JLIC programming and actively participated in student-led learning initiatives, including chaburot, a daily halacha shiur, and a weekly parasha shiur. In the Washington Heights community, he led a Tzurba M’Rabanan chaburah for young professionals, led inspiring kumsitzes and launched V’Neirafei, a podcast exploring the intersection of medical ethics and halacha.
Scott enjoys running, cooking adventurous foods, playing piano, and learning about medicine and its intersection with Jewish law. He is passionate about teaching Torah to diverse audiences, helping others discover areas of learning that resonate with them and empowering students to take initiative with their Judaism. Scott loves building deep relationships, whether through a chavruta, a DMC or a quick shmooze over coffee.
Talya grew up in Denver, Colorado. She spent a year studying at Tiferet in Ramat Beit Shemesh before attending Stern College for Women, where she studied Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology. Throughout college, Talya was passionate about building relationships and fostering a warm, inclusive Torah environment. She served as a student ambassador, sat on the Student Life Committee and staffed the annual Seforim Sale.
Talya later earned a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Touro College. She currently holds ASHA certification and is a licensed speech therapist. She is passionate about teaching Tanach, Mussar, Machshava, and Jewish philosophy. She also enjoys hosting festive shabbat meals and onegs. Talya enjoys building meaningful connections and enjoys conversations that extend beyond the classroom. She loves to bake, explore new hiking trails, follow any Colorado sports team and is an enthusiastic coffee lover. Talya values creating an environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn.