Alumni

Diversity and Inclusion

Hillel Stories

Jewish Identity

Wearing All of My Identities on My Sleeve: Celebrating Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month

Author

Ling DeBellis

Date

February 3, 2026

This month is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. In celebration of the diversity of Jewish identities and Jewish people who have disabilities, Ling DeBellis, a graduate student at Rice University, shared her story of proudly living all of her identities as she moves through life. 

I was born in southern China, near the Vietnam border. At only a few weeks old, I was found abandoned and severely malnourished. Doctors believe I may have contracted a polio-like neuromuscular virus. To this day, I don’t have an official diagnosis. I navigate the world using various mobility aids, including an electric powerchair, but despite these mobility limitations, nothing stops me from living my full life. 

Eventually, I was adopted by amazing parents in Minneapolis, where I loved being an only child. We’re very close, and my family’s wide range of identities has always been a part of my life. You could say we are technically an interfaith family, but it never felt that distinct growing up. 

My mom describes herself as “loosely, culturally Jew-ish,” and my dad comes from a Catholic background. Faith was always present in our home, but it wasn’t rigid or singular. It wasn’t about reading scripture or attending services, none of that. Rather, it was about being there for one another, being present and conversing over shared meals, and giving back to the communities around us. Faith was something you could question, return to, or step toward slowly.

Some of my earliest memories reflect that openness. I remember visiting a Reform synagogue as a very small child and feeling unexpectedly drawn to the service. I couldn’t have explained why at the time. I just remember it feeling meaningful, like something was quietly waiting for me there.

As I got older, my sense of curiosity about the world and my own story deepened. In high school, I wanted to learn more about my genetic background. Part of that came from living with a disability without a clear diagnosis. Part of it was simply wanting to understand where I came from. I didn’t find any biological relatives, but my mom’s own genetic testing revealed that her ancestors in Eastern Europe had been targeted by pogroms and forced to convert. That discovery opened something new for both of us. We began exploring our Jewish story together, historically, culturally, and personally, and it felt less like uncovering something foreign and more like recognizing something that had been there all along.

That’s how I found my way to Hillel at Rice University.

Hillel became a place where I could sit with a very Jewish question: What does it mean to be Jewish? There was no pressure to arrive at a clean answer or to commit to a single definition. I could explore, experiment, and pay attention to what resonated. That freedom mattered. It allowed me to show up as I was, without needing to justify my questions or my complexity.

Today, I’m pursuing a PhD in health psychology at Rice, studying how stress affects the body, from mental health to immune functioning. In a post-pandemic world, that work feels especially relevant. Much of my research focuses on spousal caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s/dementia, examining how the chronic stress of caregiving affects long-term health outcomes.

For my dissertation, I’m especially interested in an emerging field called sociogenomics, or social genomics. At its core, it explores how social and environmental stressors can influence gene activity. Your DNA sequence doesn’t change, but which genes are turned on or off can shift based on your experiences. One of the central questions in this research is why two people can experience the same stressor and respond so differently.

Again and again, research points to one powerful resilience factor: community. Social support. A sense of belonging. Studies of religiosity and faith communities consistently show that when people feel seen, supported, and connected to something larger than themselves, their health outcomes improve. Purpose matters. Meaning matters.

For me, Hillel is part of that story. It’s where I found community and where I met some of my closest friends. It’s a place where I don’t have to compartmentalize who I am, where my academic interests, my disability, my Jewish identity, and my relationships all get to exist together.

I tend to be pretty open about my identities and wear them on my sleeve. All of them. Not because it’s easy, but because I believe that showing up honestly creates space for others to do the same.

So I show up as myself. Fully. And if that doesn’t work for everyone, that’s okay. I’ve learned that the right communities don’t ask me to be smaller. They make room for me to be exactly who I am.

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News

For the Springboard Alumni Committee Co-Chairs, It’s All ÌÇĐÄvlog Giving Back

Author

ÌÇĐÄvlogl

Date

November 26, 2025

ÌÇĐÄvlogl is known for championing Jewish life on campus, but did you know that Hillel also invests deeply in young Jewish professionals?

Nowhere is that clearer than in the Springboard Fellowship — a two-year program for recent graduates seeking a purposeful career in the Jewish world. Blending personal growth with professional development, Springboard Fellows serve as Hillel professionals on campuses across the continent, engaging students and building vibrant Jewish communities. 

“Springboard doesn’t just prepare you to be a Jewish professional, it opens doors into the greater Hillel professional world— and into the larger Jewish nonprofit ecosystem as a whole,” said Kal Marcus, one of the co-chairs of the Springboard Alumni Committee.

For Kal and his co-chair, Khiya Connolly-Sisk, the Fellowship didn’t just shape their early careers — it charted their professional paths. Kal, who served as a Springboard Fellow at Florida State University from 2019–2021, now works as the associate director of talent development at the Jewish Federations of North America. Khiya began her Springboard journey at Ithaca College in 2022, and now serves as the Midwest engagement coordinator for the Jewish Graduate Organization.

Immediately after completing their Springboard fellowships, both actually stayed for a third year at their respective Hillels as directors of student life — Kal while completing his master’s in Jewish nonprofit management, and Khiya to support her Hillel through a full staff transition.

“Springboard was honestly one of the best jobs I’ve ever had,” Khiya said. “I wanted to explore the intersection of nonprofit work and higher education, and Springboard was the perfect blend of the two.”

Getting involved with the Alumni Committee felt like a natural next step. Kal joined as soon as the committee launched in winter 2023, two years after completing his Fellowship, and Khiya jumped in immediately after finishing hers in spring 2024.

“I’m a huge supporter of the [Hillel] mission and values,” Khiya said. “But more than that, Springboard gave me so much — I wanted to give back.”

Kal echoed that sentiment. Both he and Khiya noted that serving on a small Hillel staff pushed them to take on big responsibilities early, giving them skills they wouldn’t have developed in other entry-level roles.

“I was managing our program budget just a few weeks into my Fellowship,” Kal said. “I didn’t know how to do that yet, and most people don’t get that kind of experience so early in their careers.”

“We were a staff of two when I started at Ithaca, so I learned to do a little bit of everything,” Khiya added. “From programming to fundraising, I had my hands in all of it. Springboard gave me the perspective of, ‘If I can do that, I can do anything,’ which is awesome.”

As co-chairs of the Springboard Alumni Committee, Kal and Khiya are focused not only on supporting future cohorts, but also on strengthening an alumni network that now includes nearly 300 professionals — two-thirds of whom still work in the Jewish community. And the benefits go far beyond career advancement.

“Every single major city has at least one former Springboard Fellow at this point,” Khiya said. “So everywhere you go, you have access to this network. People will post in our WhatsApp group chat, ‘We need another resident for a Moishe house, do you guys know anyone?’ or ‘I’m stranded in Florida this weekend and I need somewhere to go for Shabbat.’ And someone can almost always jump in to help.”

“Having access to multiple pillars of connection and engagement in the alumni network is transformative,” Kal said. “Not just now, but in the future.”

Learn more about the Springboard Fellowship and see if it’s the right fit for you.

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News

Hillel Connections: An Alumni Reunion at 3,000 Feet!

Author

ÌÇĐÄvlogl

Date

August 15, 2025

Unexpected Hillel meetups happen in all sorts of interesting places — but a recent connection between two Hillel alumni, Leah Murphy and Joe Meyer, might be the first time a reunion has happened 3,000 feet up in the air.

Leah, an air ambulance pilot, and Joe, a NICU transport nurse, had been on one another’s radar ever since Leah moved to Ohio and connected with the local Jewish community. But the last thing either of them expected was to have their first official meeting in Leah’s ambulance, while Joe transported one of his tiny patients to their next hospital destination.

“We’d texted back and forth a few times, and passed each other in the ER once or twice, but never actually met,” Leah told ÌÇĐÄvlogl. “But the other night we got a call and landed on the roof of the hospital — and there was Joe!”

“I was grinning ear-to-ear the whole time,” Joe said. “It was great to fly with her.”

Both Leah and Joe were deeply involved in Hillel during college, but their journeys took different directions. Leah grew up in Massachusetts in a vibrant Jewish community, where almost all of her friends were Jewish and many of her activities had a Jewish component. She didn’t realize how strong her connection to her Jewish identity was until she arrived at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest university specializing in aviation and aerospace, and realized that she didn’t have a community to join.

“There was a Hillel, but it was pretty inactive,” she said. “I ran for president and it was a really easy election — there was no one else running!”

Realizing that ÌÇĐÄvlogl could offer more resources than she had access to on her campus, Leah joined the ÌÇĐÄvlogl Student Cabinet during her second year. “I was able to learn about all the resources ÌÇĐÄvlogl had, hear from the bigger Hillels that have staff and big events, and I was able to bring those lessons back to my Hillel.”

After graduating, Leah worked as a flight instructor in Florida and a pilot for news stations and flying tours in New York and New Jersey before finally landing her dream job in Ohio: piloting an air ambulance.

“My Jewish upbringing really centered on how important it is that we help other people,” Leah said. “If someone is flying in my helicopter, chances are they’re having one of the worst days of their life, and I love that I can be part of something that helps them.”

As a NICU nurse, Joe’s work is also centered on helping others, even though he started in a very different place. Growing up in a small town in Ohio, Joe and his sister were usually the only Jewish kids in their classes, and the synagogue where they attended Sunday school was a 45-minute drive away. His first experience with making Jewish friends his own age came the summer before eighth grade, when he began attending , a Habonim Dror camp in Michigan. 

When Joe started college at the University of Toledo, however, his Jewish life took a back seat to his classes — until his junior year, when he decided to switch his major from business to nursing, and found himself in an organic chemistry class, sitting right next to the Hillel president.

“She couldn’t believe I’d never gone to an event,” Joe said, admitting that he had been nervous to go to Hillel because he didn’t know anyone there. “She insisted that I come to the next Shabbat, and I ended up staying involved for the rest of my time there.”

When he graduated, Joe stayed close to Hillel with network, which coordinates Shabbat dinners, community events, and other connection opportunities for Jews in their 20s and 30s in the Toledo area. At the same time, he went to nursing school and ultimately began working as a NICU nurse, later transitioning to the role of NICU transport nurse.

“When I first moved to Toledo and was introduced to everyone through Hillel, everyone kept telling me, ‘Oh, you have to meet Joe!’” Leah joked. “But we never actually managed to meet.”

That changed this summer, when Leah piloted the air ambulance picking up Joe and his transfer patient. Even though the two had never officially met other than exchanging a few text messages, they were excited to see one another and felt immediately connected. 

“It actually felt really comforting to be with a member of my community, someone I knew immediately would be a safe person in such a high-stress situation,” Leah said. “Our shared Hillel connection was an uplifting and grounding part of that moment.” 

Joe agreed. “Leah was totally in command, and knowing that we already had community in common made those few hours in the air really comfortable,” he said. “It wasn’t how I expected we’d meet, but I’m glad that we did.”

Have an unexpected Hillel connection story of your own to share? We’d love to hear it! Reach out to the ÌÇĐÄvlogl team at communications@hillel.org.

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News

Build the Career and the Life You Want: Q&A With Career Coach Marcy Hess

Author

ÌÇĐÄvlogl

Date

July 18, 2025

Every year, a new class of Jewish alumni enters the workforce and begins their professional lives. As members of the class of 2025 launch their careers, we spoke with Marcy (Newman) Hess, senior director of strategic partnerships at Loyola Marymount University (LMU)’s career and professional development office and a private career and leadership coach, about her own professional journey and the advice she has for those just starting out. 

ÌÇĐÄvlogl: How long have you been at LMU, and how did you decide that coaching  was your path?

Marcy (Newman) Hess: “I will have been at LMU for 10 years this September. I fell into career coaching: It wasn’t something I knew I wanted to do – I just knew I wanted to be on a college campus and work within a university setting in some capacity supporting students. I have my master’s in education from the University of Southern California, and originally, I was going to school in hopes of supporting Greek life organizations and orientation programs, which really had an impact on my personal and leadership development throughout college.

My first year out of grad school, I was working in a student activities office at a small liberal arts women’s college, and while I loved the work and supporting women, my boss at the time wasn’t a great fit. A colleague who worked in the career center told me that there was a position open, and so I interviewed for it and ended up getting the job. At first, I felt a bit like, ‘Who am I to be giving career advice at 25 or 26?’ but I found that I’m really good at it, not just in things like resume and cover letter feedback, but also in being an advocate for others, an empathetic listener, and an enthusiastic advice-giver for these students, which are all things that come naturally to me.

I always tell people that I didn’t plan for this – it just happened. I had a conversation with a colleague and stayed open to what could be a possibility for me professionally and took a chance by exploring another area of university life/student affairs I hadn’t considered. And I have found that I really enjoy the elements of the field (coaching) as they align strongly with my personality, values and interests.”

Hillel: What advice would you give to students on determining an initial career path post-graduation?

Marcy: “For students who are unsure of what they want to do, I’m a big fan of just talking to people. Make a list of the companies you want to work for and look for connections, whether that’s through family, mentors, former bosses or professors, or an alumni network through your school or one like the . Once you find those people, line up a time to go grab coffee with them virtually or in person, and just inquire about ‘What’s it really like to work at Netflix? What’s it really like to be a part of Kaiser? What are the skills needed to be successful in your field or industry?’

The relationship piece is key to me, especially when I think about my life. In my career in particular, so much of it has been through relationships where I’ve been referred, recommended, or introduced. And actually, more than 80% of jobs come through networking. You really can just reach out to someone with a message like, ‘Hey, (name of alumna). I also went to NYU and just graduated. I’m really impressed with your background. I’d love some advice on what it looks like to work in public relations or whatever it is that someone is hoping to learn more about.’ By talking to others you’ll discern what may or may not be a good fit for you, company culture or industry-wise. You’ll gain clarity and narrow down your options of what you may want to explore pursuing or applying for.

As far as building a network, remember that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel: Go where there are already established networks and tap into existing communities. What were you involved in as an undergrad, and where might you tap back into that network? Were you in a sorority? Hillel? Student government? Find your people and utilize that shared experience and connection. People want to help one another, whether you graduated with them or they’re 10 years older. And on the topic of helping others, I’m a big proponent of volunteering, especially during a time like this in our world. See what your alumni association has to offer, look through your networks (like LinkedIn) – find where you can be of service and what you can do to help others. Your community is where you can find opportunities. 

I’m also a big fan of life design. There’s this great book that I recommend often to clients and alumni called ‘,’ and I encourage people to reflect because I think there’s such a self-imposed and societal pressure to have it all ‘figured out.’ But the thing is, it’s a lifelong process: I’m in my forties, and I’m still ‘figuring it out.’ So I love the concept of not just ‘What career do you want to have?’ but ‘What kind of life do you want to build?’ It’s important to do some reflection, journaling, and not just get a job to get something or be at a high-profile company. If I could tell recent grads anything, it’s to not get too fixated on your degree and instead focus on the skillset you can bring to an organization and what brings you purpose and joy.”

Hillel: What would you tell a recent grad who is feeling anxious about their future?

Marcy: “Slow it down. Focus on what you enjoy doing – not just what you got a degree in, but the skills that you want to bring and the impact you want to make. Your degree is important, but it’s not everything and it’s not so linear in the real world. And explore your options beyond finding a job; maybe volunteer with the Peace Corps, maybe do a fellowship or a Fulbright. You’re going to work for a long time, so have some adventure and fun where you can. I know that people have bills and loans to pay, but take some time to get creatively curious. We’re always in such a rush to get to the next step, but why are we putting this pressure on ourselves? Why can’t we say, ‘For the month of July, I’m taking off to travel, and then in August, I’ll hire a career coach or set up some informational calls.’”

Hillel: What are the top three tips you would give to recent grads who are now searching for jobs?

Marcy: “First, celebrate your accomplishments. Post on LinkedIn or the Jewish Career Network and say something like, ‘I just graduated from LMU with a degree in business administration, I’m looking to apply to these positions, and I’d love to connect with people in my community.’ Share your accomplishments with your network – or what will become your network – and let them celebrate you.

Second, get involved with your alumni association and find ways to connect with your community. Find your people, get a mentor, tap into those existing communities, and start building those relationships. And who knows? You may even land a job through connecting.

Third, reflect on what you enjoy. Do some energy mapping over a week’s time to reflect on your activities and tasks, and look at where your energy was high and where it was low during these activities. Assess where you feel energized and what activities deplete your energy. Look for themes, roles in your life where you feel in a flow, things come naturally and you feel good about yourself afterward. 

Is it that you’re the unofficial advice-giver to your friends and family? Or the go-to person at dinners to figure out the bill and speak up if there’s a discrepancy? Reflecting on daily, weekly, or monthly activities will give you insight into what you want to do, and your community may also be able to reflect to you what they see are your greatest gifts. From there, you can schedule some informational conversations or coffee chats with people where you’re just curious about what they do and how they got there. 

I think it’s important that we normalize asking people about their paths and, for those being asked the question, normalize demystifying the process for job seekers. No one really teaches you how to navigate post-grad life or ‘how to adult,’ and so I’m a big advocate of not doing it alone and instead leaning on your networks for support.

To be clear, this process isn’t formulaic or linear. It’s not ‘follow these three steps and you’ll find your dream job.’ It’s clunky and messy and scary and exciting. But if you tap into your networks, it can be a little bit easier and more enjoyable, I have found.”

Looking for a way to get started with building your career journey? Check out the and connect with peers, mentors, and professionals across hundreds of fields, as well as read featuring Marcy and others.

Marcy has also very generously offered to provide interested students who are involved with Hillel with one 30-minute complimentary coaching session. Contact her at Marcy@marcynewmancoaching.com.

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Alumni

Hillel Leadership

Paying it Forward: How Ellen B. Fuhr is Empowering Jewish Women at Hunter College

Author

ÌÇĐÄvlogl

Date

June 17, 2025

When Ellen Fuhr attended Hunter College as a first-generation college student in the 1960s, the institution was still over a decade away from charging tuition. 

“It was a city college, and it was free,” Fuhr recalled. “And if it wasn’t free, I wouldn’t be going to college. There was no way my parents could afford any tuition.”

Today, tuition at Hunter costs thousands of dollars and doesn’t include other expenses like books, housing, or meal plans. And while Hunter is still one of the most affordable public universities in the country, Ellen knows that “most affordable” doesn’t necessarily mean “easy to afford.” 

“Even students who receive scholarships are often still working through college,” she said. “I remember one young woman who received my scholarship held a job all through her undergraduate degree and all through medical school. Her father passed away while she was in college and she only had her mother, and she worked so, so hard. And if anyone deserved help, it was her.”

Ellen knows this struggle personally. As a daughter of an immigrant family, Ellen was raised with strong Jewish faith, determination, and resilience. As an undergraduate, Ellen worked tirelessly — juggling her studies, multiple jobs, and the challenges of making ends meet in New York City. Her perseverance paid off, leading to a long, fulfilling career as a teacher at Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn.

Ellen never forgot the challenges she faced in college. That’s why, in 2019, she decided it was time to give back. “I wanted to ease the way for other young Jewish women like me,” she said. Her generosity has made a profound impact on Hunter Hillel and its students, helping to address food insecurity, fund scholarships, and support a welcoming community. 

“Ellen filled an enormous need,” says Merav Fine Braun, executive director of Hunter Hillel. “She provided a lifeline to so many deserving students.” 

With the guidance of her financial advisor, Marc Coopersmith of RBC Wealth Management, Ellen used strategic gifts like qualified charitable distributions from her individual retirement account (IRA) and a donor-advised fund to maximize her impact. Most recently, Ellen partnered with ÌÇĐÄvlogl to establish a named scholarship ensuring that her legacy of generosity will continue to uplift and empower the next generation.

The Ellen B. Fuhr Scholarship for Jewish Women at Hunter College offers $5,000 per year to Jewish women at Hunter with a proven record of leadership, entrepreneurship, or volunteerism within their campus or local community. In addition to empowering Jewish women to reach their full potential and to support and uplift future leaders, Ellen’s hope is that the scholarship will allow these women to pursue their education with less financial strain and insecurity.

To ensure this scholarship lives on beyond Ellen’s lifetime,  Ellen decided to make her commitment to Hillel part of her estate plan. “I wanted to make sure it was an ongoing project, because I don’t see the need ending,” she said. Ellen named Hillel as a beneficiary of her estate. For Ellen, leaving a legacy is more than passing on valuables; it’s about passing on shared values.  

The students who receive this scholarship often remain in touch with Ellen through deeply personal email and video updates. “They’ve been telling me what they’ve been doing since they graduated, and it’s amazing what they’re achieving,” she said. “It makes me proud to think that they’re giving back when they can.”

Interested in learning more about Hillel’s supporters? Read their stories and learn more about why they choose to support Hillel.

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Alumni

Hillel Stories

Jewish Identity

How Shabbat is Helping Me Navigate Post-Graduate Life

Author

Hannah Smuckler

Date

June 10, 2025

Hannah Smuckler recently graduated from the University of Kansas. After working as a ÌÇĐÄvlogl intern for the last year, Hannah will be starting work this summer as the new Springboard Fellow at Syracuse Hillel.

As I’m writing this, my graduation cap and gown are already carefully tucked away in the closet of my childhood room. I can’t believe how fast my time in college flew by. And while I am excited for the future, one thing I’ll miss is the way Hillel has helped me center Shabbat in my life. No matter what my week looked like, I knew I’d have “Shabbat at Hillel” on my calendar at the same time every Friday. And even if something else came up and I couldn’t make it to Shabbat one week, it still brought me a sense of comfort to know that those rhythms and connections were still happening in my community.

Growing up, my family only celebrated Shabbat on special occasions. I always loved lighting the candles and having a meal with my family, but I didn’t think about celebrating every week until college. Now the Shabbat rest and opportunity for reflection is such an important part of my week, and it’s changed the way I think about making time for myself and my friends. 

What I have loved most about KU Hillel Shabbat is that there’s something for everyone. Aside from having multiple Shabbat celebration opportunities each week, including Friday night services, dinner, Saturday brunch, and Havdalah, we often incorporated different themes. Some of the themes this past year included game day, Israel, tacos, and even a murder mystery themed Shabbat! This gave each of us the opportunity to find the perfect Shabbat experience for our interests. I’ve also loved getting to sample different cuisines that have to do with each of these Shabbat themes. One week, a friend and I led a Spain-themed Shabbat and brought our favorite Spanish foods to KU Hillel!

As a college graduate, without the stability and support of Hillel, I’ll have to figure out what I want my Shabbat experience to look like. But I know that these experiences and lessons I’ve taken from my time with Hillel will guide me as I learn to take Shabbat with me into the rest of my life. 

Here are three ways I’m using Shabbat to help me during this transition:

1. I’m putting my phone down and working on being more present and intentional with my friends. Then I’m taking the relaxation and reflection from each Friday night and carrying it with me into the week.
2. I’m taking a few minutes each Shabbat to go through pictures from the last four years and turning my favorites into a collage of memories that will travel with me where I go next. 
3. I’m making an effort to find time on Shabbat to see friends who I haven’t seen recently as I recognize that Shabbat will always be a time to make new friends and spend time with old friends. 

No matter where you are in your journey, you can think about how to make Shabbat your own. Maybe you’re reading this as an incoming freshman (hello, class of 2029!) trying to figure out what Shabbat at college means to you. My advice is: try every option you can to find out what makes Shabbat the most meaningful to you. This could be spending time with your Hillel friends as they celebrate Shabbat, using Shabbat to reflect on the week, or hosting your own Shabbat dinner for your campus community.

For my fellow graduating seniors, let’s use this pause each week to help us find some stability in the biggest transition of our lives so far. Whether you’re continuing with school, getting a job, or moving back home, Shabbat can be a consistent chance to look inward regularly and refresh for the coming week.

While it’s hard to say goodbye to the moments and community that shaped my time and my growth over the last four years, I’m so excited to take the lessons in reflection and rest that Shabbat at Hillel taught me into this next part of my journey. 

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Alumni

Hillel Leadership

Supporting Jewish Students Through Community Building at Hillel at Hunter

Author

ÌÇĐÄvlogl

Date

March 6, 2025

Cindy Golub’s investment in Hillel began with the Hillel at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Hillel), where she and, subsequently, her three children studied. “I’ve supported Hillel for a long time. My feeling has always been [that] if my family benefits from anything, I should pay them back ten times.”

As Cindy’s life and philanthropy expanded beyond Penn Hillel, she found her way to Hillel at Hunter College — an organization with deep family roots for her. Cindy’s mother was a graduate of Hunter College Class of 1948. A first-generation college student, her mother grew up during the Great Depression and needed to work seven days a week to not only afford her education but also support her father, Cindy’s grandfather. 

It was because of her mother’s experiences in college that inspired Cindy to support Hillel at Hunter through a named endowment, renaming it the Rita Levine Rabin Hillel at Hunter College. “I saw the similarity between the current Jewish students at Hunter and my mother,” Cindy shared. “Also first-generation. Needing to work to support themselves and their families. I wish my mother, when she was there, had these advantages. She didn’t, unfortunately, but we can offer it to these generations.”

Hillel at Hunter, which supports students at several New York City-based schools including Hunter College, Marymount Manhattan College, and the Silberman School of Social Work, offers students services like career counseling, food assistance, and mental health support, that help them focus on their education. “What I learned was that Hillel at Hunter also functions as a total social service agency. They really make a difference and help these students,” said Cindy.

Hillel at Hunter also serves as a critical space for Jewish students to express and explore their connection to their Jewish identities, through programming and Jewish education. Cindy understands the importance of having a space dedicated to Jewish students, especially during the challenges faced by Jewish students since October 7th. Reflecting on her mother’s need for that space, Cindy said, “You know how next to your yearbook [photo], it has your clubs next to it? The only club – [and] my mother didn’t have time for clubs, of course, because she was working and going to school – listed next to her name was Hillel. [Seeing that], it really made me feel like I’m paying it back.” 

After recently attending a Not Shabbat Shabbat dinner at Hillel at Hunter, a Shabbat-style dinner that Hillel at Hunter holds for commuter students who very often aren’t on campus on Fridays, Cindy was inspired by the sense of community that this diverse group of students displayed. “It’s just wonderful to sit there and talk to the students. [I enjoy listening to them discuss] their hopes and dreams, what they’re trying to do and why they’re there and what they’re getting out of it,” she said. “It’s lovely because it’s really a sense of community. It really felt like a Shabbat dinner, even though it was during the week.”

It’s Hillel at Hunter’s community building, alongside the full spectrum of support they offer Jewish students, that inspires Cindy’s ongoing support. In a full-circle moment, she shared that, “Rabbi Mike Uram, who was head of Penn Hillel for a long time, said that when you go to college, you define what your Jewish identity is. Until that point, it’s your family that defines it, but when you go to college, you get to decide what Judaism means to you, how you want to interact with it, and how you want to be part of the Jewish community.”

Read more about Hillel supporters like Cindy and the impact they have on generations of Jewish college students. 

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News

This Tu B’Av, We’re Celebrating a Hillel Love Story

Author

ÌÇĐÄvlogl

Date

August 19, 2024

— a holiday that’s both ancient and modern, with its roots as an auspicious day for matchmaking and weddings. Today, we’re celebrating a ÌÇĐÄvlogl matchmaking success!

Leetal is the Manager of Integrated Marketing at ÌÇĐÄvlogl, and Michael is the Director of Strategic Projects. Both Israeli-Americans for whom Jewish life was an integral part of their college experiences, they’ve found meaning in helping to enrich the lives of Jewish students through their careers at ÌÇĐÄvlogl — but both of them were still looking for love.

Enter ChloĂ©, ÌÇĐÄvlogl’s former Social Media Manager. She knew Michael and Leetal were both looking for a special someone with similar values, from an open home for Shabbat dinners to throwing Chanukah parties and enjoying travel. Playing matchmaker, ChloĂ© connected the two for a long-distance first date, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I made a list of everything that was important to me in finding my person,” Leetal said. “And he checked off every box — and more.”

With Leetal in Maryland and Michael in California, their relationship started off long-distance. But after a few months of cross-country flights and many FaceTime dates, they took the leap and moved in together in San Diego. They recently relocated to Bethesda, Maryland, with their one-year-old corgi, Shoco. “She’s definitely the star of the house,” joked Michael.

In Judaism, there’s a teaching that love is the work of two souls coming together to complete one another. For Michael and Leetal, this couldn’t be more true. 

“We push each other to grow outside of our comfort zone, and confront challenges head on,” Leetal said “I’ve always been so in awe of Michael’s passion for Israel and his commitment to his Israeli-Jewish identity. One of my favorite things is cooking Shabbat dinners together, and doing Kiddush on Friday nights. I’m grateful for his commitment to building a Jewish home together.”

“What I love most about Leetal is her outlook on life,” Michael said. “She has this incredible ability to find joy in the simplest, most wholesome moments — whether it’s enjoying her morning iced latte or planning our next adventure around the globe. Her joy and happiness is contagious.”

Michael recently proposed to Leetal in Cinque Terre, Italy, at a beautiful outlook overlooking the town of Vernazza at sunset. They’re looking forward to building their lives together on the east coast, and while they’re still working out the logistics of their wedding day, they’re thrilled at the thought of celebrating with their family and friends — and of course, their Hillel community.

“This Tu B’Av, we’re feeling especially grateful for the love we’ve found in each other,” Leetal said. “We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next — with Hillel and our Jewish identity at the heart of it all.”

Congratulations on your engagement, Michael and Leetal. We’ll keep an eye out for our invitation to the wedding!

Did Hillel play a role in your love story? We’d love to hear about it! Send us an email at info@hillel.org.

The post This Tu B’Av, We’re Celebrating a Hillel Love Story appeared first on ÌÇĐÄvlogl.

News

Working Towards the Future with Springboard

Author

ÌÇĐÄvlogl

Date

February 6, 2024

One of the most powerful ways that the Springboard Fellowship makes an impact is by preparing participants for a lifetime of career success and connection to the Jewish community.

For Jacob Brickman, involvement in Hillel as an undergraduate led him to Springboard, which has laid the groundwork for him to flourish in his current role as the Jewish Education Coordinator at Hillel Western in London, Ontario. As a Western University alum, Jacob has been connected to the Hillel community there since he was a student. In 2021,as he finished his fifth year, Jacob wasn’t ready for graduate school quite yet, but was sure he wanted to do something meaningful. 

The Springboard Fellowship turned out to be the perfect next step. Jacob dove right into his new community at Hillel Waterloo & Laurier, where he served more than 1,500 students. Working solo on the ground in Waterloo led Jacob to take on new responsibilities and helped him realize that he was interested in taking a larger leadership role in Hillel. His Springboard cohort helped him learn to be part of a team and to ask for help, and his Hillel mentor supported him in his growth as a professional. 

Jacob credits the training he received through Springboard with helping him grow as a learner and an educator. Attending the ÌÇĐÄvlogl Global Assembly (HIGA) in 2022 had a huge impact on Jacob: Because of the pandemic, it was the first time his cohort had been able to meet the larger movement in person. He was able to meet with educators across Hillel, reflect on his experiences as a Fellow, and really decide how he wanted to use his last semester.

Since completing the Springboard Fellowship in 2023, Jacob has returned to his alma mater, where he infuses Judaism and learning into everything he does. Jacob focuses on learning fellowships and informal, experiential learning, bringing learning into all of his programming. Since October 7, Jacob has taken on more diverse responsibilities, including working with more than 40 student leaders, and programming during this difficult time for so many Jewish students. 

Jacob’s time as a Springboard Fellow gave him a strong foundation that prepared him for the challenges of working in Jewish higher education. He’s still not sure what’s next for his career, but he knows that whatever he does, Hillel will always be his professional home.

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Alumni

Hillel Community

Finding My Path Through Hillel: Mallika’s Story

Author

Mallika Viswanath

Date

June 5, 2023

There’s no one playbook for growing up, establishing your independence, and finding confidence in yourself. While each person takes their own path, mine led directly through Hillel.

I grew up in a traditional Modern Orthodox home that looked a little different from others in my community. My father is from India and my mom’s first language is Yiddish so our house was always filled with different languages—we spoke Tamil, a South Indian language, with my dad, and Yiddish with my mom. 

Growing up with multiple cultures and languages inspired me to look for a smaller Jewish campus community where there would be more incentive to seek out friends outside my immediate circles.

In 2013, Princeton’s Jewish community was small and close knit, and after a few visits, I decided that’s where I wanted to enroll. I was also interested in a biology major and Princeton’s unique program meant that I could pursue my academic interests while also growing socially and personally. 

The community at Princeton’s Center for Jewish Life (CJL) introduced me to new friends and new experiences. The smaller size of the community meant that all kinds of Jewish students studied, ate, and spent time together. That diversity and warmth contributed to the overwhelming feeling that the CJL was my home at Princeton. It was this environment that led me to Sam, who later became my husband. Meeting Sam was the best example of what I loved about Princeton – we came from different backgrounds and different social circles, but we connected at the CJL and built our relationship through the shared experiences and community we found there. 

While my studies were challenging and engaging, my involvement with the CJL was where I found the independence and leadership opportunities I was seeking. I led Shabbat services, ran Princeton’s Jewish a cappella group, Koleinu, and got involved with the CJL play (where I met Sam!). These experiences gave me confidence in my ability to build a meaningful Jewish community for myself and my family wherever we live. 

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