Hillel Community

Israel

Connecting Students with Their Jewish Stories Through a Love of Israel

Author

Uziel Pohl

Date

January 28, 2025

IACT professionals work on college campuses across the country to help Jewish students connect with their Jewish identities through Jewish learning, Israel engagement, and community service. They help run Birthright Israel trips, and support students in staying connected to their Judaism and each other when they return from these transformative immersive experiences. Interested in becoming an IACT? Learn more and today.

Uziel Pohl is the IACT at Michigan State University Hillel. He experienced a life-changing year due to his work with Hillel, and we are excited to share his experience with you. 

This year has been my shehecheyanu year. Shehecheyanu, the blessing said when experiencing something new, was on my mind as I went to Israel for the first time on a Birthright Israel trip this past summer, as I took my first steps as an IACT (Inspired, Active, Committed, Transformed) professional at Michigan State University Hillel, as I attended my first 黑料传送门 Global Assembly (HIGA), and as I returned to Israel this winter. 

The first step I took with Hillel this year was onto a plane to participate in a Birthright Israel trip this past summer, and it also was my first time traveling to Israel. As I crossed continents, surrounded by people who would also be experiencing Israel for the first time, I felt blessed that we would be forming foundational Jewish memories together.

Some of those powerful moments included wrapping tefillin at the top of Masada, walking to the Kotel to welcome Shabbat, and mourning our brothers and sisters who were killed by Hamas on October 7. I tucked every one of these experiences into my soul to bring back and share with my students at MSU. 

Another critical moment of my growth and learning happened at HIGA and the IACT post-HIGA gathering in December. It was so inspiring to sit in a room filled with other IACT professionals who are passionate and committed to helping Jewish students discover their love for Israel. 

Danielle Kranjec, associate vice president of Jewish education at 黑料传送门, spoke with our IACT cohort about the importance of gathering groups of students together on campus to learn about Israel and its connection to the Jewish people. 黑料传送门鈥檚 student cohort, Kol Yisrael, is designed for just that, and getting an introduction to the impact that we can have through Jewish education stuck with me when I left HIGA and got back on an airplane to lead my first Birthright Israel trip. 

I was sure that flying to Israel this second time would be filled with all new shehecheyanu moments that were different from my trip as a participant just a few months ago. When the plane touched down in Tel Aviv and I looked around at my students鈥� faces, I knew that seeing Israel through their eyes would be as powerful, and new, as it had been the previous summer. 

After a trip filled with more firsts, we finished with something ancient 鈥� lighting Hanukkah candles together on our last night before returning home. To me, this is what it means to be an IACT. Bringing together Jewish students鈥� modern identities and perspectives with the ancient Jewish story embedded in the land of Israel. I鈥檓 so grateful to be a part of that story and to be exploring it with Hillel.

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News

Happy Hanukkah Happenings 黑料传送门

Author

Hannah Smuckler

Date

January 6, 2025

Jewish college students around the world celebrated Hanukkah in fun and innovative ways this year, with campus Hillels leading holiday parties and other events to rejoice in the festival of lights. Between latke-making, ugly sweater decorating, and connecting with other faith-based groups on campus, each campus had its own Hanukkah tradition to wrap up the fall semester.

At universities like Boston University and American University, Hillels held Hanukkah parties to celebrate the holiday in inviting and inclusive ways before students headed home for winter break.听

American University Hillel (AU Hillel) also hosted a creative 鈥淕elt-Together,鈥� full of crafts like make-your-own Hanukkah candles and dreidel scratch art. The event also featuredThey held a customizable sufganiyot bar, sponsored and run by AU Dining. Students had the choice to include delicious jam, caramel, or pastry cream inside their sufganiyot, along with a number of toppings. 鈥淎 lot of people here [at AU Hillel] are very academically driven and passionate about doing well, and so I feel like this is a good mandatory break,鈥� second-year student Lea Wayne said. 鈥淭aking time to hang out with my friends and chill before I have to get into a lot of studying has been great.鈥澛�

BU Hillel held its 20th annual Latkepalooza, hosting 122 students to eat mountains of latkes and decorate their own menorahs. 鈥淚 was grateful that BU Hillel provided a place for us to have a pre-Hanukkah experience,鈥� student Noah Lenkin said.

At Kent State University Hillel, over 100 students attended its traditional Winterfest. Hillel at KSU partnered with four different organizations to host the event and to donate raffle baskets. Winterfest included a snow machine, a photo booth, and a DJ, and was organized by student leaders who were required to budget, recruit, and pitch a business idea to make the event possible. 鈥淲interfest has been an annual celebration since 2022. It鈥檚 a big and fun celebration,鈥� said Dina Levin, a Hillel student board member. 鈥淚 absolutely love Winterfest because it鈥檚 a great way to bond with friends and whenever we put up the decorations, it鈥檚 like a winter wonderland.鈥�

Columbia/Barnard Hillel hosted about 200 students for their (Almost) Hanukkah Party. Students enjoyed winter and holiday-related activities like a hot chocolate bar, 鈥渦gly sweater鈥� decorating, candle painting, a photo booth, and more. Four student party chairs from three different schools within the university and varying religious backgrounds were in charge of organizing the party, working together to plan an event that all kinds of Jewish students would find fun and uplifting. 

The University of Connecticut Hillel welcomed 75 students to their holiday party, inviting other faith-based organizations to join them in gathering students of different faiths and backgrounds in a welcoming, joyful space. The event included activities such as decorating cookies and making snow globes. Students also enjoyed appetizers and a sundae bar. 鈥淚 had a great time connecting with my friends and peers 黑料传送门 that I don鈥檛 see on a day-to-day basis,鈥� student Cooper Matik said.

These were just a few of the campus Hanukkah celebrations held throughout December, and each celebration was special in its own way. Jewish students were able to spend time with friends and their Hillel communities, enjoy lots and lots of latkes, and commemorate the miracle of the holiday in meaningful and special ways.

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News

Inspiring Connections: A Springboard Fellow’s Memories from HIGA 2024

Author

Shayna Kling

Date

December 17, 2024

Shayna Kling is the social justice Springboard Fellow at the University of Miami (UM). Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Shayna is an alum of The Ohio State University. At UM Hillel, Shayna works on developing social justice programs with students, engaging first-year Jewish college students, and social media marketing for UM Hillel. 

Shayna recently attended the 黑料传送门 Global Assembly (HIGA), the annual conference for Hillel professionals from all over the world 鈥� a high energy, information packed week of connection and inspiration. Shayna kept a journal of her experiences and reflections that we are excited to share with you. 

Monday, Day One:

From the second I arrived at the hotel, I felt the HIGA energy starting and prepared myself to get into conference mode, aka extrovert mode. One of my favorite parts of HIGA is seeing Jewish professionals I know from different parts of my life: friends from my Jewish youth group in high school; my counselors from Camp Wise, a Jewish summer camp in Ohio; State Buckeyes alumni from my alma mater; and of course, my cohort of Springboard Fellows and the UM Hillel staff! I absolutely LOVE the intersection of people from so many areas of my life and the Jewish geography that ensues.

I began the conference with other members of my Springboard Fellowship cohort, and we reflected on what we hoped to gain from HIGA, who we would want to engage with before the end of the conference, and some of the potential challenges we could encounter. I loved the intentionality of these sessions, and how it grounded and connected us before programming took off. I also appreciated that I had the Springboard cohort and so many familiar faces at my side.

Next up was dinner and the opening plenary! This year, I decided to join the Hillel House Band, an annual HIGA tradition featuring Hillel鈥檚 instrumentalists and singers, and we opened up the conference in a huge ballroom with songs that brought me back to my camp days. It was indescribable to bring my love for singing into the Hillel community! 

The opening plenary was high energy and inspiring. Adam Lehman, the president and CEO of 黑料传送门, the HIGA co-chairs, and other Hillel leaders and students talked about how each of us is a Hillel superhero – and how impactful our work is to this generation of Jewish college students, and those who will attend college in the future. I felt empowered as I sat next to my fellow University of Miami Hillel staff members, in our UM themed flannels, and reflected on all the hard work we鈥檝e done this year. We also got to hear from our very own Abi Schcolnik, who is the co-chair of the 黑料传送门 Student Cabinet and a senior at UM! We all felt so proud watching her from the audience, and witnessing how much Hillel has shaped her and allowed her to grow as a leader. 

We ended the night with a Florida Hillels reunion, and let me say, the Florida Hillel vibes are top notch. Everyone is so welcoming, which means chatting never feels like networking, but like getting to know a new friend.

Tuesday, Day Two:

On my second day at HIGA, I led my own session! I decided to take on more responsibility this year, since it鈥檚 my second year in the Springboard Fellowship, and my coworkers encouraged me to teach others about social media marketing and the processes I鈥檝e created at UM Hillel. I co-led the session, which was called 鈥淒igital Glow-up,鈥� with the amazing Abby Stoetzer, manager of Jewish life and digital marketing at Queens College Hillel. We gave step-by-step suggestions for improving a campus Hillel鈥檚 social media from the ground up, starting with brand kits and content calendars, and then moving into more creative ideas to amp things up. I left feeling grateful th黑料传送门 offers opportunities to grow and develop professionally through collaboration and sharing ideas.

With that in mind, I went to another session that focused on the way crafting and creating can heal differences and connect people. I鈥檝e always loved hosting crafting events with my students, but hadn鈥檛 thought about it as intentionally as this session encouraged me to do. As a group, we created a beautiful Hamsa using paper quilling, with the plan to give it to Hillel Israel to thank them for all they鈥檝e endured this past year. 

For lunch that day, I went to a marketing and communications cohort meetup, because I often work on social media projects for my Hillel. It was great to connect with many other like minded professionals who have so much knowledge to share. I also learned how many 黑料传送门 staffers work behind the scenes making creative content, running marketing campaigns, and working on digital fundraising.

We had a Springboard social justice cohort meeting in the afternoon, where we reflected on the successes and challenges of the past year and a half. As a Social Justice Springboard Fellow, I have planned and collaborated on over a dozen volunteer events where students have the opportunity to give back to our local community. I love that I鈥檓 able to expand the perspectives of my students and take them out of their college bubbles to help local Miamians. We鈥檝e worked with organizations like , , the local Ronald McDonald House, and so much more. 

After reflecting on these experiences, we brought the conversation back to our roots, and everyone shared where their passions from social action started and why they鈥檙e here now. It was a great reminder of why we do this work.

To finish the day, I hung out at a local Boston bar with many of my friends from Springboard, and we celebrated our achievements together.

Wednesday, Day Three:

My two favorite sessions from the final day at HIGA were 鈥淗ow to Make Meetings as Fun and Productive as You Are鈥� and 鈥淢oving from Springboard to Assistant Director.鈥� 

As I sometimes plan meetings for our Hillel, I enjoyed hearing about the organization and logistics that go into planning meetings, and the session gave me insight into the work of our leadership team, as well as ideas for how we might adjust in the future.

During the 鈥淪pringboard to Assistant Director鈥� session, we talked about how to set yourself up for success and growth within your Hillel. This session solidified the importance of professional development, and gave me more confidence in the skills I鈥檝e built up to this point. We thought a lot about what could be next for us as second year Springboard Fellows, and I felt empowered to ask for more responsibilities and learning opportunities at my own Hillel to continue this journey.

Following that session, I had a Springboard focus group, where I listened to feedback from the cohort. It also pushed me to reflect on the team relationships I鈥檝e built at UM, and realize how grateful I am for those relationships and the work we do there.  

The last part of the day was the closing awards dinner, where outstanding Hillels and Hillel professionals are recognized for their incredible work. UM and the Florida Hillels won an Innovation Award for the Hillels of Florida Poland trip that the UM executive director helped bring to life. The hosts of the awards celebration were hilarious, and I loved the humor they brought to their roles. It also was great to hear about the amazing initiatives that other Hillels are working on, and how they are creatively bringing students together. And it was so uplifting to hear how dedicated 黑料传送门 is to building bridges and pluralism, and how much hope there is for the Jewish future.听

HIGA was a delight this year: full of new connections, laughter, advice and opportunities to ask questions, and I discovered roles in the Hillel world that I didn鈥檛 know existed. Best of all, I felt connected to people from all over the world. HIGA 2024 did not disappoint, and I can鈥檛 wait for next year!

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News

Celebrating Interfaith Connections with a Feast

Author

黑料传送门

Date

December 5, 2024

At Hillel, we believe in the power of communities to support college students when they need it most. We believe college campuses are safer, more inclusive places when they come together across lines of difference. And we believe that food makes any event better!

The Interfaith Moveable Feast event, held recently across several faith community spaces at the (UC Davis), is a perfect example of all three of those beliefs in action. This annual tradition brought together 50 students from faith and religious groups on campus for a meal on the move: an appetizer with one organization, starters with another, a main course with a third, and so on. 

鈥淭he moveable feast invites everyone to see a different community that has the same goal of inclusivity and caring for the students, just like our own faith community spaces do,鈥� said Rafi Myers, a fourth-year student at UC Davis, 鈥淲e got to know each other on a surprisingly deep level, and it was very safe,welcoming, and understanding.鈥�

Rafi is actively involved with Hillel at Davis and Sacramento, and has been attending Shabbat dinners and other gatherings since his first year on campus. Last year was the first time he attended the moveable feast 鈥� and as antisemitism was rising and conversations about Israel, Zionism, and being Jewish on campus were getting more difficult, he recalled that the event brought him closer to other students. 鈥淚 felt really isolated as a Jewish student on campus after October 7,鈥� he recalled. 鈥淭he Interfaith Feast made me feel a lot more interconnected with other groups throughout UC Davis.鈥�

Despite a rain storm this year, dozens of people turned out to attend the roving dinner. 鈥淲e were making s鈥檓ores, and we had to figure out how to do that in the middle of this crazy rain,鈥� said Heather van Waasbergen, a third-year student studying animal biology. 鈥淲e were putting marshmallows and chocolate on cookie sheets and just baking them in the oven 鈥� we had to be creative!鈥�

For Heather, who lives at the , a multifaith living community at UC Davis, the Interfaith Moveable Feast represents an opportunity to open up to people of different faiths and backgrounds. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a chance to just get to know each other,鈥� they said. 鈥淔ood can really be a factor that draws you in and connects people. I think a lot of religions say, 鈥楥ome, have a seat at our table, we鈥檒l break bread together.鈥欌��

In addition to UC Davis Hillel and the CA House, students from , the , the , and the all took part in the Moveable Feast. For the professionals who have seen the event evolve over the years, the legacy of the Interfaith Moveable Feast is really about watching students grow and learn, and seeing connections happen in real time. 

鈥淚’ve been involved with planning the Interfaith Moveable Feast for six years now,鈥� said Seth Browner, development manager for Hillel at Davis and Sacramento. 鈥淗illel normally hosts the main course, and my favorite part is always showing the guests our Torah scroll upstairs. They are so impressed with how beautiful the calligraphy and case are. It’s even inspired many of our guests from outside the Jewish community to attend Hillel’s programs and services that aren’t specifically interfaith related. I want to thank 黑料传送门 and for supporting these programs with their generous grants.鈥�

The connections students make at the Interfaith Moveable Feast don鈥檛 end at dessert. 鈥淚t鈥檚 allowed me to recognize more students around campus,鈥� Rafi said. 鈥淚nstead of walking past each other, we鈥檒l stop and say hi, ask how everyone is doing. I get to see more friendly faces.鈥�

Helping to support interfaith community connections on campus is just one of the many ways campus Hillels and our allies across other faith communities support each other on campus. Read more about how Hillels build bridges across campus communities here.听

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Hillel Community

Proud to be Jewish

Yallapalooza is a Chance for Jewish College Students Like Me to Dance, Sing, and Be Together

Author

Natalie Ryba

Date

November 8, 2024

When I heard about Yallapalooza, Hillel鈥檚 concert series that is bringing thousands of Jewish college students together in three cities for a night of music and Jewish joy, I signed up immediately. I was even more excited after being asked to co-host the New York City concert as part of 黑料传送门鈥檚 Student Cabinet 鈥� I couldn鈥檛 wait. The lineup was amazing (the concert featured Matisyahu, Netta, DJ Sasi, and Yonatan Cohen), and I knew the energy at the event would be exactly what I needed after a year of rising antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric on campus.

As a Jewish student at Hunter College, the months after October 7 were really hard and sad. I was constantly exhausted, and struggled to keep up with my classes. Posters around campus of the hostages being held captive in Gaza were constantly pulled down, and some of my classmates referred to Israel as a perpetrator of genocide. 

But no matter how dark things got, was a source of joy. I grew up in a large Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York, and originally sought out Jewish life at Hunter to see what other kinds of Jewish communities are like. The staff 黑料传送门 helped me deepen my Jewish identity, get an internship, and provided a welcoming, supportive community when I needed it most. I attended 鈥淣ot-Shabbat鈥� dinners on Thursday nights, community gatherings at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at NYU, and had a dedicated Israel Fellow there to help answer questions. 

Yallapalooza took all of that friendship and community, and concentrated it into one incredible night. The concert was absolutely magical 鈥� spiritual, special, and so joyful. The energy the Jewish student community has here in New York is unlike anything else I鈥檝e experienced, with so much diversity, passion and hope, and there was so much love and support in that space: for Hillel, for Israel, and maybe most importantly, for each other. 

It was also so cool to have so many Hillel-connected people in one place. There were thousands of participants from campus Hillels, plus tons of people from the broader 黑料传送门 community. Even Matthew Bronfman, the chair of the 黑料传送门 board of governors, was there. It was really moving to see Hillel leadership show up 鈥� their care and commitment for Jewish students is always so evident.

For me, one of the most moving parts of the concert was Netta鈥檚 performance. She brought so much joy, was willing to share so much of herself with us, and connected to the crowd as if she was there with each of us as individuals. 

I often feel like Hillel can read minds when it comes to knowing what Jewish college students need, and Yallapalooza is a perfect example of that feeling. Being there, with so many other Jewish college students, dancing to Israeli music with my friends and feeling so connected and uplifted, was everything I wanted. I expressed my gratitude from the stage before the concert ended, but I know I鈥檒l be thinking about that night with love and joy for years to come.

Yallapalooza, powered by 黑料传送门, is a series of concerts for Jewish college students that celebrate Jewish joy. Catch up on the Boston Yallapalooza concert here.

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News

Hillel Concert Series 鈥淵allapalooza 2024鈥� Visits New York City

Author

黑料传送门

Date

November 4, 2024

Grammy-nominated singer Matisyahu, Eurovision winner Netta, and Nova Music Festival artists performed for thousands of Jewish college students at NYC鈥檚 Beacon Theater.

Last night, the Yallapalooza 2024 concert series, powered by 黑料传送门 and UJA-Federation of New York, brought together thousands of Jewish college students at the Beacon Theater in New York City for a night celebrating Jewish joy after an incredibly difficult year for Jewish students on college campuses. The concert featured performances by Grammy-nominated musician Matisyahu, Eurovision winner Netta, and DJ Sasi and Yonatan Cohen, who both performed at the Nova Music Festival.

Since October 7, 2023, Jewish college students have faced an alarming surge of antisemitism on college campuses across North America. These experiences have impacted what should be the most exciting, freeing, and transformative years of their lives.

Despite these challenges, Jewish college students have shown extraordinary courage and have come together to embrace Jewish joy, from celebrating the High Holidays to participating in Hillel programs, events, and welcome week activities in record-breaking numbers. Yallapalooza 2024 celebrated that spirit and offered Jewish students a new opportunity to join together in a much-needed space for collective joy with some of the top Jewish musical acts in the world. 

鈥淭onight was very special. To see so many Jewish students feeling joy through music was incredible,鈥� said Matisyahu. 鈥淭heir energy was palpable and it was so powerful to be a part of this night with so many students. I can鈥檛 wait for our next two shows in Boston and Philly.鈥�

鈥淚 am honored to participate in a night of celebration for Jewish students and showcase my music and represent the Tribe of Nova after such a difficult year,鈥� said DJ Sasi, co-producer and a performer at the Nova Music Festival on 10/7. 鈥淛ews and Israelis across the world have faced many challenges since 10/7, yet we will continue to stand proudly together and showcase our story for all to see.鈥�

鈥淔ollowing October 7, the Jewish college experience was completely upended by the rise in antisemitism on campus, which has directly impacted many of us in New York,鈥� said Natalie Ryba, a senior at Hunter College and member of 黑料传送门鈥檚 Student Cabinet. 鈥淓vents like Hillel鈥檚 Yallapalooza concert in New York City give us the opportunity to experience Jewish music and joy with thousands of other college students, and for us it means the world to be able to celebrate being proudly Jewish together.鈥�

For over 100 years, Hillel has been a welcoming and supportive space for millions of Jewish college students of all backgrounds, denominations, and beliefs. Hillel, the world鈥檚 largest Jewish college organization, remains committed to being a trusted place for students seeking community, belonging, and support. With this concert series Hillel continues to be there for Jewish students, enabling them to come together, dance, sing and enjoy an evening together after an extraordinarily difficult past year.

鈥淎mid another year marked by continuing challenges on campus, we were thrilled to take our commitment to Jewish college students on the road and bring thousands of students together for a night of music, celebration and joy with some of the world鈥檚 top Jewish musicians,鈥� said Hillel President and CEO Adam Lehman. 鈥�Whether it鈥檚 on or off campus, giving our students the opportunity to experience these indelible moments of Jewish joy is at the heart of Hillel鈥檚 mission.鈥�   

“During a year when Jewish college students have faced an alarming increase in antisemitism on campus with strength and courage, it is more important than ever that we support them with opportunities where they can proudly showcase what it means to be Jewish,鈥漵aid Matthew Bronfman, Chair of the 黑料传送门 Board of Governors. 鈥淭onight’s concert, featuring some of the most recognizable Jewish and Israeli musicians in the world playing in front of thousands of cheering students, was a wonderfully positive and uplifting experience that our students so richly deserve and th黑料传送门 is so proud to provide.”

The concert was entirely free of charge for Jewish students and recent college graduates in New York City and the Tri-State area. Students attended from more than 200 schools, including Columbia University, NYU, Binghamton University, and the City University of New York (CUNY) schools, as well as from colleges and universities nationwide.

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Hillel Community

Israel

Recharging My Commitment to Israel at the Israel Leadership Network Shabbaton

Author

Leah Kressel

Date

October 22, 2024

In my second year at Muhlenberg College, I became the Israel leadership co-chair at Muhlenberg Hillel. From the beginning, 黑料传送门鈥檚 Israel Leadership Network (ILN) was an important resource for me鈥攁 place I could look to for event ideas, strategies, and accurate information. When I was invited to the White House last year to speak with Douglas Emhoff, the Second Gentleman, about my grandmother鈥檚 experience in the Holocaust and my own experience on campus, ILN resources helped me prepare for the event. The Israel Leadership Network continues to be instrumental in my growth as a Jewish student leader. 

The recent ILN Executive Shabbaton in Denver was inspiring and uplifting and deepened my connection with other students who are passionate about Israel. The 36 hours we spent learning and sharing experiences were a much-needed boost after a difficult year. 

One of the central conversations throughout the Shabbaton was how to develop strategies for sharing informational and training resources across all of our campuses. Many of us know students who want to speak up and share their perspectives on Israel and Judaism, but they feel isolated, confused, and pressured from other students and professors to hide their beliefs. In sharing that experience, we reaffirmed that one of ILN鈥檚 critical roles is to provide facts about Israel and antisemitism as well as moral support to students around the country to empower them to speak up for their beliefs. 

Throughout our Shabbat together, I appreciated the open exchange of ideas and the shared values that I found time and again. These discussions led to a concrete mission statement and set of goals for ILN, which will inform our work over the coming academic year. 

Another deeply meaningful moment for me took place during our Shabbat prayers. While I wear a hostage necklace and a yellow ribbon every day, I often feel like I am alone in my effort to keep the hostages at the forefront of my mind. Spending Shabbat in Denver was particularly meaningful, as I knew everyone in the room shared a connection and commitment to the people being held hostage in inhumane conditions in Gaza. Before we said Shabbat prayers, we each had a chance to choose a printed photo of someone being held hostage. Throughout Shabbat, we prayed for their return in the hopes that they, too, can enjoy Shabbat with family and friends again鈥攁 Shabbat that is long overdue.

Since October 7, 2023, my college experience has been colored by antisemitism, events in Israel, and my efforts to speak up for Israel and Jewish students on my campus. At times, this fight is empowering, but it can also be lonely and stressful. It means a tremendous amount to me to know that there are organizations, like 黑料传送门 and the Israel Leadership Network, that believe in student leaders like me, and bring us together to amplify and connect the work we do. 

Leah Kressel is a junior at Muhlenberg College, where she is double majoring in Psychology and Jewish Studies. She is passionate about Israel advocacy and education, has been a leader in many Zionist activities on campus, and currently serves as the Small Campus Trustee in the Israel Leadership Network.

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News

Letters from Alyssa: On Simchat Torah, Dancing Harder and Remembering Forever

Author

Alyssa Wallack

Date

October 21, 2024

Hi Friend,

As Simchat Torah approaches, I find myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. It’s been a year since that terrible day when joy turned to tragedy, and the festival that celebrates our love for Torah became forever linked with a massacre in Israel that killed over 1,200 people. But as I reflect on what Simchat Torah means this year, I’m struck by how its very essence speaks to resilience and hope.

Simchat Torah, at its core, is about endings and beginnings. Jewish people around the world finish reading the Torah, and in the same breath, we start again. It’s a beautiful reminder that, in Jewish tradition, endings aren’t really endings at all 鈥� they’re opportunities for renewal, for carrying forward what we’ve learned into a new phase of our lives.

This year, that symbolism feels more poignant than ever. As we remember the October 7, 2023 attacks that occurred on Simchat Torah, we’re renewing our commitment to life, to joy, and to the values that define us, even amid our continued grief. We’re carrying the memories of those we lost with us as we step into a new year, a new cycle of Torah, and a new chapter in our collective story.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Nova Music Festival, where more than 360 people were murdered last October, and how the event was meant to embody the spirit of celebration that Simchat Torah is all about. Those young people were dancing, full of life and joy. This year, we have a chance 鈥� no, a responsibility 鈥� to dance in their honor, with more passion and purpose than ever before.

So this Simchat Torah, here’s what I’m planning to do:

Dance with intention: When I join the hakafot, the celebratory practice of dancing with the Torah, I’ll be thinking of those who can’t dance with us this year. Each step will be a tribute, each twirl an act of defiance against those who sought to extinguish our joy.

Learn something new: I’m committing to studying a new piece of Torah in honor of those we lost. Though their lives were cut short, their legacy can continue through our learning and growth.

Reach out and connect: I’m going to invite friends 鈥� Jewish and non-Jewish alike 鈥� to join in our celebration. By sharing our traditions and our resilience, we build bridges and strengthen our community.

Create a moment of remembrance: Before the festivities begin, I’m going to suggest a moment of silence among my Hillel community, to acknowledge that our celebration is made more meaningful by remembering.

Look to the future: As we start reading the Torah again, I’m going to reflect on new beginnings I want to create in my own life, inspired by the strength of the Jewish community.

Simchat Torah teaches us that endings and beginnings are intertwined. We don’t forget what’s behind us as we move forward 鈥� we carry it with us, letting it inform our steps and strengthen our resolve. This year, our dancing will be a powerful statement: that joy persists, that life moves forward, and that the legacy of those we’ve lost continues within us.

As we celebrate this Simchat Torah, let’s dance harder, sing louder, and love deeper. Let’s show the world the unbreakable spirit of our people. In doing so, we honor not just our Torah, but also those whose memories are inextricably linked with this holiday.

Wishing you a Simchat Torah filled with meaning, joy, deep connection, and the strength that comes from a community united in celebration and remembrance.

Chag Sameach,

Alyssa

Originally from Los Angeles, Alyssa Wallack is a senior at the University of Southern California. A passionate advocate for Jewish and Israel-related causes, she’s now interning with 黑料传送门. When not immersed in her studies or various fellowships, Alyssa loves exploring LA’s food scene and connecting with fellow students about all things Jewish.

Letters from Alyssa is a series of reflections and advice from Alyssa Wallack, a 黑料传送门 Intern.听

The post <strong>Letters from Alyssa: On Simchat Torah, Dancing Harder and Remembering Forever</strong> appeared first on 黑料传送门.

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Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah 101

Author

黑料传送门

Date

October 21, 2024

What are Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah?

Why celebrate one Jewish holiday when you can celebrate four?! After a month of observing the holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, the Jewish calendar finally lands on Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, a combined celebration that marks the end of the High Holidays. 

Shemini Atzeret is formally the eighth day of the holiday of Sukkot, but is celebrated as its own holiday with unique blessings and prayers. Combined with Simchat Torah in Israel and in some Diaspora communities, Shemini Atzeret is a bonus day of celebration and connection after an action-packed fall holiday season. 

Have you ever finished a really good book and then turned back to the beginning to start it over again? Or re-read a beloved book and it felt like spending time with a childhood friend? Simchat Torah celebrates the cycle of reading the Torah, when Jews around the world read the entire Torah over the course of a year and then immediately start reading it again. Simchat Torah is the final holiday in the nearly month-long series of Jewish holidays referred to as the 鈥淗igh Holidays鈥� that occur throughout the month of Tishrei.  

Simchat Torah and October 7:

One year ago, on Simchat Torah, October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and kidnapping over 200 more. For Jews around the world, Simchat Torah will forever be associated with this terrible tragedy. In some communities, people are connecting the commitment of 鈥渨e will dance again,鈥� a commemoration of the Nova Music Festival Massacre, with the celebratory practice of hakafot, dancing with the Torah, on Simchat Torah. While we continue to grieve for the people killed and pray that the hostages taken on that day will be released from captivity, on Simchat Torah we also recommit ourselves to the Jewish joy that has been embodied by Jews during the holiday for thousands of years.

Practices on Simchat Torah:

Here are some other ways that Jews around the world celebrate Simchat Torah:

• The highlight of Simchat Torah for many communities is the joyous singing and dancing in synagogue, where all of the Torah scrolls are removed from the Aron Kodesh (Ark 鈥� where they are usually kept) and paraded around in celebration of the completion and beginning of the Torah-reading cycle.
• In some communities, every adult participates in the reading of the end and beginning of the Torah as an expression of each individual鈥檚 personal connection to the Torah, in addition to the communal celebration. 
• Beginning on Shemini Atzeret and lasting until Passover in the spring, a short prayer for rain is inserted into the second blessing of the Amidah (the Standing Prayer).  This connects to the agricultural cycle of Israel, where rain is needed for crops during this period of time (fall/winter).

Ideas for Observing Simchat Torah this Year:

• A traditional Simchat Torah song calls us to 鈥�v鈥檚amachta b鈥檆hagecha v鈥檋ayita ach sameach, 鈥� 鈥� to take joy in your holiday and be happy.  It may sound surprising to be required to be joyous, but Jewish tradition calls us to access joy, even when things are difficult. Jewish joy is a core part of Jewish resiliency. Find an activity or plan a celebratory meal with your community to help you tap into that joy on a difficult day.   
• Make an or a dish with honey and share it with roommates or friends. Sweet foods are often eaten on Simchat Torah because the words of Torah should be as sweet as honey in our lives.  
• Many campus Hillels hold a Simchat Torah celebration on campus, sometimes with a party or dancing, and others unroll the entire Torah scroll, a tradition also practiced at many synagogues. Consider participating in a Simchat Torah celebration on your campus.
• 黑料传送门 is proud to co-sponsor the, which aims to encourage 10,000 Jews of all backgrounds to commit to reading the weekly Torah portion every week for one year. As we continue to address antisemitism both on our campuses and in our communities, we also recommit ourselves to Jewish learning and joy.

However you choose to celebrate these two special holidays, we hope you find glimmers of hope and joy in your Jewish identity during these challenging times. Happy holidays or chag sameach!

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Sukkot 101

Author

黑料传送门

Date

October 14, 2024

Grab your coziest flannel, a pot of hot soup, and some paper chains 鈥� Sukkot is here!

What is Sukkot?

Beginning five days after Yom Kippur, Sukkot is one of the three major holidays during the Jewish calendar (the other two are Passover and Shavuot). The word 鈥�Sukkot鈥� means 鈥渂ooths鈥� or 鈥渉uts,鈥� and refers to the structures many Jewish families and communities build to represent the temporary dwellings the Israelites lived in after their escape from Egypt. 

According to tradition, a sukkah should have at least two-and-a-half walls, and a roof made out of thatch or branches 鈥� offering enough shade and protection from the sun, but enough space to allow the stars to be seen at night.

Sukkot also has origins in celebrating the autumn agricultural harvest in Israel, and is nicknamed 鈥渢he festival of joy.鈥� After the solemn observance of Yom Kippur, Sukkot is a time to gather together, enjoy the changing of the seasons, and offer hospitality to our friends, family, and community members inside the sukkah.

What鈥檚 it all about?

Sukkot is associated with hospitality, joy, the harvest season, and connection to the earth. . Here are some of the symbols of Sukkot that represent those themes, and that you鈥檒l probably see if you visit a sukkah this year:

Lulav and Etrog: This grouping of four plants, native to the land of Israel, are reminders of our connection to nature. The lulav is a bundle of palm, myrtle, and willow branches, and the etrog is a special citrus fruit (with a delicious scent!). 

Decorations: During Sukkot, the sukkah becomes a temporary home 鈥� a place where you can eat, chat, and even sleep! You can decorate a sukkah with paper chains, fairy lights, natural decorations (like pumpkins, herbs, gourds, or dried flowers), or anything else you might enjoy. Making these decorations is a great activity for people of all ages 鈥� you鈥檙e never too old to break out the glue and glitter.

Photos of loved ones: Part of Sukkot is a ceremony called ushpizin, or 鈥渨elcoming guests,鈥� in which ancestors 鈥� past and recent 鈥� are welcomed into the sukkah. Many families and communities will have pictures of loved ones in their sukkah to symbolize their participation in the holiday. This ceremony is particularly meaningful this year as we remember the lives lost in the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and hope for the release of the hostages taken on that day. 

Ways to Observe Sukkot

Sukkot traditions are designed to remind us about the exodus from Egypt, help us mark the changing of the seasons, and give us a special time to feel close to the Earth and to our ancestors. Here are some ways you can join the party and make your own rituals to enjoy this special festival:

• Spend time in a sukkah! Contact your campus Hillel to find out if there鈥檚 a sukkah on campus, or a local community that鈥檚 opened their sukkah to students. Grab some friends and visit the sukkah for a meal, an afternoon of study, or even a slumber party. (Don鈥檛 forget to dress for the weather!)
• Many communities host services and prayers in the sukkah. Often, people stay after the service for meals and to engage in Torah or text study.
• Sukkot is a harvest festival, and a time to celebrate our connection to the seasons! You might enjoy going pumpkin picking, exploring a corn maze, making art with fallen leaves, eating fall-themed foods like soups, breads, or pies (in the sukkah, obviously!), or just taking time to enjoy the weather.
• This year, many communities will be leaving an empty chair at the table in their sukkah to commemorate those killed on October 7, the hostages currently still held in captivity, and the lives lost in the ensuing war. You might include specific people鈥檚 names in the ushpizin ritual, welcoming them to share in the blessings of Sukkot as a way to show they are still in our hearts and memories.
• A big theme of Sukkot is hospitality, and caring for our communities. Sukkot is a great time to engage in community service, such as volunteering for a soup kitchen or a meal delivery service, bringing a care package to a sick friend, or cleaning up trash on campus or in a local park.

May your Sukkot be blessed with comfort, joy, and a loving community. Happy Sukkot 鈥� or Chag sameach!

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