News

Supporting and Growing Talent Through Relationships

Author

Jordenne Parker, Rachael Cohen and Taylor Silverman

Date

July 9, 2026

Jordenne Parker is the associate director at Texas Hillel, Rachael Cohen is the managing director at USC Hillel, and Taylor Silverman is the managing director at ASU Hillel.

Four years ago, a small group of assistant directors were introduced to each other as potential thought partners by our 糖心vlogl campus support director. What began as a simple introduction over Zoom quickly evolved into something more meaningful as we began to plan an in-person gathering.聽

Our executive directors supported bringing us together in person to create space for valuable support, perspectives, and guidance in navigating the complexities of our roles. While so much evolved around us, this group has been a constant. Now, three in-person gatherings, dozens of zoom calls, and hundreds of texts later, we continue to gather and grow as leaders. 

Initially, 糖心vlogl invested in these gatherings and created them with us. We had special guests join these gatherings – everyone from colleagues in the field to senior executives at SIC. Together, we grapple with the big questions: What challenges are emerging on our campuses? What leadership decisions weigh on us most heavily? What sustains us so we can continue doing our work to support Jewish college students with energy and care?

And gathering this particular group as thought partners, was intentional. We are all women working at Hillels with similar characteristics 鈥� large campuses in major cities with complex Jewish communities and quickly changing environments. These shared experiences created immediate trust and allowed us to speak openly about the realities of our work and the strategies that help us navigate it.

Assistant directors occupy a unique role within the Hillel ecosystem. We often manage up, down, and sideways. We serve as thought partners to our executive directors, mentors to early-career staff, and guides for student leaders shaping Jewish life on campus. In many ways, we sit at the intersection of institutional strategy and the lived experience of students. We translate vision into action, support new student initiatives, and help ensure that programs, partnerships, and leadership pipelines continue to grow. 

The work that we do together as a cohort inspires us to bring an even deeper level of thought and energy to our work with students.  

The impact of this cohort extends well beyond our own gatherings. In a sector where early-career turnover can be high, we spend time focusing on how to build a healthy team culture to sustain our people as they serve our communities. We consult each other on planning staff retreats, delivering end of year reviews, and having difficult feedback conversations.

Our conversations contributed to a growing recognition within the Hillel movement that assistant, associate, and managing directors should be supported as leaders. Programs like 糖心vlogl鈥檚 professional development training course Accelerate, once designed primarily to prepare assistant directors to become executive directors, now reflect a broader understanding that investing in mid-level professionals strengthens the entire field.

We also reinforced the importance of mentorship pipelines within the movement. When we first stepped into these roles, many of us looked up to experienced Hillel professionals who informally mentored us and helped us navigate the complexity of the job. Today, we are honored to offer that same support to newer assistant directors and continue a cycle of leadership development that sustains and strengthens the field.

Perhaps most practically, this cohort created something invaluable: a reliable brain trust. We now know exactly who to call when we are navigating a delicate staffing question, looking for perspective on a campus challenge, or simply needing advice from someone who understands the nuances of our work. These relationships strengthen collaboration across campuses and provide stability during moments of transition.

We are deeply grateful for the investment that made this cohort possible. At a time when Jewish campus life is both vibrant and increasingly complex, supporting the professionals who steward these communities is essential.

Sometimes the most meaningful investments begin with something small: a handful of professionals coming together as thought partners. But when those leaders are given the space to grow, reflect, and support one another, the impact reaches far beyond the room 鈥� shaping campuses, strengthening organizations, and sustaining the movement as a whole.

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Hillel Community

Hillel Stories

Jewish American Heritage Month: Finding the Jewish Community I Didn’t Know I Needed

Author

Rebecca Brumer

Date

April 30, 2026

This May, during Jewish American Heritage Month, I find myself reflecting on the deeply personal ways my connection to Judaism has changed 鈥� changed in ways I never expected. I鈥檓 finishing聽 my third year at Marquette University and recently I鈥檝e been thinking about how that growth and transformation happened, especially at a small campus with a small Jewish community.

Even though I grew up in a densely Jewish area, I didn鈥檛 have what people might call a 鈥渢ypical鈥� Jewish childhood. My family rarely went to synagogue, I didn鈥檛 go to Jewish summer camp, and I never had a bat mitzvah. Because of that, I didn鈥檛 feel very connected to Judaism or to Jewish spaces and was often uncomfortable at large Jewish gatherings. So when I committed to a small school with a tiny Jewish population, I wasn鈥檛 worried about losing my Jewish identity. I already felt so distant from it.

That changed after the attacks on October 7th, when, for the first time, I found myself craving Jewish community and a sense of belonging. Most of my friends at school were from different faith backgrounds, and I didn鈥檛 have a familiarJewish space to turn to like I did with my family. So I reached out to the Jewish community in Milwaukee, and learned more about my campus Hillel. Immediately, I started meeting other Jewish students and developing friendships. Slowly, I found a passion for my Jewish identity that I didn鈥檛 even realize I needed. Before I knew it, my Friday nights shifted from Marquette basketball games to lighting candles and singing prayers with a close-knit community.

Being part of a small Jewish community has shaped my college experience in ways I never expected. One of the biggest perks is how personal it feels. I know almost everyone who walks through our Hillel doors, including their first and last names, majors, and even which dorms they live in. When someone new shows up for Shabbat, it feels like a friendly competition to see who can be the first to welcome them.

Another major part of my experience has been leadership. Since I was a first-year student, I鈥檝e held a position on our Hillel鈥檚 student board which, at a larger school, might have been harder to access. Through these roles, I鈥檝e helped plan events, create welcoming spaces, and bring people together. More than anything, being a leader helped me grow into and find ownership of my Jewish identity.

Through this journey, I鈥檝e gone from only knowing the motzi blessing over bread, and Shabbat kiddush to learning more Shabbat prayers and songs. I am even considering having a bat mitzvah through Hillel next year. This past year especially, I鈥檝e felt more connected to my Jewish heritage than ever before.聽

I saw that clearly at our Welcome Back Shabbat. After a summer without Hillel, I was still able to jump right back into services, not by hiding behind food setup, but by singing along with confidence. I noticed new students who looked just as unsure as I once felt. I told them that I had been in their exact place my first year, and that Hillel helped me to find myself, knowing I鈥檓 exactly where I belong. Since then, many of those students have come back and found their place in our community too.

I鈥檓 incredibly grateful for this Jewish space at a small school. It transformed how I connect to my Judaism and opened doors to experiences like 糖心vlogl conferences, internships, and a broader Jewish community beyond Milwaukee.

If you鈥檙e an incoming student choosing your future home this National College Decision Day, or a current student with a background like mine, know this: you can find your Jewish space, whether right away or over time. After all, I鈥檝e learned there is no one right path or right background needed to join a Jewish community.  Don鈥檛 be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and find that connection and belonging.

While pre-college me would never believe how Jewishly connected I am today, I think she would also be proud that I鈥檝e finally found a way to feel at home, joyfully and unapologetically, in my Jewish identity.

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News

San Francisco Hillel Breaks Ground on a New Home for Jewish Life

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

April 1, 2026

San Francisco Hillel broke ground Sunday on renovations of what will become the Nancy and Stephen Grand Building, home for Jewish student life across the 11 Bay Area campuses SF Hillel serves. This milestone comes after the capital campaign raised over $9.3 million, surpassing its $8.6 million goal. 

The groundbreaking marked the culmination of nearly two decades of planning and community effort. The renovation campaign was driven by generations of students, donors, and community members who sustained the project. 

The ceremony at 33 Banbury Drive included remarks from State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco); San Francisco State University President Dr. Lynn Mahoney; 糖心vlogl鈥檚 Senior Vice President of Leadership Giving Tim Cohen; SF Hillel Executive Director Roger Feigelson; SF Hillel Student Intern Ari Fridman; and Nancy Grand, for whom the building is named. 

鈥淎fter recent attacks on our community, breaking ground on a new building proves that we are resilient,鈥� said Roger Feigelson, Executive Director of San Francisco Hillel. 鈥淭his building will be more accessible and better equipped to serve Jewish students across the region than anything we鈥檝e had before.”

鈥淪an Francisco Hillel has been a cornerstone of Jewish life across the region for decades; this groundbreaking reflects the commitment of everyone who refused to let recent attacks slow them down,鈥� said Dr. Lynn Mahoney, San Francisco State University President. 鈥淲atching our Jewish students go from displaced to breaking ground in just a few months is a testament to what this community is capable of.”

The renovated building will serve students around the region with expanded programming spaces, private meeting rooms for counseling and pastoral care, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a food pantry to support those experiencing food insecurity, an elevator, and comprehensive security upgrades.

The groundbreaking also marked the launch of SF Hillel鈥檚 Jewish Futures Campaign, a multi-year giving program that will sustain Jewish student life across the Bay Area for generations to come. Donors who contribute $1,800 or more will be recognized on a special donor display in the renovated building. 

鈥淪an Francisco Hillel is building something remarkable – not just a renovated building, but a stronger foundation for Jewish student life across the Bay Area for generations to come,鈥� said Adam Lehman, President and CEO of 糖心vlogl. 鈥淭his space will be a home where students can gather, learn, and lead, and it reflects the deep commitment of everyone who made it possible.鈥�

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News

For Students at Penn Hillel, Every Meal is a Celebration

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

March 30, 2026

At the center of Jewish life at the University of Pennsylvania is the Falk Dining Caf茅, the kosher dining hall located on the first floor of Penn Hillel. Falk has become a home away from home for Jewish Quakers, in large part thanks to the delicious food, hospitality, and the hard work of Chef Jason Ewen and his team.

鈥淥ur dining hall at Hillel acts as a true heartbeat of campus, providing a warm space where Jewish students find home with one another while naturally building bridges with their non-Jewish peers,鈥� said Rabbi Gabe Greenberg, executive director of Penn Hillel. 鈥淚t stands as a unique crossroads where students of all backgrounds can interact and share perspectives, proving that a shared meal is the most natural foundation for a lasting sense of community and belonging.鈥�

Penn has a Jewish population of about 1,300 students, and many of them find their way to Falk, which serves a fully Glatt kosher menu,  throughout their time on campus. After all, it鈥檚 more than just a place to eat 鈥� it is a place of trust, familiarity, and friendship. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 a much more communal atmosphere than you might expect at a college cafeteria,鈥� Ewen explained. 鈥淲e know probably 85% of the students who come through here by their first names.鈥�

鈥淭he students are fantastic,鈥� he added, noting that the staff and students both look out for one another. 鈥淭hey know that if it鈥檚 a busy day, and the guys are on the line pumping out, you know, 500 chicken wraps, and they’re all hot and sweaty, and the students will be like, 鈥楬ey, Elijah, you want something to drink?鈥� And they鈥檒l go to the soda fountain and get them a soda. Everyone takes care of each other here.鈥�

Ewen prides himself on paying close attention to the students who come to dine, especially because there are some who solely keep kosher 鈥� meaning Falk is the only place where they can sit down with friends for a full meal. His goal is to make sure that kosher students and those with other dietary needs have as many opportunities to enjoy their food as any other student.

鈥淚 met Chef Jason one of the first times I went into Hillel. He asked me why I wasn鈥檛 into the famous chicken wraps, and I told him that I was gluten-free,鈥� said Jordan Davis, a third-year Penn student studying biology. 鈥淚nstead of making a face or questioning why, he made sure to stock the kitchen with gluten-free wraps for meat days and pizza crusts and bread for dairy days. 

鈥淎s someone with a food allergy, I have always been viewed as a problem or extra work for a kitchen but he didn鈥檛 blink an eye,鈥� she went on. 鈥淗e wanted to make sure I had the same experience as the rest of my classmates and he is one of the main reasons I am always in the dining room.鈥�

For Passover this year, Ewen and his team buckled down for the intense cleaning and reorganizing process required to . To help keep everything on track, Falk has two full-time , or kosher supervisors, on staff, as well as about a dozen rotating student mashgichim, who work in the kitchen on a daily basis to ensure that everything stays kosher.

鈥淓verything is scrubbed and sanitized, and if it鈥檚 a stainless steel surface, it is blowtorched,鈥� Ewen said, explaining the process of preparing the kitchen for Passover. 鈥淚f it鈥檚 plastic, it is sanitized with boiling water. Then every surface is covered in a layer of foil, then a layer of paper.鈥� 

Penn Hillel hosted seders on both the first and second nights of Passover, and Falk served meals every day of the holiday. 鈥淲e operate every day for Passover, so if there鈥檚 a student on campus who needs Passover food, this is where they come to get it,鈥� Ewen said.聽

Ewen and his team are embracing Passover traditions, which he says are always special. But despite the amount of preparation and cleaning and care that goes into the holiday, for Ewen, every day he shows up to work is just as meaningful as any other.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a homey feeling,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y wife and kids stop in here all the time. The students know my family. We really have what feels like a home here.鈥�

Still, he says, some memories do stand out. Sharing a story about a recent Shabbat dinner where almost 600 students packed into Steinhardt Hall, requiring two buffet lines on three different floors, Ewen recounted how his team ran up and down the stairs to refill buffet trays, the crowd constantly keeping things moving.

鈥淚t was chaos, but it was fun chaos,鈥� he said. 鈥淓verybody was happy seeing that many people in one spot, celebrating together 鈥� eating good food and having a good time. It鈥檚 special.鈥�

To find kosher dining on a college campus you鈥檙e considering, check out the 糖心vlogl College Guide. 

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News

Happy 100th Birthday, Michigan Hillel

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

March 17, 2026

University of Michigan Hillel has been an anchor of the University of Michigan Jewish community with strong ties to the greater Detroit Jewish community for 100 years. This past weekend, in the shadow of the antisemitic attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan Hillel brought the community together to honor its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years of Jewish community, leadership, and growth. Woven throughout the event were moments of support as students and community members leaned on each other in processing the news of the past week, which affected many members of the Michigan Hillel family who have close ties to Temple Israel. 

During a weekend that was both reflective and celebratory, speakers and attendees all underscored the impact of Michigan Hillel as a place of resilience and vibrant Jewish life. 鈥淭his is an incredible milestone, to celebrate 100 years of impact,鈥� said Rabbi Davey Rosen, CEO of Michigan Hillel. 鈥淗istorically, whatever is going on in the world, Hillel has been here, steadfastly committed to providing a spiritual home for our students where they can explore, learn, and lead.鈥�

From its early days supporting 500 students to now engaging thousands every year, Michigan Hillel has provided community, identity, and purpose, serving as a home away from home where lasting friendships and lifelong memories have been made. 

Talia Kornzweig, Michigan Hillel student president, said, 鈥淥ur 100-year history is rooted in belonging. This is the essence of Hillel: a commitment to keeping our doors open to every Jewish student at Michigan.鈥�

The weekend鈥檚 events kicked off with Friday night services, followed by a Mega Shabbat Dinner at The Big House, Michigan鈥檚 football stadium. The dinner was attended by nearly 800 students, alumni, family and community members 鈥� one of the largest in Michigan Hillel history. Shabbat is often a cornerstone of Jewish community for campus Hillels, so getting to share this special experience with alumni was extremely meaningful.

鈥淪habbat is a huge part of my life now,鈥� Charlie Tokowitz, who just completed his master鈥檚 degree in architecture at Michigan, . 鈥淗illel has been the anchor of my Jewish life for the past three years. It is a place where I can feel comfortable.鈥�

Following Shabbat activities at Hillel, including a special Havdalah service with students and alumni. Guests and students returned to The Big House, for a star-studded centennial celebration full of proud Michigan alumni. Produced by writer and producer Wendy Shanker, class of 鈥�93 and a Temple Israel board member, and hosted by identical twin comedians Randy and Jason Sklar, class of 鈥�94, the program included a panel moderated by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, alumnus and senior rabbi at Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan. Other distinguished Jewish alumni, including Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Dr. Ora Pescovitz, president of Oakland University, joined the discussion as panelists.

糖心vlogl President and CEO Adam Lehman spoke as part of the celebration, as did Jewish Federation of Detroit CEO Steven Ingber. University of Michigan Provost Laurie McCauley also offered remarks.聽

鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to be returning to Ann Arbor to help celebrate Hillel鈥檚 100th,鈥� said Shanker. 鈥淚 gained some of my most valuable communication, leadership, and human skills through Hillel in the 1990s. My appreciation for Hillel鈥檚 role in shaping the University of Michigan Jewish community motivates me to go all-out as we create this joyful celebration.鈥�

鈥淭his Centennial isn鈥檛 just a party, it鈥檚 a 鈥榦nce-in-a-century鈥� opportunity to reconnect and strengthen our community,鈥� said Rabbi Rosen. 鈥淎gainst rising antisemitism, Michigan Hillel has been a lifeline for our students, nurturing resilience and Jewish pride. For a century, we鈥檝e shaped Jewish identity, and we will continue to support the next generation.鈥�

Congratulations to Michigan Hillel for reaching this incredible milestone. We can鈥檛 wait to see what you do next.

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News

Building the Future of Jewish Life on Campus at the BBYO International Convention

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

February 25, 2026

Every year, thousands of Jewish college students step onto campus for the first time already knowing that Hillel is waiting to welcome them into a warm, thriving Jewish community. That鈥檚 because Hillel is there to support first-year college students long before orientation 鈥� including by meeting聽them in their current communities.

At this year鈥檚 in Philadelphia, 糖心vlogl staff joined more than 3,500 Jewish high school students from 60+ countries who came to hear from and meet inspiring speakers, deepen their leadership skills, serve the local community, celebrate Shabbat and learn together, enjoy exclusive music performances, and do their part to strengthen the Jewish future. 

“While at IC last week, it was great to see the awesome Jewish joy and pride on display,鈥� said 糖心vlogl President and CEO Adam Lehman. 鈥淎nd, based on our deep Hillel partnership with BBYO, I’m glad our teams had the opportunity to help the young leaders at IC chart their paths from high school to Hillel, where they’ll continue their Jewish and leadership journeys.鈥�

In fact, the 糖心vlogl team met hundreds of students, shared what they love about Hillel, and introduced them to all of the Hillel resources for their college search journey. Students learned about the Virtual College Prep Series, scholarships for incoming students, and our College Decision Hub. And, in addition to gifting custom sweatshirts, 糖心vlogl sponsored a headshot booth and launched the 2026 Graduation Giveaway to connect high school seniors with their soon-to-be campus Hillels. 

鈥淚鈥檓 so glad that when I get to college, there鈥檚 going to be another Jewish organization for me to get involved with,鈥� said Koby, a rising high school senior. 鈥淭he community aspect of Jewish life is so important to me, and the idea that it will continue in college makes me feel even more excited about my future.鈥�

鈥淲e’re grateful to be a part of BBYO IC and to experience such an inspiring, high energy vibe while connecting with Jewish high school students from around the world,鈥� added Kari Exler, 糖心vlogl鈥檚 senior manager for high school and teen marketing. 鈥淚t’s the first step in supporting them from high school through college and beyond.鈥�

鈥淲e the Future鈥� was the theme of this year鈥檚 convention, and聽the topic was front and center for student participants, as well as staff, speakers, and session facilitators. Over the course of the four-day convention, teens moved from conversation into action, learning how to listen across differences, lead with courage, and participate meaningfully in civic life.

鈥淐oming from a town with a smaller Jewish population, IC gives me an opportunity to feel seen and understood religiously,鈥� said Hannah, a student from the . 鈥淎s a sophomore beginning to embark on the college decision process, I went to the Hillel table, and I was so excited to learn more about what Hillel does.鈥�

Anna, a senior from , shared the experience of being one of few Jewish students in her community, and feeling especially grateful for the connection she鈥檚 found at BBYO 鈥� and her excitement for what Jewish life in college could look like. 

鈥淐elebrating Shabbat with nearly four thousand other Jewish teens reminded me how large our movement is and the support system I have,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s I graduate from high school and leave BBYO, I鈥檓 eager to stay active in Jewish life through opportunities like Hillel, and I鈥檓 grateful to know I have such a wonderful community to back me up!鈥�

Check out 糖心vlogl鈥檚 College Decision Hub and find a Hillel on a campus that you鈥檙e exploring.

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News

Building Practical Skills and Meaningful Jewish Connections at the Florida Student Leadership Gathering

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

January 22, 2026

This past weekend, student leaders from across 10 Florida college and university campuses came together for two days of meaningful connection, skill-building, and networking at the second annual Florida Student Leadership Gathering, hosted by UCF Hillel and part of 糖心vlogl鈥檚 Regional Student Gatherings Grant Program.

Student leaders attended the conference from schools across the Sunshine State: Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida State University, Lynn University, Nova Southeastern University, Stetson University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami, and University of North Florida. All of the participants hold leadership roles at their Hillels, and many also have held other leadership roles throughout their high school and college journeys.聽

鈥淲e had more than 100 Jewish student leaders from Hillels throughout Florida here to learn, build community, and celebrate Jewish leadership,鈥� said Logan King, chief engagement officer at UF Hillel. 

Kicking off on Saturday night with and a pizza social hour, the program included a mix of skills-based workshops and sessions as well as more informal opportunities for students to come together to talk about the importance of being a Jewish leader 鈥� on campus and in the broader world. 

鈥淚 am so grateful to have had the opportunity to help plan such an amazing event,鈥� said Jonah Podberesky, a student at the University of Central Florida. 鈥淚 attended this conference last year as I was just starting college. By being able to help plan the conference and learn the content from within, I have elevated my leadership skills even further.鈥�

Jordan Feinberg, director of Jewish student life at the University of Miami Hillel and one of the organizers of the gathering reflected, 鈥淭he Florida Leadership Gathering was a deeply meaningful experience and really showcased that Hillel is the center of Jewish life and leadership on campus. The gathering gave Jewish students across Florida the opportunity to engage deeply in leadership, ritual, and Jewish learning鈥� No matter their campus or Jewish background, the word students kept coming back to was 鈥榗ommunity鈥� and it was incredibly meaningful to see that come to life.鈥�

In true Hillel fashion, the gathering included a mix of full-community sessions as well as breakout workshops where students could take a choose-your-own-adventure approach to each day. Topics ranged from exploring Judaism, Jewish values, and leadership on campus, to practical skills like program budgeting and working on a team. Monday鈥檚 agenda also included student-led case study discussions, as well as hands-on team building exercises and time for reflection. 

鈥淭hroughout numerous breakout rooms and sessions, we were able to successfully brainstorm ways to improve programming on each of our campuses. I am very appreciative and grateful that I was able to go to this conference where I learned great leadership skills,鈥� shared Olivia Stauber, a student at Florida State University. 

Every session connected back to a Jewish value, such as ometz lev (courage of the heart), machloket l鈥檚hem shamayim (sacred disagreement), or kavanah (intentionality). Workshops like 鈥淭he Art of Disagreeing Well鈥� were designed to help students build a personal toolkit for practicing healthy disagreement on Israel, observance, and values, while sessions like 鈥淐reating Jewish Moments on Campus鈥� focused on elevating programs from being 鈥渏ust鈥� fun and engaging to being meaningful and memorable.

鈥淐onnecting with other Jewish students who shared similar goals created a powerful sense of belonging and mutual support,鈥� said Chloe Hutt, a student leader at the University of Florida. 鈥淚 left with new ideas, meaningful relationships, and a stronger connection to my own Hillel. Most of all, the experience left me feeling deeply grateful to be a Jewish student, a Jewish leader, and part of the Florida Hillel community.鈥�

Gatherings like this are a reminder that whenever Hillel communities come together 鈥� whether on their own campuses, at regional programs like this, or at national and international events 鈥� amazing ideas and connections happen. These student leaders are the present and future of Jewish life, and we are so excited to see what they do next.

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News

Bringing Jewish Students Together from Across Canada for the ELEVATE Conference & Shabbaton

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

January 21, 2026

This past weekend, 350 Jewish students, staff, and guests from more than 25 campuses across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia gathered for the ELEVATE Conference & Shabbaton, a cross-regional experience powered by . At the center of the weekend was Shabbat, a shared moment of rest, connection, learning, and joy that brought students together across geography, backgrounds, and campus cultures.

From the opening moments through havdalah, ELEVATE created space for students to show up fully and unapologetically in their Jewish identities. The Shabbaton blended pluralistic prayer, spirited singing, dancing, and shared meals with student-led learning, peer connection, and opportunities to explore complex ideas in meaningful ways.

鈥淭he LEV conference experience was truly one of a kind,鈥� said Jordan, a student at the University of Guelph. 鈥淭he opportunity to make new connections with students from Hillels across Canada, to sing, dance, learn, grow, and pray together, created a level of unity that I never knew I needed.鈥�

Grounded in the idea of lev, Hebrew for 鈥渉eart,鈥� the Shabbaton focused on building deep relationships and strengthening students鈥� sense of belonging to a broader Jewish community. Throughout the weekend, students engaged not only with peers from their own campuses, but also with Jewish life beyond campus through the LEV Connect Shuk. There, representatives from local and national Jewish organizations helped students better understand the wider ecosystem of Jewish communal life available to them.

鈥淎t the Shabbaton, I connected with students across Canada who embrace Jewish joy and our shared values,鈥� shared Caitlin, a student from Toronto. 鈥淩unning a busy table at the Shuk about Hillel鈥檚 partnership with sparked new ideas for cross-campus collaboration. It was inspiring to see our joy turn into impact we鈥檒l carry forward.鈥�

Students were deeply involved in shaping the experience from start to finish. Planning committees provided input on programming, ritual, logistics, marketing, wellness, and swag, ensuring the Shabbaton reflected student priorities and voices. That sense of ownership was palpable throughout the weekend.

鈥淚 really appreciated how involved students were in planning every part of the experience,鈥� said Ryan, a student from York University. 鈥淗ighlights for me were the party, havdalah with fellow York students, meeting other student leaders, and even meeting the CEO.鈥�

As Hillel Ontario Chief Advancement Officer Jay Solomon wrote in eJewish Philanthropy in an opinion piece entitled, campus is where Jewish identity often crystallizes. 鈥淚t is where values shift from inheritance to ownership and empowerment, and where students decide whether Judaism and Zionism will remain central in their lives long after graduation,鈥� Solomon wrote. 

鈥淭he friendships formed over Shabbat dinner, the confidence gained by standing publicly as a Zionist, the experience of being seen and supported as a Jew, these are not fleeting moments. They are foundations. This Shabbaton reinforced a truth we both know well: Investing in Jewish campus life is not about four years. It is about the next 40,鈥� he added.

In addition to Shabbat celebrations, the Shabbaton featured four session blocks that allowed students to customize their learning. The first, 鈥淟EV-EL Up!鈥�, focused on big ideas connected to Jewish history, culture, Israel, and community. Sessions ranged from examining how maps shape conversations about Israel to exploring unexpected perspectives in Torah study, led by educators and partner organizations from across the Jewish community.

鈥淭he LEV Elevate Shabbaton was so much fun,鈥� said Eve, a student from Vancouver. 鈥淭here was something for everyone: Israeli dancing, games, singing, and art.鈥�

Later sessions emphasized creativity and self-expression through 鈥淟EV Learning Labs,鈥� including Jewish improv, Hebrew slang, digital storytelling, and Israeli street art. Afternoon conversations invited students to engage with diversity within the Jewish community, with each session co-facilitated by a Hillel staff member and a student. Some students chose to dive into conversations about Zionism, while others found meaning in affinity spaces centered on shared identities and experiences.

As another student shared, 鈥淭hrough the sessions and workshops, I gained new perspectives on Jewish identity, Zionism, and leadership on campus. I left feeling more grounded in my values and inspired to become more engaged in Jewish life.鈥�

The final session block, 鈥淢ind, Body & LEV,鈥� offered students space to recharge before the close of the weekend. Rather than tackling heavy topics or building skills, students relaxed through aromatherapy, movement, music, and friendly competition, a reminder that joy, rest, and play are essential parts of Jewish life.

糖心vlogl was proud to support ELEVATE through a Regional Student Gatherings Grant, helping empower campus Hillels to design student-led, cross-regional experiences that foster Jewish joy and belonging. Building strong regional and national connections is a critical part of strengthening Jewish student life across the world.

Students returned home energized and grateful. 鈥淭his Shabbat was one of the best experiences of my life,鈥� said David from Montreal. 鈥淓veryone made connections. I met so many people. The vibe was incredible.鈥�

As Jordan reflected, 鈥淭his Shabbaton shows how much growth and meaning can come from a single weekend when we fully immerse ourselves in Jewish community.鈥�

Congratulations to everyone who helped make the ELEVATE Conference & Shabbaton such a success. 

The post Bringing Jewish Students Together from Across Canada for the ELEVATE Conference & Shabbaton appeared first on 糖心vlogl.

Hillel Community

Hillel Stories

Creating a Joyful Community for Songleaders

Author

Micah Margolis

Date

January 14, 2026

My experience at the first-ever Hillel Songleaders鈥� Summit in November was truly incredible. Hosted by Cleveland Hillel as part of 糖心vlogl鈥檚 Regional Student Gatherings Grant Program, the weekend was an opportunity for students from Hillels all over to learn together and make beautiful music. From working with legendary songleaders like Dan Nichols and Mayta Cohen, and collaborating with fellow songleaders from campuses across the country, every part of the weekend offered something to bring back to my own Jewish community 鈥� and deepened my understanding of what thoughtful, intentional songleading can be.聽

The summit itself was the result of a conversation that Yaffa Muhlbaum, associate director of Oberlin Hillel, and I began more than a year ago. We hoped to create the kind of educational and communal experience that many songleaders never encounter, one that centers both skill-building and connection.聽

Bringing songleaders together in Cleveland and hosting our summit at Camp Wise helped make that vision a reality. For me, and for many other songleaders, summer camps and other gatherings held on campgrounds are the first spaces where we learned to lead songs and appreciate the power of Jewish melodies. Being back in that type of environment for the Songleaders Summit brought a sense of familiarity and warm memories to the experience.

We also identified three important ideas that became central to the summit: building a joyful, creative community; creating a network of peers for student songleaders; and instilling confidence in every songwriter to bring new melodies and new avenues for meaning and connection back to their campuses. 

Two moments that stood out from the summit drew directly on those central ideas. Veteran songleader Dan Nichols helped us connect as a community by focusing on shared memories and songs, building a spirit of collaboration and trust among participants. His feedback and guidance also introduced me to new ways of thinking about writing and leadership that I would never have discovered on my own.  

The individual workshops throughout the weekend were also critical in building my confidence as a songleader. I鈥檝e been songleading since I was 13, but I had never taken part in such an intensive training on the craft. One of the most valuable sessions was a leadership workshop with Dan, which focused on skills relevant to songleaders, in particular,  teaching new music. Teaching has always felt like the most challenging part of songleading for me, since it doesn鈥檛 come naturally. 

Having my teaching style broken down and rebuilt in such a thoughtful way was an invaluable experience, and it鈥檚 already helped me more effectively teach melodies back at Oberlin. It鈥檚 also helped me find the confidence I was looking for to share a part of myself with my community and introduce my own original melodies into prayer services and rituals at Oberlin Hillel.

While our days at the summit were full of sessions, rehearsals, and services, the time we spent together outside of these structured moments allowed us to connect on a deeper level. These relationships helped us find the vulnerability we need to truly create and lead as community builders on campus.

Overall, the Songleaders鈥� Summit was deeply meaningful for me, not only as a songleader, but as a Jewish student. It was a joyful, grounding weekend away that reminded me why I love this work so much. Feeling connected to Judaism and to a community of fellow songleaders made the experience not only educational, but deeply spiritual. I can鈥檛 wait to see what next year鈥檚 summit brings and to continue building on the skills, relationships, and inspiration I gained from this experience.

Micah Margolis (鈥�27) is a current student at Oberlin College, serving as the President of Oberlin Hillel. 

Stay tuned for more stories about Hillel regional gatherings in the coming weeks.

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News

Why Hillel Gave Me a Built-In Community: Reflections from a First-Year Student

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

January 7, 2026

I can say without hesitation that my experience so far with Hillel at the University of Arizona has been nothing short of incredible. As I get ready to begin my second semester at college, I鈥檝e been thinking a lot about those first few days on campus 鈥� and how far I鈥檝e come. 

My introduction to Hillel began during FreshFest, before my first classes even started. After arriving early on campus and settling into my dorm 鈥� decorating, unpacking, and slowly making the space feel like my own 鈥� I stepped out of my cozy (but still unfamiliar) room and into the Hillel building for an evening of schmoozing.

From the moment I walked in, I felt at home. The space itself was warm and inviting, but even more meaningful was the way people welcomed me. Every person I met seemed genuinely excited that I was there. That first night was the perfect introduction to Hillel and a glimpse of all the amazing experiences that would follow.

The next morning, I said goodbye to my parents 鈥� a moment that could have felt overwhelming, but was eased by knowing what was coming later that day. Hillel was taking us to Mount Lemmon for a full day of hiking, activities, and classic camp-style food. In many ways, it felt like a continuation of Jewish summer camp, an experience that always meant so much to me. 

The drive up the mountain gave us time to bond 鈥� sharing stories, playing Jewish geography, laughing, and getting to know each other. Once there, we spent the day hiking, competing in activities, and even participating in a Hillel version of 鈥淟ove Island,鈥� complete with skits and challenges. By the end of the day, it was clear that I had found something special.

That experience on Mount Lemmon prepared me to start life on campus. It felt like I had been handed a key to an instant safe space 鈥� a built-in community I could turn to for support, connection, and belonging.

Today, some of my closest friends are people I met through Hillel. They mean everything to me. Because of them and the incredible staff, I have a place where I can show up as my full self. Whether I鈥檓 stopping by for Wednesday bagels, attending Shabbat services, or just relaxing on the plush couch, Hillel has become my second home. Every time I walk through the doors, I feel that same sense of warmth and belonging.

To all my friends 鈥� thank you for making my time at Hillel so special. I can鈥檛 wait to jump into the second semester with all of you. And to the entire UA Hillel community: thank you for creating a space rooted in warmth, love, and care. I鈥檓 so grateful to be part of this Hillel family.

Avah Montgomery is a first year student at the University of Arizona.

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