The Shabbat Walk That Changed My Life
On a rainy night in late April 2022, nine years into living in Chicago, I took the bus to a Shabbat dinner in nearby Andersonville that would change my life.
Hillel Stories
What’s happening on campus? Hear from students, professionals, and Hillel community members whose lives have been impacted by Hillel and who impact the world with their voices and stories. Share your story with us!
18 results
Passing the Torch: The Evolution of Jewish Leadership on Campus
Four years ago, as a first-year student at the University of Miami, who had just recently arrived from Uruguay, I attended my first Shabbat dinner at Hillel, unsure of what my Jewish journey would look like.
A Taste of Judaism: Learning About the Jewish Diaspora Through Food
When someone asks you what your favorite Jewish food is, I bet you say some combination of bagels with lox, brisket, or matzah ball soup. Don’t get me wrong – I love all of those. But they don’t encapsulate my experience with Jewish food.
Investing in Creativity is Tikkun Olam — A Way to Repair the World
Mark is a 2024 recipient of the Jordan and Elise Levin Scholarship for Jewish Enrichment and Education through Hillel International.
Yallapalooza is a Chance for Jewish College Students Like Me to Dance, Sing, and Be Together
When I heard about Yallapalooza, Hillel’s concert series that is bringing thousands of Jewish college students together in three cities for a night of music and Jewish joy, I signed up immediately.
Building Community in Times of Darkness at Brooklyn College
I am a fourth year student at Brooklyn College and have been an active member of the school’s Jewish community, serving as the president of my fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi, and planning many events with Tanger Hillel at Brooklyn College. Following Hamas’ terrorist attack in Israel on October 7th, I was motivated to assume a […]
When Basketball Meets Shabbat: Rami’s Story
Coming to campus as an observant Jewish student, I was immediately drawn to Hillel as the center of Jewish life at University of Maryland. I went to Hillel for kosher meals, for services, to meet friends, and to learn Torah. I’m also a lifelong basketball fan (go Sixers!), and was looking for a way to […]
My Mizrahi traditions are key to my Jewish identity.
My family is Mizrahi, meaning my Jewish ancestors lived in Western Asia and North Africa. I can trace my roots back to Bukhara, Persia, and Yemen.
By being a part of these communities, I have felt encouraged to embrace myself — no matter what Jewish space I occupy.
I am a bi-racial Jew: My mom is white and Jewish, and my dad is Black and a non-practicing Christian. My parents always told me how special I am to be part of two extraordinary groups of people, but I long believed I could only be one or the other. Over the years I have learned to become more comfortable coexisting in both identities.
Speaking Up for Israel
For me, Judaism is warmth. It is the warmth of a mazel tov on a happy occasion. It is the warmth of far too much food at every social gathering. It is the warmth of traveling away from home to college and having a constant, reliable base in the campus Hillel. And it is the warmth of hearing “welcome home” the moment you step foot in Israel.
