This Tu B’Av, We’re Celebrating a Hillel Love Story
Tu B’Av is the Jewish day of love — a holiday that’s both ancient and modern, with its roots as an auspicious day for matchmaking and weddings. Today, we’re celebrating a Hillel International matchmaking success!
Leetal is the Manager of Integrated Marketing at Hillel International, and Michael is the Director of Strategic Projects. Both Israeli-Americans for whom Jewish life was an integral part of their college experiences, they’ve found meaning in helping to enrich the lives of Jewish students through their careers at Hillel International — but both of them were still looking for love.
Enter Chloé, Hillel International’s former Social Media Manager. She knew Michael and Leetal were both looking for a special someone with similar values, from an open home for Shabbat dinners to throwing Chanukah parties and enjoying travel. Playing matchmaker, Chloé connected the two for a long-distance first date, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I made a list of everything that was important to me in finding my person,” Leetal said. “And he checked off every box — and more.”
With Leetal in Maryland and Michael in California, their relationship started off long-distance. But after a few months of cross-country flights and many FaceTime dates, they took the leap and moved in together in San Diego. They recently relocated to Bethesda, Maryland, with their one-year-old corgi, Shoco. “She’s definitely the star of the house,” joked Michael.
In Judaism, there’s a teaching that love is the work of two souls coming together to complete one another. For Michael and Leetal, this couldn’t be more true.
“We push each other to grow outside of our comfort zone, and confront challenges head on,” Leetal said “I’ve always been so in awe of Michael’s passion for Israel and his commitment to his Israeli-Jewish identity. One of my favorite things is cooking Shabbat dinners together, and doing Kiddush on Friday nights. I’m grateful for his commitment to building a Jewish home together.”
“What I love most about Leetal is her outlook on life,” Michael said. “She has this incredible ability to find joy in the simplest, most wholesome moments — whether it’s enjoying her morning iced latte or planning our next adventure around the globe. Her joy and happiness is contagious.”
Michael recently proposed to Leetal in Cinque Terre, Italy, at a beautiful outlook overlooking the town of Vernazza at sunset. They’re looking forward to building their lives together on the east coast, and while they’re still working out the logistics of their wedding day, they’re thrilled at the thought of celebrating with their family and friends — and of course, their Hillel community.
“This Tu B’Av, we’re feeling especially grateful for the love we’ve found in each other,” Leetal said. “We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next — with Hillel and our Jewish identity at the heart of it all.”
Congratulations on your engagement, Michael and Leetal. We’ll keep an eye out for our invitation to the wedding!
Did Hillel play a role in your love story? We’d love to hear about it! Send us an email at [email protected].