Finding Jewish Joy, Community, and Leadership Through Hillel
Rebecca Brumer is a third-year student at Marquette University and a Hillel International Intern. We recently sat down with her to learn more about her connection to Hillel and her Jewish identity.
Hillel International: How do you express your Judaism in college?
Rebecca: I express my Judaism in college by being involved at Hillel and being on the student board — I thrive as a leader, so helping others in the Jewish community actually makes me feel more empowered as a Jewish person.
Hillel International: How has Hillel helped you explore or deepen your Jewish identity?
Rebecca: Before going to Hillel my freshman year, I didn’t practice Judaism a lot. I didn’t have a bat mitzvah, so I just didn’t “feel” that Jewish. After October 7th, I came to Hillel way more frequently than I ever went to synagogue growing up. By going to Hillel every Friday for Shabbat, I’ve been able to explore where I am in my Jewish journey. I just feel way more connected to my Judaism than ever before, because I’ve just been consistently showing up. Now, being surrounded by my Jewish community at Hillel — Jewish joy is what has helped me explore where I stand with my Judaism and how I express it.
Hillel International: As you know, the campus climate has been challenging for Jewish students recently. What are some challenges you may have faced as a Jewish student on campus, and how has Hillel been able to support you?
Rebecca: Marquette is a Catholic, Jesuit, private university, so it doesn’t attract a lot of Jewish students. And because Marquette doesn’t have a huge Jewish population, it was a little hard at first, especially after October 7th, to seek out a supportive community.
But after coming to Hillel, I’ve been able to find that community, and a sense of belonging. Whether that is at a Brewers game, a High Holiday dinner, or even just coming to Hillel after a long day of classes, I always feel a powerful sense of connection, because there’s always something or someone that’ll make me feel connected and proud to be Jewish, which doesn’t always happen when I’m the only Jewish person in a class, or taking a required Catholic theology class.
It definitely helps having Hillel around!
Hillel International: You mentioned before that you’re involved in some leadership capacity. Could you tell me a little bit more about that, and any lessons you’ve learned serving as a leader on your campus?
Rebecca: I’m the co-president of Hillel Milwaukee. As co-president, I’ve learned a lot of different things, including how to ensure that other Jewish students coming to Hillel can feel a sense of community, like I do, and a sense of belonging.
I’ve learned that it’s very important to welcome students when they walk through the door. You can’t just let them walk through by themselves. It’s important to kind of take them under your wing and introduce them to people and experiences, because it can be hard, and not everyone wants to “jump in” right away.
I also learned that I want to continue growing as a leader. It’s something I thrive at, and I love helping others. And it’s always been my mission to create a sense of community for anyone who walks through the doors of Hillel, just like Hillel did for me when I was a freshman.
Hillel International: What’s one thing you’d want Hillel supporters to know about how their dedication and generosity makes a difference for Jewish college students like you?
Rebecca: Hillel truly makes a difference. I honestly feel like I benefit so much as a Jewish student, to be able to have the resources I have, especially going to a Catholic school. As I mentioned earlier, facing the challenge of often being the only Jewish student in class, and being different from others… it’s important to not feel isolated, and to have a place where you have a sense of belonging.
Hillel is how I found my closest friends and understanding of Judaism, my Jewish identity, and, so much more. Hillel has fully impacted how I express my Judaism. And the circle of friends that I have at Marquette — I wouldn’t have any of it if I didn’t have Hillel.