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.
Topic: Jewish Identity
126 results
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, […]
“A Place for Everyone”: Hispanic Heritage Month Reflections with Sofie Ramirez Soto
From mid-September to mid-October, Hispanic Heritage Month invites communities across the United States to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. At Hillel, it’s also an opportunity to highlight the diverse identities and stories that make up today’s Jewish student life. This year, we spoke with Sofie Ramirez Soto, Jewish life […]
Finding New Meaning in Ancient Traditions
When I was younger, I struggled with saying the vidui prayer, the core ritual of repentance and atonement on Yom Kippur.
From the Desk of Adam Lehman: Finding Hope in the Jewish New Year
Our Jewish world desperately needs hope right now. Open virtually any Jewish publication, newspaper, or social media account, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the seeming hopelessness of the news in this moment.
eJP: The Sword Has Been Unsheathed Again
In a recently published essay in Sources, ”A Sword at the Entrance: Pluralism, Polarization, and the Future of Jewish Community,” I reflected on a troubling Talmudic story about an arcane argument between Hillel and Shammai that leads to fierce disagreement
