Happy 100th Birthday, Michigan Hillel
University of Michigan Hillel has been an anchor of the University of Michigan Jewish community with strong ties to the greater Detroit Jewish community for 100 years. This past weekend, in the shadow of the antisemitic attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan Hillel brought the community together to honor its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years of Jewish community, leadership, and growth. Woven throughout the event were moments of support as students and community members leaned on each other in processing the news of the past week, which affected many members of the Michigan Hillel family who have close ties to Temple Israel.
During a weekend that was both reflective and celebratory, speakers and attendees all underscored the impact of Michigan Hillel as a place of resilience and vibrant Jewish life. “This is an incredible milestone, to celebrate 100 years of impact,” said Rabbi Davey Rosen, CEO of Michigan Hillel. “Historically, whatever is going on in the world, Hillel has been here, steadfastly committed to providing a spiritual home for our students where they can explore, learn, and lead.”
From its early days supporting 500 students to now engaging thousands every year, Michigan Hillel has provided community, identity, and purpose, serving as a home away from home where lasting friendships and lifelong memories have been made.
Talia Kornzweig, Michigan Hillel student president, said, “Our 100-year history is rooted in belonging. This is the essence of Hillel: a commitment to keeping our doors open to every Jewish student at Michigan.”
The weekend’s events kicked off with Friday night services, followed by a Mega Shabbat Dinner at The Big House, Michigan’s football stadium. The dinner was attended by nearly 800 students, alumni, family and community members — one of the largest in Michigan Hillel history. Shabbat is often a cornerstone of Jewish community for campus Hillels, so getting to share this special experience with alumni was extremely meaningful.
“Shabbat is a huge part of my life now,” Charlie Tokowitz, who just completed his master’s degree in architecture at Michigan, told The Detroit Jewish News. “Hillel has been the anchor of my Jewish life for the past three years. It is a place where I can feel comfortable.”
Following Shabbat activities at Hillel, including a special Havdalah service with students and alumni. Guests and students returned to The Big House, for a star-studded centennial celebration full of proud Michigan alumni. Produced by writer and producer Wendy Shanker, class of ‘93 and a Temple Israel board member, and hosted by identical twin comedians Randy and Jason Sklar, class of ‘94, the program included a panel moderated by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, alumnus and senior rabbi at Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan. Other distinguished Jewish alumni, including Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Dr. Ora Pescovitz, president of Oakland University, joined the discussion as panelists.
Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman spoke as part of the celebration, as did Jewish Federation of Detroit CEO Steven Ingber. University of Michigan Provost Laurie McCauley also offered remarks.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to Ann Arbor to help celebrate Hillel’s 100th,” said Shanker. “I gained some of my most valuable communication, leadership, and human skills through Hillel in the 1990s. My appreciation for Hillel’s role in shaping the University of Michigan Jewish community motivates me to go all-out as we create this joyful celebration.”
“This Centennial isn’t just a party, it’s a ‘once-in-a-century’ opportunity to reconnect and strengthen our community,” said Rabbi Rosen. “Against rising antisemitism, Michigan Hillel has been a lifeline for our students, nurturing resilience and Jewish pride. For a century, we’ve shaped Jewish identity, and we will continue to support the next generation.”
Congratulations to Michigan Hillel for reaching this incredible milestone. We can’t wait to see what you do next.