Connecting Jewish and Chinese Identities
Brooke Cohen, a rising senior at Brown University, has always been taught that her Chinese and Jewish backgrounds are more connected than they are different.
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Brooke Cohen, a rising senior at Brown University, has always been taught that her Chinese and Jewish backgrounds are more connected than they are different.
I grew up in Yad Natan in Southern Israel. Sports were always a huge part of my life. I have a degree in physical education from Wingate Institute, and worked as a volleyball coach for a long time. I’ve always believed in helping others, an aspiration I brought to life as a physical education teacher in elementary and high schools, and during a trip to volunteer in Uganda.
May marks a season of both beginnings and endings. As we celebrate the graduating class of 2025, we also prepare to welcome the class of 2029, who, on May 1st, committed to schools on National College Decision Day.
Over the last year and a half since October 7, 2023, campus Hillels have seen an unprecedented level of student involvement and community support. At Hillel at the University of Delaware, the community has grown so much that a campaign is underway to construct a building that will serve as an updated hub for Jewish life at the university.
That’s why Springboard Executive Director Leah Palestrant and Hillel International Associate Vice President for Jewish Learning Danielle Kranjec decided to organize a recent Rabbinic Pipeline Shabbaton, an immersive weekend experience in New York City for Springboard Fellows interested in exploring the rabbinate in the future.
In the wake of the tragic mass shooting at Florida State University on April 17 that killed two people and wounded six, FSU Hillel’s Director of Leadership and Wellness Melanie Pelc knew immediately that Jewish students would need comfort, support, and a place to process the day’s terrible events.
Here are some of our top takeaways on how Hillel is making a difference on over 850 college and university campuses, and which tips to keep in mind for choosing a college in today’s complex environment:
Until my grandfather was nine years old, he had no idea he was Jewish. He grew up in a Christian community in Poland, and had to practice Christianity — that’s what kept him safe until the Jewish Agency for Israel rescued him and brought him to Israel as part of the Youth Aliyah.
Over the last few weeks, Hillels around the country have organized all kinds of creative and innovative events to connect Jewish college and university students with the ancient traditions of Passover. From hosting over 25 simultaneous seders in the same building to setting up October 7 memorials, campuses across North American found unique ways to celebrate the holiday.
It’s that time of year again. And I don’t mean tax season, Passover, or the NFL draft. I’m referring to college decision time. Millions of prospective college students and their families will be making a final decision on where to attend school ahead of College Decision Day on May 1st, as part of the “regular decision” admissions process.