Growing Into My Jewish Identity With Hillel
My name is Edie, and I’m a student at the University at Buffalo, class of 2027. Hillel of Buffalo changed my life. While Jewish culture was a big part of my family life, I came to college in search of something more—a Jewish community of my own. I was excited by the possibility of Hillel, a place where I could not only connect with other Jewish students but also find a path for personal growth. Hillel of Buffalo has been that place for me.
At Hillel I am surrounded by more Jews than I have ever experienced; it has been so special to have somewhere to go for Shabbat and connect with other Jews my age. I’m such a learner, and I was grateful to finally have the resources at Hillel to explore my faith. In my first semester I participated in the Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) and I loved it. I was able to learn applicable Jewish ideas and how to truly make my Jewish experience my own.
Hillel of Buffalo was the first Jewish community I had outside of my family, and it fueled my hunger to learn and opened a path of growth and possibility. That journey led me to a deeply meaningful experience this summer when, at 20 years old, I became a bat mitzvah. It was a moment of profound personal choice and celebration, made possible by the growth I’ve experienced since coming to Hillel.
I feel so motivated to help other students who might feel nervous about stepping into a Jewish space. There’s no such thing as “not Jewish enough” – everyone belongs at Hillel. Being part of the Hillel of Buffalo community has made me feel more confident in who I am, and I want other students to find that same sense of connection to their own Jewish experience and
identity. The community at Hillel has fed my soul, and now I have a passion to give back.
Whether we’re diving into deep conversations about Jewish texts or simply enjoying bagels together, Hillel is a space where students can be fully themselves. Since my first visit, I’ve been an active participant and held internships that allowed me to contribute in meaningful ways. You don’t have to be a formal leader to shape our community. When my friend and I were
looking for a more intentional Shabbat space, we started an “unplugged” Shabbat table where we put our phones away and have deeper conversations. It was incredible to welcome others into that practice.
All it takes is one community, one spark to change someone’s life. Hillel of Buffalo was that community and spark for me.