Humans of Hillel

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!

149 results

Jewish Music as Medicine

Since I was young, I’ve always believed in the power of music. Music brings serenity and joy. It connects people to one another. It can be moving and emotional, and even rejuvenating.  My most powerful musical experience was also one of the most meaningful Jewish moments in my life. On a group trip to Israel, […]

How I Own My Star

My commitment to my Jewish identity was always strong, but took shape when I decided to leave my home in Uruguay to attend university in the United States. If I was going to go so far away from home, my mother strongly urged me to pick a school with a big Jewish community that could support […]

Rosh Hashanah Memories: Andy’s Story

In 1978, when I was a freshman at University of Wisconsin, Madison, I lived in a dorm that was half a block away from what was then called the Hillel House. Hillel was my primary connection to Judaism and Jewish practice those first few years of college.

Bringing Stories and Traditions to Life: Yakov’s Story

My story begins with other people’s stories; namely, my grandmother’s. I was born in Rishon L’Tzion a few years after my family emigrated from Belarus to Israel, and I spent the first eight years of my life listening to my grandmother share her memories. Her stories from life in the Soviet Union were poignant and became part of my identity and sense of self.