News

Building Belonging and Inspiring Leaders at the Florida Student Leadership Gathering

Author

Paige Simunek

Date

February 21, 2025

What happens when you bring together Jewish college students from 10 Florida campuses for a weekend of leadership, bonding, and learning? You get a room full of energy and pride. You get shared moments filled with joy, meaningful connections that spark inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose for Jewish leadership. Most importantly, you get student leaders who leave feeling deeply connected to their Hillels, confident in their leadership abilities, and ready to shape Jewish life on their campuses.

Recently, 80 Jewish student leaders gathered at the University of Central Florida to build relationships, gain leadership skills, and express their Jewish identities with joy and belonging. These students were each nominated by their campus Hillel to participate in this pilot program from Hillel International that aims to empower student leaders with the skills and relationships to lead effectively, create meaningful experiences for their peers, and foster collaboration across the region. 

With ideas and input from a leadership council that represented eight Florida Hillels, the programming was designed to be interactive and inspired by students. 

One of the most exciting sessions was “Silent Disco Talks” – a new initiative inspired by silent disco parties, but with a leadership twist! Instead of music, when students put on their headphones, they tuned into skill-building workshops featuring experts from across the Hillel community who shared insights into topics like imposter syndrome, leading with strengths, and the power of storytelling and active listening. 

Students then took these lessons into interactive workshops, which gave them a chance to put these new skills to life, feeling empowered and confident. 

In addition to building critical leadership skills, the students learned to strengthen their relationships with each other. And which activity sparks instant collaboration? Escape rooms! 

Students were separated into teams and tasked with getting out of a room within a specific timeframe. Some faced live actors,  some faced challenging puzzles, but every group had to rely on teamwork, communication, and quick thinking to escape. When students returned to the hotel after the escape rooms, laughter and joy echoed throughout the lobby.

Through it all, Jewish learning and leadership values were woven into each of the programs, beginning with a group intention and d’var Torah, or word of Torah, each day. 

One of the student leaders shared a powerful d’var Torah, where he described the challenges that the prophet Moses encountered early in his leadership journey. When Moses voiced insecurity about his leadership abilities due to his speech impediment, God responded by saying that Moses’ brother Aaron would be his spokesperson and partner. The student reflected on how Moses’ story might mirror the experience of leaders today, reminding the group that leadership isn’t about going at it alone, but instead embracing the strengths of those around us. 

“Everyone here in this room today possesses a unique skill set that makes you a leader,” the student said. “But [the Torah] teaches us that true leadership is forged from collaboration. It’s about bringing people together, understanding how working as a team amplifies our individual strengths.”

This gathering of Jewish student leaders was a powerful example of the very idea shared in the d’var Torah:  it came together through the partnership of student leaders, Florida Hillel staff members, and the Hillel International Student Engagement, Experiences, and Leadership team. Participants left with a deep sense of pride in embracing their Jewish identity, and excitement about leadership opportunities on their campuses. Through this weekend together, students built an experience where they each felt empowered and proud to shape Jewish life on campus together.

Paige Simunek is the director of student leadership at Hillel International.

The post Building Belonging and Inspiring Leaders at the Florida Student Leadership Gathering appeared first on Hillel International.

News

At the Super Bowl Black-Jewish Unity Summit, Connection is the Winner

Author

Hillel International

Date

February 20, 2025

Super Bowl Sunday drew millions of eyes to New Orleans for the biggest football game of the year. That same weekend, at historic Xavier University, well-known athletes gathered with Black, Jewish, and Black and Jewish students for a powerful conversation about their roles in fighting hate. 

This Unity Summit was a continuation of the Black-Jewish Unity Dinner series, created in partnership by Hillel International, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS). These gatherings, now in their second year, bring together Jewish students and students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to build on the historical bonds between Black and Jewish communities. In doing so, they create opportunities for a new generation of college students to connect, communicate, and build relationships. 

“We know that antisemitism and racism are very real challenges that the Jewish and Black communities face, and by coming together to learn about how we are all impacted, we can work to build a better future. ,” said Dani Levine, director of social impact at Hillel International. “It is crucial that we acknowledge our histories, learn from one another, and unite in our efforts to fight hate and discrimination.”

With a  dedicated focus on the power of college athletes to serve as campus leaders, the Unity Summit included a panel discussion with notable sports and media figures, including, Dearica Hamby, WNBA Champion, two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, and forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, Nancy Lieberman, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and two-time Olympian silver-medalist, Leonard Fournette, professional football running back and Super Bowl champion, Greg Joseph, NFL place kicker and one of the only active Jewish players in the 2024 NFL season, and Jake Retzlaff, the first-ever Jewish quarterback to play at Brigham Young University. Some other special guests stopped by throughout the event, including Malcolm Butler, Meek Mill, and Gayle King.

Attendees spent time together in small-group conversations, while on-site content creators created real-time content to share with their communities. More than 100 Black and Jewish college athletes were in attendance, representing Xavier University, Tulane University, Dillard University, and Loyola University.

“Athletes have to come together across difference everyday to work towards a shared goal. Student athletics are some of the most diverse spaces on college campuses, and we were grateful that so many student athletes were able to share their experiences with each other and apply the lessons they’ve learned from the sports world to the important work of fighting bias. ” Levine said. ”

The event also highlighted the special microgrant opportunity offered from Hillel International that invests in the ongoing connections and collaborations between Black and Jewish students. Students who attended the Summit or any Unity Dinner were eligible to receive up to $1,000 in microgrants to host a follow-up event of any kind — the only requirement being that it is organized by at least one Jewish and one HBCU student. 

As of February 2025, Unity Dinners have engaged hundreds of students throughout Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Houston, and New Orleans. We’re excited to continue the series later this year with students from across the country. Learn more about past Unity Dinners.

The post At the Super Bowl Black-Jewish Unity Summit, Connection is the Winner appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Sharing Symbols of Jewish Resilience Across California

Author

University of California Israel Leadership Network Cohort

Date

February 11, 2025

How do you introduce Jewish symbols of resilience to 300,000 University of California students spread across eight campuses? You gather a team of 30 Jewish student leaders who, through research, creativity, and social media savvy, bring these ancient Jewish symbols to life.

On January 29, Jewish students across the UC campuses, displayed Symbols of Jewish Resilience exhibits highlighting the meaning, history, and modern relevance of seven powerful Jewish symbols: the hanukkiah/menorah, the Star of David, the mezuzah, a dove and olive branch, chai, a shofar, and the yellow ribbon.

This collaboration of Jewish unity spanning the UC system was the first of its kind, made possible through Hillel International’s Israel Leadership Network (ILN)’s UC Cohort. This pilot cohort identified an outstanding student leader from each of the campuses to spearhead the initiative. 

“It was incredible to create such a powerful collaboration and to work together over the past several months to bring this project to life,” said Shir Diner, student at UC Irvine and the UC Trustee for ILN. “I am so proud of our teamwork, even when spread across California.”

The Symbols of Jewish Resilience program allowed Jewish student leaders to come  together to highlight their strength, proudly defining it based on their own stories. Shani Menna, University of California, San Diego student and chair of ILN, said, “Students approached us with curiosity instead of hostility for discussions about the Jewish people”.

In addition to physical exhibits on each campus, each group of students added to a digital Unity Wall, a collaborative space for the schools to come together.

Students at University of California, Davis and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) also chose to create unity walls on their campuses to further bring the project to life. 

The UCLA ILN representative Eli Sánchez said, “We saw a tremendous amount of connection from students who stopped by to draw what resilience means to them and learn about resilience in Judaism.” 

An incredible mural had a special double meaning at UCLA, where  students have shown resilience on a daily basis following the recent Los Angeles fires. To show their support for UCLA’s Jewish students,  each campus also displayed a resource that connected how the Jewish symbols highlighted relate to the ways these students are staying strong in the aftermath of the fires.  

The resource also included donation links to the Los Angeles Jewish community, the broader LA community, and the UCLA community. 

This collaboration across the University of California campuses brought together dozens of Jewish and Israeli student groups as they created a united network of students coming together with the goal of spreading Jewish pride across the state. “It was so powerful, having friends show up and celebrate our culture, then opening up my phone and seeing so many have the exact same experience across the UC campuses”, said Nadiv Meltzer, University of California, Santa Barbara’s ILN representative. 

“Jewish students continue to amaze me with their strength and resilience,” said Jon Falk, Hillel International’s vice president of Israel engagement and confronting antisemitism. “This display of unity, creativity, and Jewish connection from the Jewish students in the University of California system is an incredible example of those qualities in action.” 

To learn more about Symbols of Jewish Unity, visit the @uc_jewish_unity on Instagram.

The post Sharing Symbols of Jewish Resilience Across California appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Through Their Stories, We Remember Them: Holocaust Education Week at Hillel Guelph

Author

Hillel International

Date

January 24, 2025

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which takes place annually on January 27, serves as a global commemoration of the six million Jews and five million others who were killed during the Holocaust. The date January 27 has particular significance, as it marks when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated in 1945.

At Hillel Guelph this year, International Holocaust Remembrance Day won’t just be a day-long observance, but part of a weeklong Holocaust education effort featuring a slate of eight different programs.

The week will begin with “Stories from Our Families,” a screening of the USC Shoah Foundation testimonies telling the stories of two students’ families, followed by an open discussion for students to reflect on Holocaust remembrance in their lives, helping to establish “family stories” as the theme for this year’s Holocaust Education Week. Students will then have the opportunity to visit the Royal Ontario Museum’s new exhibit on the Holocaust, “Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away” – a trip open to both Jewish and non-Jewish students – allowing them to engage with Holocaust education more intimately. The week will conclude with testimony from Canadian survivor Sol Nayman, giving current students, who are the last generation that will be able to learn directly from survivors, the opportunity to hear and bear witness to their stories.

On the memorial day itself, Hillel Guelph will hold a public candle-lighting and ceremony, including poems, songs, and impactful speeches from Hillel student leaders. The Hillel will also host an exhibit in the style of Yad VaShem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial museum, educating the wider student body on how the Holocaust happened and its effects on modern Canadian Jews.

“Holocaust Education Week has always been a cornerstone of our programming,” said Chaya Mamer, Ezra Jewish Education Fellow at Hillel Guelph. “Something unique about the Canadian Jewish community is there are a lot of third-generation survivors. Storytelling helps get the history of the Holocaust across to an unrelated student by making it personal. It makes it feel real.” 

Hillel Guelph’s Holocaust Education Week was organized by a committee of 13 student leaders who developed the comprehensive slate of programs based on their family experiences and what they hope their classmates will take from participating. Six of the 13 students will share their families’ stories throughout the week. 

“I was drawn to lead Holocaust Education Week because the Holocaust is something that has been important to me since I found out that all my great-grandparents were victims,” said Leora Strigberger, student co-lead on the committee. “I have spent the past 10 years learning about it, both through historical sources and personal stories, and so I jumped at the opportunity to share my knowledge with others.”

Amy Feigelsohn, student co-president of Hillel Guelph’s student leadership board, said this programming feels particularly relevant today. 

“Holocaust education at Guelph is especially important [to me] given the rise of antisemitism around the world. It’s crucial that we educate our campus community about the atrocities of the Holocaust to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.” she said. . 

Most of Hillel Guelph’s Holocaust remembrance events this year will be open to the wider campus community, including the trip to the Royal Ontario Museum and the survivor testimonials. These events are intended to give all students the ability to connect and engage firsthand with the history of the Holocaust, using storytelling to keep this history alive and help students connect with it in a way that feels real.

“What we hope for anyone who comes across any of our events is that they walk away learning something new about the Holocaust,” said Mamer. “At the end of the day, knowledge is power, and is critical to creating a safer, more inclusive environment for Jewish students.”

The post Through Their Stories, We Remember Them: Holocaust Education Week at Hillel Guelph 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.

Hillel International Scholarships

Jewish History

Jewish Identity

Carrying a Family Name and Legacy – and Building a New Future

Author

Oscar Seltzer

Date

November 26, 2024

Editor’s note: An aspect of the Thanksgiving story that strongly resonates with many people in the Jewish community is the experience of immigrants trying to create a home in a new place. This Thanksgiving, we spoke to a student whose story shows the lasting impact of seeking a new home and a new future.

I never met my grandfather, but he’s always with me.

I mean that literally — I’m named for him, and I carry that name with me everywhere I go. But I also feel his legacy in everything I do, because his choices and his bravery made it possible for me to live the life I have today.

My great-grandparents, my grandfather Oscar’s parents, fled pogroms in Ukraine in the early 20th century. They came to the Americas, looking for a safe place to raise their Jewish family. At that time, because of quotas on Jewish immigrants, they were only able to enter Argentina, Cuba, or Mexico. They ended up in Mexico City, where my grandfather was born. 

As a teenager, my grandfather left Mexico to make a new life in the United States. When my dad tells the story, he always shares that my grandfather’s only belongings when he entered the country were the watch he got for his bar mitzvah, the clothes on his back, and one stick of salami. Once he arrived in the United States, he found a lawyer who was willing to trade his services for my grandfather’s one valuable possession: his bar mitzvah watch. So he gave it to the lawyer, and the lawyer helped him get his citizenship.

That watch became a symbol in our family, and ended up starting a tradition. My father received a watch for his bar mitzvah, and eventually, so did I. In fact, the one I received has my grandfather’s original watch band, which he was allowed to keep, and the watch face is the one he eventually replaced for himself almost 70 years ago. I wore it proudly at my bar mitzvah, along with my grandfather’s tzitzit, a ritual garment. That day is still one of my most powerful memories: I was reading the Torah, wearing my grandfather’s watch and tzitzit, and bearing his name. It was like he was there in the room with me, watching his legacy take shape. 

When I finished reading the Torah portion, I hugged my dad, and cried at that feeling of connection. That moment opened my eyes to the element of my Jewish identity that I treasure the most: no matter how tough any day gets, thanks to the sacrifices of my great-grandparents and my grandfather Oscar, I have a deep connection to a Jewish community that has my back, no matter what.

My grandfather died when my dad was in his early twenties, but I don’t think he could have imagined the life I live today. He never went to college, though my father did. Today, my sister attends Harvard University, and I’m studying mathematical data, science, and economics modified with computer science at Dartmouth College. 

Jewish student life at Dartmouth is amazing, with a large Hillel community and so much programming that’s available to Jewish students. One of my favorite things to do is to stop by the Hillel offices to talk to Rabbi Seth, the Hillel director — he’s a great resource, but also just asks such wonderful questions. I love the way he makes me think about Judaism and life.

 As a Hillel scholarship recipient, I feel a sense of gratitude to the organization — and knowing that Hillel is part of what makes my life at Dartmouth possible makes me feel like I really have the support of the Jewish community, like they came together to help me achieve my dreams.

When I think about my grandfather today, I sometimes wonder what he would think of his legacy. Not just what he built, through his own successful businesses, or what my dad built through his career, but what my sister and I are building through our education and our commitment to Jewish life. 

If I could talk to him today, I’d ask if he was proud of me. I think he would be. I’m certainly proud of him — and even prouder to carry his name, each and every day.

Oscar is a 2024 recipient of the Lilly E. Reiser Undergraduate Student Award, which awards eight incoming college students with up to $10,000 for every year for their undergraduate degree up to four years. Find out more about Hillel International scholarships today.

The post Carrying a Family Name and Legacy – and Building a New Future appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Clara Grusq finds Healing in Jewish Art

Author

Hillel International

Date

October 28, 2024

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Havurah on October 21, 2024.

Clara Grusq is a Jewish multidisciplinary artist, writer, and creative director based in New York. Born in Paris, France, and descended from Holocaust survivors and resistants of the Algerian War, Clara brings a deeply personal and historical perspective to her work. She made her Off-Broadway debut at the Actor’s Temple with the second run of her first play, The Oath.

In the realm of visual arts, Clara is the founder and creative director of Souk Studio, a turnkey solution to production and media. She has lent her keen eye to numerous fashion editorials, showcasing her distinctive vision. As the founder of Souk Studio, Clara continues to contribute to innovative projects across various creative disciplines such as advertising campaigns, editorials, and music videos.

In every aspect of her artwork and creative journey, Clara aims for her audiences to experience the perfect fusion between excitement and disturbance.

Recently, Clara closed her first Off-Broadway production, The Oath, at the Actors Temple, a play she both wrote and directed. The narrative explores the journey of two men returning to their hometown in Poland, 20 years after the Holocaust, now living in Israel. Clara’s work delves into the profound trauma and PTSD experienced by survivors while also engaging with the aftermath of the Holocaust.

Being a student has significantly shaped Clara’s Jewish identity, particularly because she often felt disconnected from a Jewish community during her time in school. Without a Jewish circle around her, she felt a desire to celebrate her identity but often felt unable to do so. However, since October 7th, Clara has made a conscious effort to build a sense of community for others who may have felt similarly isolated. She now lights Shabbat candles regularly and, whenever possible, hosts Shabbat dinners with her friends—regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. It’s important to her that the people she cares about experience the warmth, inclusivity, and beauty of their traditions. Clara believes that Jewish culture is rich and meaningful, and this newfound sense of belonging has been transformative.

Over the past year, the resurgence of antisemitism has paradoxically strengthened Clara’s sense of Jewish identity. The appalling ignorance she has witnessed has illuminated the limits of assimilation. Since October 7th, Jewish people have been reminded of their enduring status as ‘other,’ subjected to scrutiny and judgment under entirely different standards. This realization has compelled Clara to speak out more forcefully. Her artistic focus has now shifted toward examining and expressing the Jewish experience in all its complexity. Clara has made a conscious choice to never hide her identity again.

For Clara, visual art is a therapeutic practice. She often portrays herself in her paintings as a way to hold up a mirror to her reality, constantly placing herself in surreal settings. In works like Chaya, she used a family photograph of her grandfather and his brother as young boys in pre-war Poland, capturing a moment frozen in time. With Les Dames de la Casbah Clara enjoyed painting the delicious food that would be served at a Saturday Shabbat lunch, alongside beautiful grandmothers smoking cigarettes and peeling oranges. When she closes her eyes, she can vividly picture herself there. In a way, Clara feels she is trying to create worlds she’s never known and has been longing for—the lost worlds of her ancestors, filled with the hidden secrets of her identity.

The post Clara Grusq finds Healing in Jewish Art appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Letters from Alyssa: My Journey to Understanding Voting as a Mitzvah

Author

Alyssa Wallack

Date

October 28, 2024

During my sophomore year at the University of Southern California, I took a course focused on Jewish ethics and civic responsibility. While I grew up hearing about the importance of voting from my parents and grandparents, this was the first time I connected the dots between my Jewish identity and my role as a citizen.

Our group discussions often centered around the concept of tikkun olam—repairing the world. We talked about how every action we take, no matter how small, can contribute to making the world a better place. One evening, our instructor asked us, “How does voting fit into tikkun olam?”

Initially, I was stumped. Sure, voting was important, but was it really as instrumental in improving the world as direct community service or charitable giving? As we delved deeper into Jewish texts and their modern interpretations, I began to see voting in a new light.

We learned about the Talmudic principle of “dina d’malchuta, dina” – the law of the land is binding. In a democracy, we have the unique opportunity to participate in creating these laws. By voting, we’re not just following the law, but actively shaping it to reflect our values.

The Torah commands us: Justice, justice shall you pursue (Deuteronomy 16:20). Our instructor challenged us to think about how voting allows us to pursue justice on a larger scale than we could as individuals.

As the election season approached, coupled with my new understanding, I got involved with voter registration drive initiatives. I was surprised by how many of my fellow students weren’t registered to vote or didn’t think their vote mattered.

I found myself sharing what I’d learned in the course. “In Jewish tradition, every single action matters,” I explained to them, “The Talmud teaches that saving one life is like saving an entire world. Your one vote might seem small, but it has the power to make a real difference.”

The more I talked about voting as a Jewish value, the more I internalized it myself. I realized that by participating in elections, I am honoring the generations before me who didn’t have this right. 

As I cast my ballot this November, I will do so with a sense of pride and connection to my Jewish identity. Voting isn’t just about fulfilling a civic duty – it is about living out our Jewish values in a tangible way.

To my fellow Jewish students,: Your vote is more than just a choice on a ballot. It’s a way to pursue justice, to take responsibility for your community, and to work toward tikkun olam. It’s a mitzvah – a sacred obligation and opportunity.

So when Election Day comes, embrace this mitzvah. Head to the polls, cast your ballot, and know that you’re participating in a deeply Jewish act. Your voice matters – let it be heard!

Take good care,

Alyssa

Alyssa Wallack is a USC senior from Los Angeles. 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 senior at USC and a Hillel International Intern.

Learn more about MitzVote, Hillel International’s nonpartisan civic engagement initiative.

The post Letters from Alyssa: My Journey to Understanding Voting as a Mitzvah appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Letters from Alyssa: How to Talk to Your Professors About the High Holidays

Author

Alyssa Wallack

Date

September 13, 2024

Hi Friend,

I’m Alyssa, a senior at the University of Southern California, and I’ve been through the “How do I tell my professors I need time off for the High Holidays?” process a few times now. Trust me, I know how nerve-wracking it can be, especially if you’re new to campus. As the fall semester begins, Jewish students are faced with this familiar dilemma: how to balance academic responsibilities with the importance of observing the High Holidays. I still remember feeling like my stomach was doing somersaults the first time I had to approach my professors about requesting time off.

But after a few years of navigating the High Holidays on campus (and realizing professors are actually pretty understanding about it), I’ve got some tips to share. Whether you’re a freshman just starting out or a fellow upperclassman who still gets a little anxious about this, you’re not alone. Here’s some advice to help you handle this situation with confidence and authenticity. Let’s walk through this together.

Start Early, Plan Ahead

The key to minimizing anxiety in this process is early preparation. As soon as you receive your syllabus, check whichever dates of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot that you’ll be celebrating against your class schedule. Ideally, you should approach your professors within the first few weeks of classes. This gives them plenty of time to consider your request and make any necessary adjustments.

Remember, professors are used to students requesting time off for various reasons. By being proactive, you’re demonstrating responsibility and respect for their time and learning environment.

Be Clear and Confident

When you speak with your professors, be clear about your needs. Explain that you’ll be observing the Jewish High Holidays, and will need to miss class on specific dates. It’s okay to be straightforward – you’re not asking for special treatment, but for the opportunity to practice your faith.

Here’s a sample script you might use:

“Professor [Name], I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to let you know that I will not be in class on [dates], as I will be observing the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur/Sukkot. I was hoping we could discuss how I can make up any work or assignments I might miss during this time. Thank you so much for understanding, and I look forward to seeing you in class!”

Your heritage and beliefs are meaningful parts of who you are. Embracing them on campus allows you to live authentically and be true to yourself, which adds so much to your community.

Offer Solutions

Come prepared with ideas on how you’ll catch up on missed work. Will you get notes from a classmate? Can you complete assignments ahead of time? By showing that you’ve thought this through, you’re demonstrating your commitment to both your faith and your studies.

Know Your Rights and Seek Support

Many universities have policies protecting students’ rights to observe religious holidays. Familiarize yourself with your school’s policy, and know your rights to safety, security, and full and equal participation at school more generally. This knowledge can give you confidence in your conversations with professors. 

If you’re feeling unsure or anxious about these conversations, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to your campus Hillel or the office of religious life for support. They can offer advice, resources, and sometimes even advocate on your behalf. Find your Hillel here. 

Embrace the Opportunity

While it might feel challenging, this situation is actually an opportunity. By having these conversations, you’re not just securing time off for an important purpose – you’re educating others about Jewish traditions and practicing skills like self-advocacy and time management.

Remember, observing the High Holidays doesn’t make you less of a student. In fact, the reflection and renewal central to this time can enhance your academic experience, providing perspective and renewed focus for the semester ahead.

As you prepare for these conversations, take a deep breath and remember: you’ve got this. Your Jewish identity is a source of strength, not a hindrance. By advocating for your needs, you’re honoring your heritage and setting yourself up for a meaningful High Holiday observance and a successful semester.

Wishing you a fulfilling spiritual season and a great start to your academic year. Shanah tovah!

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.

Letters from Alyssa is a series of reflections and advice from Alyssa Wallack, a Hillel International Intern. Read Alyssa’s thoughts on how she’s navigating Yom Kippur this year.

The post Letters from Alyssa: How to Talk to Your Professors About the High Holidays appeared first on Hillel International.

News

Mimi Huszti Finds her Heritage in Surrealism

Author

Hillel International

Date

August 29, 2024

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Havurah on August 29, 2024.

Mimi Huszti is a 20-year old Jewish-Canadian interdisciplinary artist born in the prairies, now studying film production at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Vancouver. Mimi is primarily a filmmaker and visual artist, but has recently discovered ways to merge many art forms in unique ways, such as creating multi-media collage animation projects and live scrim-screen performances.

Mimi likes to create art that incorporates surreal and dreamlike elements to twist and challenge reality, using mixed media to convey an array of themes including introspection, anxiety, personal change, femininity, absurdity, and many more. Blending use of raw materials with modern, digital techniques aids in uniquely expressing these themes to their very fullest. Mimi has been discovering and furthering her Jewish identity since joining Hillel at her university, and has in turn been transforming her art to reflect to a greater extent the Jewish ideology of peace, reparation, and unity.

As a college student, Mimi has found the opportunity to reconnect with her Jewish heritage, a facet of her identity that had receded during her high school years. Amidst a predominantly non-Jewish social circle, her Jewish identity had remained largely dormant, with few avenues for expression. However, upon relocating to Vancouver and discovering Hillel, Mimi encountered a vibrant community where she could engage with peers who share both the challenges and joys of Jewish life. Although not strictly religious, she found a meaningful space to explore her identity and connect with others who understand the nuanced experience of being Jewish.

Being a creative individual has provided Mimi with both a medium and a platform to articulate her insights and express her Jewish identity through artistic endeavors. Her art serves as an extension of herself, intertwining her creative vision with her cultural heritage. Through her exploration of Jewish symbols and narratives, Mimi has deepened her understanding of Judaism, utilizing her art to convey these rich traditions. She mentions, “I am learning through a symbiotic process, and have never been more motivated to dig deeper”.

In response to the current antisemitism on campuses, Mimi sought to deepen her connection to her Jewish identity. She engaged with Hillel, began attending services, and immersed herself in Israeli podcasts and Jewish music. This period of reflection revealed her previous lack of knowledge about her own culture and ignited a desire to effect meaningful change, which she has begun to incorporate into her art. Despite the adversity, Mimi remains grateful for the support of her non-Jewish friends and family, who have stood by her amidst considerable pressure.

Mimi’s artistic practice is characterized by its surreal, witty, and perspective-warping qualities. Her work spans a range of styles, from vivid color compositions to precise, monochromatic drawings, and from hyper-realistic portrayals to playful caricatures. She embraces the multi-dimensionality of her creativity, refusing to confine herself to a singular style or theme. This eclectic approach extends to her Jewish art, which she creates not out of obligation but as a natural expression of her identity. The incorporation of Jewish themes into her work varies in prominence, reflecting her evolving understanding and connection to her heritage.

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