Celebrating Persian Jewish Culture for Purim
My mom is Hamadani, her ancestry rooted in the city in Iran where both Queen Esther and Mordechai are from.
Topic: Jewish Identity
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Self-Care is Torah Too
Hillel has given me a way to fully participate in my Jewish community.
Leadership, Connection, and Global Peoplehood: Reflections from the First Cohort of the Matanel Fellowship
This program brings together Jewish students for a year-long course of study designed to build international friendships and leadership.
Wearing All of My Identities on My Sleeve: Celebrating Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month
Ling DeBellis, a graduate student at Rice University, shared her story of proudly living all of her identities as she moves through life.
Small Acts of Light With Lasting Impact
When I was younger, celebrating Hanukkah often felt like a reminder of how my family was different from the others at my school.
Hanukkah Traditions Light the Way for Community and Belonging
Ella Luhrssen is a first-year student at the University of Houston. In celebration of Hanukkah this year, Ella shared her experience of finding community and belonging through Hanukkah at Houston Hillel. Hanukkah has always been a magical experience for me. The special foods, the dancing lights, and the whimsical shapes formed by the melting wax are […]
The Ultimate Hanukkah Party Hosting Guide
1. Create a latke bar with different types of toppings and sauces. Offer classic toppings like sour cream and applesauce, but also include unique options like smoked salmon, avocado, and various flavored creams. 2. Hanukkah is all about light, so make that the focus of your decor. Combine candles, clear strung holiday lights, and even […]
What Even IS Sigd? A Short Explainer
Sigd (pronounced sihgd with one syllable) is celebrated on the 29th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, exactly 50 days after Yom Kippur (this year it’s on November 19-20).
The Future of Jewish Belonging on Campus: Growing Jewish Joy and Connection
Editor’s Note: In August 2025, Hillel International released a brand-new, three-year strategic plan, “The Future of Jewish Belonging on Campus,” which focuses on building vibrant and joyful Jewish student communities and ensuring belonging for Jewish students on campus and for future generations. This article, focused on the first pillar of the plan, “Growing Jewish Joy […]
“Best of Both Worlds”: Hispanic Heritage Month Reflections
Every month felt like Hispanic Heritage Month growing up in Miami. I heard more Spanish than English spoken on the streets, Cuban coffee and pastelitos dominated cafes, and my family and our neighbors shared an unspoken past – we chased the American Dream right to South Florida. We survived, thrived, and lived as Latinos, Jews, […]
