Hillel@Home to Provide High Quality Virtual Learning and Community Experiences to Jewish Students in Time of Crisis
WASHINGTON – In response to colleges and universities around the world shutting down on-campus activities, Hillel International, the largest Jewish student organization, is providinghigh-value virtual Jewish learning and community life to students wherever they are, and helping them explore new ideas and new places during this period of disruption and isolation.
Hillel@Home is a new platform offering online experiences for students, centered around video meetups, courses, prominent speakers and facilitators. The platform is alsoopen for local Hillels to customize content for students on their campuses that can be shared widely with the whole movement.
“As our professionals and students adjust to a ‘new normal,’ we are committed to continuing to provide students the unique and meaningful experiences they count on from Hillel through our new Hillel@Home platform,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International.“Offering live events, virtual travel, interactive learning and much more, Hillel@Home enables us to meet students where they are, and to ease the disruption and isolation they’re experiencing through compelling new forms of Jewish communityexperiences.”
Program offerings will be announced as they are finalized and will encompass ritual and spirituality, wellness, learning, community and peoplehood. Initial programs will include conversations with prominent speakers, such as:
- Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
- Obama administration speechwriter and author Sarah Hurwitz
- Comedy Central executive Tara Schuster
- Six-time NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire
- And many more!
Students can also participate in workshops on everything from art, to meditation, to baking. Hillels from around the world will host virtual live tours of their communities to provide a behind-the-scenes look at Jewish life in cities such as Buenos Airesand Paris. And all are invited to join the Jewish Learning Fellowship’s “Dibuk Chaverim” – a gathering of friends to learn Torah, share stories,and meet students from around the world.
“Hillel International is uniquely positioned to step up in this challenging moment and continue to provide outstanding experiences to students,” said Mimi Kravetz, chief experience officer of Hillel International. “Unitingexisting technology with our access to top talent and programming, Hillel is providing an online experience for students around the globe that will help them connect, learn, have fun and stay sane through this crisis.”
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About Hillel International
Founded in 1923, Hillel has been enriching the lives of Jewish students for more than 90 years. Today, Hillel International is a global organization that welcomes students of all backgrounds and fosters an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learningand Israel. Hillel is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. As the largest Jewish student organization in the world, Hillel builds connections with emerging adults at morethan 550 colleges and universities, and inspires them to direct their own path. During their formative college years, students are challenged to explore, experience, and create vibrant Jewish lives. For more information visit Hillel.org.