News

Jewish Sustainability in Action: Hillel on the Farm

Author

Hillel International

Date

February 11, 2025

Taking care of the land we live on is more than just a Jewish tradition — it’s part of Jewish law.

Campus Hillels across North America are finding ways to tie together their Jewish connection to the land with sustainability and environmental practices. Check out these stories from three Hillels partnering with local farms to make a difference.

University of Vermont Hillel: Hillel Fresh and Seeds for Students

UVM’s Hillel Fresh program started as a way to combat food insecurity among students, and expanded significantly during the pandemic to ensure that students could have access to Shabbat meals even without Hillel hosting. Each student who signs up for Hillel Fresh receives a bag with all the ingredients they need for Shabbat, along with a Jewish learning text and a list explaining where all the food came from.

In the last three years, Hillel Fresh expanded to include its own farming plot on the University’s research farm. During the summers, the farm is managed by Seeds to Students interns who care for the crops while engaging in weekly Jewish learning around agriculture, land ownership, and sustainability. This year, all the produce from the summer was used during the fall semester in Hillel Fresh bags. 

Sophie Warth, a fourth-year student at UVM majoring in Food and Culture, is the Director of Hillel Fresh and Seeds to Students. Under her leadership, the program has grown to include medical and graduate students in its distribution in addition to undergraduate students, making a more significant impact in combating student food insecurity. In reflecting on her experience with these two programs Sophie said, “The most meaningful parts of working with Hillel Fresh and Seeds to Students have been combining my connections to my Hillel community with the relationships I’ve built with the local farms involved in Hillel Fresh. Being on the farm, working with the land, and taking a product from seed to harvest have also been invaluable experiences” 

Berkeley Hillel: Jewish Responses to Climate Change

Chance Reiniesch has made expanding Jewish programs around sustainability and farming his mission at University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) Hillel. Growing up on a farm, Chance spent a lot of time gardening and growing, and he’s been working to bring more programming around Jewish social justice, climate justice, and sustainability to his college community. 

Berkeley’s Hillel had a number of small partnerships and programs, but Chance saw room for growth. As the Social Action Associate, Chance expanded a program with University of California Gill Tract Farm, a local university farm that teaches people about indigenous land practices and donates food back to the community. He also helped launch the L’Shomra: Jewish Responses to Climate Change fellowship, where students examine their relationship with the world and their responsibility to protect it — and learn from contemporary sources and Jewish ancestral wisdom. Ben Witeck, a third year student at UC Berkeley, said, “My Judaism has always pushed me to engage in pressing areas of social justice. Connecting ancient and modern land-based practices as integral parts of my Jewish identity has been both a meaningful and powerful experience.”

Students also have the opportunity to take bi-monthly trips to other local farms, and to participate in weekly actions with Urban Adamah, a Jewish community farm dedicated to combating food insecurity in its area. 

One of Chance’s favorite parts of Berkeley Hillel’s sustainability work is the pollinator garden. Students were inspired to build out the garden, working with Hillel staff to plant different species and organize gardening shifts to help it flourish. To Chance, the garden speaks to Berkeley Hillel’s holistic commitment to environmentalism, and allows them to actively show connections between gardening and Jewish learning and ritual. Figs from the garden’s fig tree are used for the annual Tu B’Shvat seder — a sweet way to renew the community’s connection to the earth as responsible caretakers.

Colorado State University Hillel: RAM Kibbutz

CSU Hillel has a unique claim to fame: they’re the first student-led organization to be certified by Adamah. Starting from a farm-to-table program focusing on sustainability in sourcing and preparing Shabbat meals, CSU Hillel decided to create their own campus “kibbutz,” including a vegetable garden and a chicken coop.

Adam Fox, CSU Hillel’s Director of Jewish Student Life, took the initiative to expand the kibbutz beyond a sustainability initiative and added a component of student empowerment and wellness. Noticing that students having a bad day or struggling with the stress of campus life often came to the kibbutz to watch the chickens, he applied for a mental health and wellness grant from Hillel International to add ducks to the kibbutz family, and later received another grant to train student interns to care for them. Student leaders take on the role of “Chicken Tenders,” who are in charge of the care of new ducks Nibbler and Glenda, along with the kibbutz’s existing chickens. 

Adam sees the kibbutz not just as a key part of the Hillel community, but as a way to bring in students who might not otherwise be engaged by giving them an opportunity to connect through sustainability. Since October 7, he’s seen an increased interest in the kibbutz as more students looked for ways to connect to their Jewish identity and spend time in a supportive Jewish space. RAM Kibbutz offers a place and a community for students to connect to and rely on one another — just like a real kibbutz.

The post Jewish Sustainability in Action: Hillel on the Farm appeared first on Hillel International.

News

What is Tu B’Shvat?

Author

Hillel International

Date

February 11, 2025

It’s cold, it’s snowing, the trees are bare… in many parts of the world, that is. But in Israel, the earliest flowers are starting to bloom and it’s time to celebrate a Jewish holiday called Tu B’Shvat. Tu B’Shvat celebrates the Jewish people’s indigenous connection to the land of Israel through marking the beginning of the agricultural year in Israel and uplifting Israel’s seven native species, among other practices.

The name of this festival is actually its date: “Tu” is a pronunciation of the Hebrew letters that represent the number 15, and it falls in the Hebrew month of Shvat. Throughout history, Tu B’Shvat has taken on different meanings for the Jewish people in Israel and across the world.

Where do Tu B’Shvat Rituals and Celebrations Come From?

By the early modern period (16th century), rabbinic scholars in the city of Tzfat had developed a Tu B’Shvat meal similar to a Passover seder. This seder celebrated the seven native species of Israel: pomegranates, olives, dates, figs, grapes, wheat, and barley. 

According to Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), all living beings hide within them a spark of divine presence. Similarly, fruits, nuts, and grains hide within them seeds of new life and potential growth. Human actions can release these sparks and help increase God’s presence in the world. On Tu B’Shvat, the Kabbalists would eat certain fruits associated with the land of Israel as a symbolic way of releasing these divine sparks.

Tu B’Shvat rituals grew and changed over time. By the late 19th century, early tree-planting Zionists used Tu B’Shvat as an opportunity to celebrate their agricultural work of “making the desert bloom” in Israel. Today, planting trees in and out of Israel is one way of celebrating Tu B’Shvat.

An important part of Jewish consciousness is rooted in environmentalism and ecological activism. Many people think about Tu B’Shvat as an ancient Jewish Earth Day and spend the holiday learning about the Jewish tradition of environmental advocacy and volunteering for efforts connected to the land and sustainability. 

Ways to Celebrate Tu B’Shvat This Year:

• Host a Tu B’Shvat Seder, a ritual meal that celebrates different aspects of the holiday! You can find everything you’ll need in this resource from Hillel International.
• Participate in a beach or park cleanup. Tu B’Shvat is the perfect invitation to get your hands dirty by caring for our planet.
• Plant some seeds (indoors or outside depending on where you live) and watch them grow! Consider planting a Passover herb garden with parsley, dill, scallions, and other herbs you can use in your seder (Passover is only three months away!).
• Go to the grocery store and purchase some fruits or vegetables you’ve never tried before. Host a tasting for friends to determine which bite is the best.
• Make a donation to a local environmental organization, or volunteer your time to support their work in keeping your community healthy.
• Hang with some trees. If it’s warm enough where you live, enjoy some reading or snacking beneath the shade. If you live in a colder climate, take a brisk walk in a wooded area and enjoy the beauty of snow-covered trees.

Tu B’Shvat Resources:

• We Are All Trees: A Tu B’Shevat Seder by and for the Hillel Community: A guide to creating your own Tu B’Shvat Seder from Hillel International’s Center for Jewish and Israel Education & Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Experience.
• What Even IS Tu B’Shevat? A Quick Explainer: Learn more about Tu B’Shvat using this resource, created by Hillel International.
• Celebrate Tu B’Shvat With Your Hillel!: A guide to Tu B’Shvat created by the Hillel International Student Cabinet for students looking to organize sustainability programs at their Hillel in honor of Tu B’Shvat.
• Tu B’Shvat Program Guide: Learn more about creating a Tu B’Shvat Seder and other Tu B’Shvat programs with this guide from student leaders involved with Hillel International partner Adamah on Campus.

The post What is Tu B’Shvat? appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Happy Hanukkah Happenings at Hillel

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. 

American University Hillel (AU Hillel) also hosted a creative “Gelt-Together,” 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. “A 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,” second-year student Lea Wayne said. “Taking time to hang out with my friends and chill before I have to get into a lot of studying has been great.” 

BU Hillel held its 20th annual Latkepalooza, hosting 122 students to eat mountains of latkes and decorate their own menorahs. “I was grateful that BU Hillel provided a place for us to have a pre-Hanukkah experience,” 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. “Winterfest has been an annual celebration since 2022. It’s a big and fun celebration,” said Dina Levin, a Hillel student board member. “I absolutely love Winterfest because it’s a great way to bond with friends and whenever we put up the decorations, it’s like a winter wonderland.”

Columbia/Barnard Hillel hosted about 200 students for their (Almost) Hanukkah Party. Students enjoyed winter and holiday-related activities like a hot chocolate bar, “ugly sweater” 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. “I had a great time connecting with my friends and peers at Hillel that I don’t see on a day-to-day basis,” 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.

The post Happy Hanukkah Happenings at Hillel appeared first on Hillel International.

Holidays

Jewish Identity

Bringing Light to My Past and My Present with Hillel and Hanukkah

Author

Skylar Strudwick

Date

December 23, 2024

Skylar Strudwick is a student writer studying at the University of Minnesota. Ahead of Hanukkah, Skylar shared the powerful story of how she discovered the roots of her own Jewish identity and how she found a community through that journey of discovery:

My grandmother’s name was Sabra, and she passed away in 2017 from brain cancer. She left behind a series of questions that I never had the chance to ask her when she was here. Since she passed away, I’ve been trying to piece her life together to answer those questions and learn more about my family. About two years ago, I found one of her diaries in a corner of my family’s basement. It was very old, the pages were torn, and inside, I found glimpses of her life, including grocery lists and a family secret: my grandmother was Jewish, and so am I.

Growing up, we never lit Shabbat candles, my parents never mentioned anything about the High Holidays, and we did absolutely nothing for Hanukkah. Yet there it was in my grandmother’s own handwriting – an identity, a piece of cultural heritage that had slipped through the cracks of my family history. While I couldn’t answer the question of why she hid her Jewish identity, I was determined to find out more about mine.

Taking my first Jewish steps with Hillel

Once I started college at the University of Minnesota, I began my journey to learn more about my Jewish identity. I walked into Minnesota Hillel as a complete newcomer. I had no Jewish education to help me understand anything that was going on in a service, and though I had read a couple of Wikipedia articles about Jewish holidays and history, it all felt new and strange as I nervously started attending services and programs. 

It took me some time to feel like I knew what to expect at a Shabbat dinner or to feel like the songs and services were familiar. And as Hanukkah neared during that first semester, my anxiety resurfaced. I had so many questions and felt ashamed to ask them. Thankfully, my friends and mentors at Hillel showed me that questions are celebrated in Judaism, and taught me that Hanukkah is about the deep roots of resilience and shared identity among the Jewish people. 

In the end, what felt great about celebrating Hanukkah with the Minnesota Hillel community was that nobody questioned why I was there. I learned there are Jews who have never missed a Shabbat dinner and those who have never attended a service. Simply put, what I loved about that first Hanukkah was learning that the holiday can be a time when we all come together to celebrate being Jewish. 

Hanukkah lights the way

This Hanukkah, I imagine how my grandmother might have lit the candles, watching as the small flames danced around her room and reflected in her eyes. Lighting the candles has become a personal connection to my grandmother and a nod to the story that I am continuing to uncover. As I add a new candle to the menorah each night, I will think about her and her resilience. 

I will reflect on my responsibility to carry my grandmother’s legacy, and ensure that her Jewish story doesn’t end in the pages of that diary. This year, as I light the menorah, I will think about how my grandmother’s diary led me here today. And I will send a blessing back to my younger self standing nervously in front of Hillel, and reassure her that she’ll find belonging and community there before too long.

Skylar Strudwick is a junior at the University of Minnesota studying psychology, sociology, and business law. She is involved with the Minnesota Jewish community through her work as a marketing and data intern for Minnesota Hillel which involves leading services, setting up Shabbat programming, and acting as an ambassador for the Junior class. She enjoys reading, writing books, keeping a blog, yoga, and knitting on weekends.

The post Bringing Light to My Past and My Present with Hillel and Hanukkah appeared first on Hillel International.

News

What Even IS Hanukkah?

Author

Hillel International

Date

December 23, 2024

The Hanukkah Story 101:

In 168–167 BCE, the Greek Empire ruled Jerusalem. In a bid to solidify Greek religion (called Hellenism), culture, and politics, Greek leadership waged a series of violent and humiliating attacks on Jewish citizens. Jewish ritual practice and Jewish land ownership became illegal, Jewish citizens were slaughtered in city streets, and the Temple, the center of Jewish religious life at this time, was desecrated partly destroyed. In response, in 166 BCE a Jewish resistance group called the Maccabees rose up and drove the Greeks from the land.

A note on oil and light: Oil was a critical element of worship and ritual in the Temple. In an effort to desecrate everything that was important and holy to the Jews, Greek soldiers devastatingly poured out all the oil they looted from The Great Temple.

The story goes that after the Maccabees miraculously overthrew the Greeks, they found one jar of remaining oil, which was enough to provide light for only one day. The Maccabees lit it anyway, and a miracle happened: The oil lasted for eight days! This defining moment restored the Maccabees’ faith in God, and strengthened them enough to re-dedicate the Temple.

During Hanukkah, our homes become microcosms of the Temple. For each of the 8 nights, we gather together, light candles, and eat foods fried in oil to remember this miracle. These acts of community and ritual strengthen our resolve to bring light into the world, and to celebrate our collective resilience and unity.

Pro tip: Hanukkah is considered a “minor” Jewish holiday, not a “major” one. Unlike the holidays of Yom Kippur or Passover, for example, the source for the celebration of Hanukkah is not found in Jewish scripture. Rather, it’s a holiday observed out of tradition. Many people mistakenly believe Hanukkah is a major Jewish holiday, mostly because of its proximity to Christmas.

The core message of Hanukkah: Even when things look bad, miracles can still occur. If you fight for what you believe in, you can find strength and light in miraculous, unexpected places.

The Blessings:

Night 1: Say the blessing over the Hanukkah candles, the blessing for Hanukkah, and the Shehecheyanu

Nights 2–8: Say only the blessing over the Hanukkah candles and the blessing for Hanukkah

Blessing over Hanukkah candles:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, ה’ אֱלֹקינוּ, מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְותָיו וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.

Praised are You, Ruler of the world, Who made us holy through Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.

Blessing for Hanukkah:

.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, ה’ אֱלֹקינוּ, מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.

Praised are You, Ruler of the world, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season.

Shehecheyanu:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה‚ ה’ אֱלֹקינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם‚ שֶׁהֶחֱיָֽנוּ וְקִיְּמָֽנוּ וְהִגִּיעָֽנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higianu laz’man hazeh.

Praised are You, Ruler of the World, for giving us life, upholding the life within us, and bringing us to this time.

Created in partnership with Hillel International’s Meyerhoff Center for Jewish and Israel Education.

The post What Even IS Hanukkah? appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Letters from Alyssa: What Hanukkah Means to Me

Author

Alyssa Wallack

Date

December 19, 2024

Hi Friend,

As Jewish college students prepare to light this years’ Hanukkah candles, I’ve been reflecting on the deeper meaning behind the holiday’s glow. Hanukkah is often seen as a joyful, fun-filled celebration – spinning dreidels, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts. And it is! But beyond the festive lights and traditions, there’s a profound story about Jewish identity and resilience that inspires me.

Hanukkah isn’t just about the oil that lasted for eight days or even the military victory of the Maccabees against the occupying force of the Seleucid Greeks. It’s about the Jewish people reclaiming their homeland and reestablishing the right to live as Jews, to practice their traditions openly, and to govern themselves according to their values. 

In many ways, Hanukkah is one of the earliest expressions of Zionism – the belief in the Jewish right to self-determination in our ancestral homeland. While the term “Zionism” didn’t exist in the time of the Maccabees, the spirit of the movement is present in their story. It’s about a connection to the land of Israel as a central tenet of Jewish identity, and the courage to preserve a way of life that reflects our values and beliefs.

This year, as we light the menorah, I’m thinking about what it means to rededicate ourselves to that courage and those values. Just as the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple and renewed their commitment to Jewish life, Hanukkah urges us to reflect on how we can carry forward that legacy of resilience and purpose.

To bring more meaning to my Hanukkah celebration this year, I’m:

1. Reclaiming time for what matters: With life moving so fast, Hanukkah gives me a chance to slow down. Each night, I’m taking a moment to reflect on my Jewish identity – what it means to me, how I express it, and how I want to grow in the coming year.
2. Lighting the menorah with intention: Each candle is more than just a light; it’s a reminder of the miracles we experience every day – the moments of hope and strength that make life meaningful.
3. Sharing the story: I’m inviting friends – both Jewish and non-Jewish – to light the menorah with me and learn about Hanukkah’s deeper message. Celebrating together is a powerful example of how traditions like these continue to connect people.

For me, Hanukkah is a celebration of identity and values, showing us that the choices we make today can inspire not just this holiday, but generations to come.

Wishing you a Hanukkah filled with light, meaning, and the courage to lift up the ideas and values that are important to you.

Chag Urim 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 Hillel International. 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.

The post Letters from Alyssa: What Hanukkah Means to Me appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Celebrating Interfaith Connections with a Feast

Author

Hillel International

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 University of California, Davis (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. 

“The 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,” said Rafi Myers, a fourth-year student at UC Davis, “We got to know each other on a surprisingly deep level, and it was very safe,welcoming, and understanding.”

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 — 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. “I felt really isolated as a Jewish student on campus after October 7,” he recalled. “The Interfaith Feast made me feel a lot more interconnected with other groups throughout UC Davis.”

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

For Heather, who lives at the CA House, a multifaith living community at UC Davis, the Interfaith Moveable Feast represents an opportunity to open up to people of different faiths and backgrounds. “It’s a chance to just get to know each other,” they said. “Food can really be a factor that draws you in and connects people. I think a lot of religions say, ‘Come, have a seat at our table, we’ll break bread together.’”

In addition to UC Davis Hillel and the CA House, students from The Belfry, the Davis Christian Fellowship, the Newman Catholic Center, and the Baha’i Club for Discourse and Action 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. 

“I’ve been involved with planning the Interfaith Moveable Feast for six years now,” said Seth Browner, development manager for Hillel at Davis and Sacramento. “Hillel 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 Hillel International and Interfaith America for supporting these programs with their generous grants.”

The connections students make at the Interfaith Moveable Feast don’t end at dessert. “It’s allowed me to recognize more students around campus,” Rafi said. “Instead of walking past each other, we’ll stop and say hi, ask how everyone is doing. I get to see more friendly faces.”

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. 

The post Celebrating Interfaith Connections with a Feast appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Letters from Alyssa: Why Finding Gratitude is a Jewish Value

Author

Alyssa Wallack

Date

November 26, 2024

Hi Friend,

The other morning, I was doing my usual rush to grab coffee between classes (if you know me, you know I pretty much live on coffee). Before I could say anything, Maria, the barista who has been my morning lifeline for four years, was already reaching for my cup. “Oat milk latte for Alyssa?” she asked. 

Suddenly,  this simple interaction made me pause. In Judaism, there is a  beautiful value called hakarat hatov – which literally means “recognizing the good.” It’s about actively noticing and acknowledging the blessings in our lives, from the biggest moments to the smallest interactions.

Here’s what I love about hakarat hatov – it’s not just about feeling grateful, it’s about recognizing the source of every moment of goodness. It’s about understanding that my morning coffee isn’t just about the drink. It’s about Maria, who remembers my order, and has been a small, yet integral, part of my college journey. It’s about recognizing that, even in challenging times, threads of connection and kindness weave through our daily lives.

Ahead of Thanksgiving, it’s also worth recognizing that Judaism’s conception of gratitude is much deeper than just saying thank you. When we practice hakarat hatov, we’re actually fulfilling a mitzvah, a sacred obligation to bring more holiness into the world.

Judaism teaches us to notice the good, to acknowledge it, and to never take it for granted. Whether it’s saying the shehecheyanu blessing, a blessing to mark new beginnings, lighting Shabbat candles on Friday nights, or even saying a simple blessing before we eat – our tradition gives us so many opportunities to pause and practice hakarat hatov. These moments of gratitude aren’t just rituals; they’re reminders to stop and recognize the goodness around us.

So this Thanksgiving, as we gather around tables laden with turkey (or tofurky!) and stuffing, we’re actually participating in a practice that is deeply connected to Jewish values. We’re not only celebrating an American holiday – we’re fulfilling a sacred obligation to recognize and acknowledge the good in our lives.

Here’s how I’m planning to bring more intentional gratitude into my Thanksgiving this year:

1. Before the meal: Instead of the usual, quick “what are you thankful for?” roundtable, I’m going to invite my family to share a moment when someone else at the table impacted their life positively this year. It’s one thing to say I’m grateful for my family; it’s another to specifically acknowledge how we have blessed each others’ lives.
2. During the meal: I’m challenging myself to practice gratitude for things we often take for granted. The farmers who grew our food, the workers who transported it, the people who stocked the grocery shelves – our Thanksgiving meals are possible because of countless individuals, many whom we’ll never meet.
3. After the meal: I’m planning to write thank you notes to people who have impacted my life this year but might not know it – professors who wrote recommendations, the campus maintenance staff who always greet me with a smile, and the barista who remembers my order.

The beauty of hakarat hatov is that it’s about more than feeling grateful – it’s about expressing gratitude in ways that strengthen our connections and make goodness more visible in the world. When we acknowledge the good we receive, we become more aware of opportunities to create good for others.

So this Thanksgiving, as you pass the cranberry sauce and debate whether pumpkin or apple pie is superior (apple, obviously!), remember you’re not just participating in an American tradition. You’re engaging in the sacred Jewish practice of hakarat hatov, bringing more awareness, more connection, and more holiness into the world.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with awareness of all the blessings that surround you,

Take good care, 

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 Hillel International. 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.

The post Letters from Alyssa: Why Finding Gratitude is a Jewish Value appeared first on Hillel International.

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 – 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 – no, a responsibility – 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 – Jewish and non-Jewish alike – 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 – 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 Hillel International. 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 Hillel International Intern. 

The post <strong>Letters from Alyssa: On Simchat Torah, Dancing Harder and Remembering Forever</strong> appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah 101

Author

Hillel International

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 “High Holidays” 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 “we will dance again,” 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 — 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’s 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 “v’samachta b’chagecha v’hayita ach sameach, ” — 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 edible Torah scroll 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.
• Hillel International is proud to co-sponsor the Simchat Torah Challenge, 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!

The post Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah 101 appeared first on Hillel International.