Passing the Torch: The Evolution of Jewish Leadership on Campus
Abi Schcolnik, outgoing co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet and graduating senior at the University of Miami (UM), shares her reflections on her student leadership journey with UM Hillel and her advice for students just beginning their Jewish college journeys.
Four years ago, as a first-year student at the University of Miami, who had just recently arrived from Uruguay, I attended my first Shabbat dinner at Hillel, unsure of what my Jewish journey would look like. Like many first-year students, I was filled with the worries of being accepted, finding my friend group, and being able to celebrate my Jewish traditions, so that campus would feel like home. Now, at the end of my time on campus, I’m no longer filled with worry, but with gratitude for the community that embraced me and the opportunities that have shaped me into the Jewish student leader I am today.
Being a Jewish student leader at UM has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It has taught me the power of building community, creating Jewish joy, and the importance of mentorship. Mentoring new students who are seeking connection through Jewish life on campus has been extremely fulfilling. Helping them find the right opportunity and explore the programs available to them allowed me to pass on the knowledge I’d gained over four years. From applications to general guidance, this community and mentorships were the highlight of my college experience. As I prepare to graduate, I am proud to pass the torch to the next generation of Jewish student leaders on campus, whose advocacy will ensure that our campus remains a safe space, full of vibrant Jewish life.
Over the past two years, I have seen the importance of student leadership firsthand in confronting the rampant antisemitism on campuses around the country. The days after October 7 were difficult for every Jewish person, and they were amplified for students by the campus antisemitism and hostility that followed. Instead of allowing this pain to push us down, we stood up, took action, and became stronger.
In the months that followed, I worked with our campus Hillel to ensure our administration took antisemitism seriously while creating events centered on Jewish joy, and through this, I found that advocating for Jewish life became my passion. The results of my advocacy and that of my peers have been clear at UM. I’ve watched our Shabbat dinners at Hillel grow from just a few people to large, vibrant celebrations, full of Jewish students from all backgrounds, and I’ve watched campus become a welcoming place for all students, regardless of their religion or culture. While this growth has been a testament to organizations like Hillel, it has also been a testament to the spirit of Jewish students who have overcome so much over the last two years.
Knowing that many first-year students feel the way I did when they start at UM, our leadership has prioritized supporting Jewish students from the day they set foot on campus. These efforts have been seen quite noticeably in FreshFest, our freshman orientation program, which has expanded, helping new students find their place on campus and create a community where they can take pride in their culture and foster a sense of Jewish joy.
As a result of this growth, the Jewish community at UM isn’t just strong — it’s thriving. We’ve been able to welcome Israeli leaders like Naftali Bennett and Benny Gantz for Q&A sessions and foster an environment where Israel education can take place. This safe, enriching environment for Jewish students has also elevated programming. We now have the running club, cooking club, Cafe Ivrit, and even a class with Briana Schwarz, UM Hillel’s executive director, about Jewish life beyond college. I understand there are a lot of challenges for Jewish students on campus since 10/7, but my experience has been fulfilling, and I know future students at UM will have the opportunity to enjoy it just as much.
As my student leadership begins to wind down, I’m grateful that the next generation of Jewish leaders on campus has shown that we’re in good hands. This semester, I’ve had the privilege of guiding younger students at the Florida Hillels’ leadership summit and attending Hillel International’s Israel Summit, which reaffirmed my belief that the next wave of Jewish student leaders is more than equipped to make our community even stronger. Most importantly, participating in the Hillel International Student Cabinet allowed me to work directly with Hillel professionals and students from around the world to help ensure Hillel is maximizing its impact. This experience not only allowed me to promote new programming and work on new initiatives, but also allowed me to create an environment where young Jewish students across the world can flourish.
Hillel’s trust in my fellow cabinet members and me has helped improve student life, and continuing to foster this leadership ensures that the future of Jewish leadership is bright.
Now, as I prepare for my final Shabbat as a student at UM, blending customs from my Uruguayan background with our campus traditions, I feel nothing but pride and hope. To the next generation of Jewish student leaders: your voice matters, your work is important, and your journey is just beginning. To Jewish student leaders who are graduating: your leadership never ends, it just evolves.