News

Hillel’s Top Tips for Taking Care of Yourself During Finals

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

May 26, 2026

Finals season is here at campuses across the country, and coming up for colleges and universities on the quarter system.聽For many college students, that means increased stress, anxiety, and long work sessions, and a big decrease in sleep, balanced meals, and self-care. Fortunately, as we wind down Mental Health Awareness Month this May, 糖心vlogl is here to help carry the load. Here are some of our top tips for making finals a little less overwhelming, along with ways campus Hillels are putting these ideas into practice to support students.

Tip #1: Use your hands for something other than school work

Research shows that moving our bodies helps our brains process, make connections, and sharpen our ability to pay attention and manage challenges. In other words, taking a break from studying to stretch, cook a meal, or do an art project with friends doesn鈥檛 ruin your study focus 鈥� it improves it.

At the University of Toronto, brought this Jewish value of rest into real life recently by offering flexible, multisensory drop-in experiences like a make-your-own grilled cheese bar, and activities like beading and lanyard-making.

鈥淒uring exam season, Hillel was honestly one of my go-to spots on campus because the bagel lunches, study spaces, and supportive environment made long study days feel way less stressful,鈥� said Zohara, a student at the University of Toronto. 鈥淚 also loved the drop in art programs like beading, bedazzling, and painting since they were such a fun way to take a break, relax, and hang out with other students during exams.鈥�

Tip #2: Look for a change of scenery

Have you 鈥渢ouched grass鈥� today? Research shows that spending time in nature 鈥� even if it鈥檚 just for a few minutes 鈥� reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood, memory, and cognitive function. Bring your study materials or laptop out to the quad, take the long route through campus next time you鈥檙e going to the dining hall, or pop out of the library long enough to soak up the sun next to your favorite tree.

Not an outdoorsy person? That鈥檚 okay. Just finding a calming space can do wonders for stress reduction. At the University of Colorado Boulder, CU Boulder Hillel鈥檚 Program Manager Shira Finke welcomed students with warm pancakes and waffles, plenty of tasty toppings, and space to play games and connect with one another. 

鈥淗illel late night study sessions are a great opportunity to connect with my Jewish community at a time in the semester when many feel socially isolated,鈥� said one student.

Tip #3: Find a Furry Friend

Fun fact: Petting animals reduces blood pressure and increases empathy 鈥� which means that spending some time with animals doesn鈥檛 just mellow you out, it might also save you from a finals season crash. This is a great time to see if a group on campus is bringing in therapy or emotional support dogs, to Google petting zoos in your area (it鈥檚 baby animal season, after all), or to see if anyone with a pet might be willing to lend you a snuggle.

At Michigan State University, creating space for students to unwind, connect, and get some much-needed doggie snuggles. 

Tip #4: Do something to help someone else and remember that you matter.

It might sound counterproductive during a time when every minute feels scheduled, but 鈥� the chemical in your brain that makes you feel relaxed and happy. 

鈥淔inals are exhausting, and Hillel helped me recharge,鈥� said Shir Dvir, a second-year student at Michigan State University, where Jewish students packed finals survival kits together. 鈥淚t reminded me of the community backing us, which lessened my feeling of being overwhelmed and alone.鈥�

And at the , students at Hillel stuffed with fidget toys, sleep masks, undereye patches, and (of course) coffee.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that you are so much more than your GPA. Your value isn鈥檛 a score or a class ranking 鈥� it鈥檚 about being who you are. And, as always, Hillel is here to have your back. 

Stay hydrated, stay rested, and from all of us at 糖心vlogl: Good luck on your finals!

The post Hillel’s Top Tips for Taking Care of Yourself During Finals appeared first on 糖心vlogl.

News

Hillel’s Ripples of Resilience Grants Offer Connection, Community, and Support

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

February 13, 2026

Jewish tradition is rich in wisdom about wellbeing 鈥� how we show up for each other, how we anchor ourselves in what matters, and how we make space for rest, joy, and meaning. 糖心vlogl鈥檚 Ripples of Resilience grants help campus Hillels tap into that wisdom and create programs that build connection, community, and support for their students. The guiding principle behind these initiatives is simple: small, meaningful moments can spark something lasting. 

Check out some of the ways that campus Hillels in the United States, Canada, and Israel have turned Ripples of Resilience grants into moments of joy and care.

Nourished by Jewish Tradition at USC and Kansas State

Campus life often runs on dining halls, takeout, and stress. But Jewish tradition teaches us that food is more than fuel 鈥� it’s grounding, connective, and a foundational source of belonging.

That鈥檚 the inspiration behind Nourished by Tradition programs, which combine Jewish food traditions from across the world with practical cooking skills, inviting students to slow down, learn something new, and connect to an especially delicious part of Jewish culture. 

At USC Hillel, staff and students took part in a four-session program designed to fit right into the demanding schedule of the semester. Created by Wellness Director Elli Rao and USC Hillel鈥檚 beloved Chef Viv, , whipping up matzo ball soup, schnitzel, and other easy dishes for themselves and their friends. 

鈥淪tudents who hadn鈥檛 known each other before became friends,鈥� said Rao. 鈥淭he skills, confidence, and community they created mattered even more than the menu.鈥�

鈥淏efore Nourished, I really didn鈥檛 know how to cook for myself,鈥� said student Blake Better . 鈥淪ince taking this class, I鈥檝e been cooking dinners for myself, and even cooked for my family over winter break!鈥�

While Nourished at USC was an on-campus program, at Hillel at Kansas State University (KSU), students got a much-needed break from meal plans when they gathered in their Hillel advisor鈥檚 home for their Nourished by Tradition activity. Together, they cooked dishes from across the Jewish world including shakshuka and kugel, mixing delicious food with some welcome time away from the obligations of classes and extracurriculars.

鈥淐ooking together was really healing,鈥� said student Zev Furie, who acknowledged the unfortunate reality that many college students experience food insecurity. 鈥淎 lot of us are probably not eating enough to begin with.鈥�

For student Vanessa Sanders, this was her first program with KSU Hillel 鈥� but since participating, she鈥檚 started regularly coming to Hillel events. 鈥淚鈥檇 never met these people before, but they already feel like family,鈥� she said.

In fact, there were a number of other students who had their first Hillel experience at Nourished by Tradition and have since become frequent participants. 鈥淚t was really impactful,鈥� said Dr. Lisa Rubin, KSU鈥檚 Hillel advisor. 

Based on the success of Nourished by Tradition, the KSU Hillel student board is looking for even more ways to bring the more delicious aspects of Jewish community into their programming, including an upcoming challah-baking program that will segue into Shabbat.

Combating Antisemitism with Inclusion Across Canadian Hillels

At a time when Canadian Jewish students are facing unprecedented levels of hate and antisemitism, Ripples of Resilience programs offer tangible ways to build genuine relationships rooted in Jewish wisdom about mutual care. 

At Queen’s University Hillel, their program started with a request from a non-Jewish member of the residence life staff, who attended a campus October 7th commemoration.聽

鈥淲hen he learned about antisemitic graffiti in residence [halls], he reached out to ask how he could support Jewish students,鈥� said Jennifer Grosz, wellness support specialist at Hillel Queen鈥檚. 

Together with student leaders, Queen’s Hillel ran a -decorating program, where attendees could create their own uniquely decorated version of this ancient protective symbol. Afterward, the hamsas were displayed throughout the residence hall as a visible reminder that all students belong.

鈥淢ost attendees had not been to a Hillel event yet, and many said that intentionally gathering in a Jewish space made them feel calm and safe,鈥� said Grosz.

Similarly, at York University Hillel, the community combined two trademark Hillel ways to support students feeling demoralized by campus antisemitism 鈥� Jewish joy and great swag. Students created a limited line of 鈥淯napologetically Jewish鈥� sweatshirts, and proudly wore them around campus.

鈥淥ne student wore their sweatshirt on a day when they felt isolated on campus,鈥� said Hillel York鈥檚 Senior Campus Director Shoshi Lipschultz. 鈥淢ultiple peers approached them, sparking conversations about Jewish identity and solidarity. That day, they felt seen, proud, and connected to a community that supports them.鈥�

Programs like this are a reminder that Jewish community isn鈥檛 something that just happens 鈥� it鈥檚 something we create together. Showing up for one another is one of the most powerful expressions of Jewish life.

Reconnecting to Community and Reclaiming Joy Across Hillel Israel

In the wake of prolonged disruptions to daily life in Israel 鈥� ranging from the isolation of remote learning due to unsafe conditions to the return of students from extended military reserve duty 鈥� many college students are searching for communities they feel they鈥檝e lost. As students re-establish relationships and support networks, is working overtime to be a “home away from home鈥� and meet a variety of student needs.

鈥淭his year, we are focused on creating a reliable, wellness-oriented space where students can decompress between classes and reintegrate into social life at their own pace,鈥� said Maya Brown, director of Hillel Tel Aviv. 鈥淲e keep our doors open, figuratively and literally.鈥�

The programs created by Hillel Israel to support community-building, belonging, and resilience have been as diverse as Israel鈥檚 population itself. In Tel Aviv, Hillel hosted a bilingual Israeli-Ukrainian Hanukkah celebration focused on dance and movement 鈥� the kind of connection that goes beyond language. 鈥淒ance doesn鈥檛 need a spoken language,鈥� said one student leader. 鈥淸Movement] bonds us together without words.鈥� In Haifa, a Sukkot gathering held on the day the final living hostages were released used music and art to support reflection. At Tel-Hai College in Northern Israel, a shared music experience brought Druze musicians and Jewish students together. 

One particularly meaningful initiative has been supporting students at Sapir College, which is located in the Gaza envelope, where the tragedy of October 7th was deeply personal: many students and faculty members suffered immediate losses, and members of the campus community were among those murdered in the terrorist attacks. Unlike larger urban campuses, Sapir has fewer social and communal organizations available to students. There is a palpable need for a safe, supportive framework where students can reconnect and find a semblance of normalcy. 

Hillel has filled this critical gap by serving as a primary source of community, offering a space of belonging and a listening ear for those navigating the long road to recovery, as well as hosting programs designed to remind students that even in the wake of terrible grief, there are still opportunities to find joy. One such program was a Sigd celebration, offering an opportunity for the fuller Sapir community to experience this Ethiopian Jewish festival. 鈥淚t helped me feel more comfortable, and proud of my heritage,鈥� one student shared.

Israel has a long road of recovery ahead, but Hillel Israel has been determined to meet students where they are, in as many ways as possible.

鈥淭hese initiatives reflect how thoughtfully campuses responded to distinct student needs,鈥� said Grace Baker, director of development and communications at Hillel Israel. 鈥淲e are so proud we were able to support staff and students across the country.鈥�

The post Hillel’s Ripples of Resilience Grants Offer Connection, Community, and Support appeared first on 糖心vlogl.

News

Creating a Ritual Toolkit to Support Students Through Challenges and Joy

Author

Rabbi Heather Paul

Date

January 21, 2026

As Jewish students return to campus this semester, many of them are carrying joy, stress, grief, hope, and uncertainty 鈥� often all at once. And as Hillel professionals, we are often called to support students through these moments, not by fixing what鈥檚 hard, but by helping them feel like they belong and they are cared for. 

Jewish ritual offers a powerful framework for this work: it gives shape to complex emotions, creates a time to pause during moments of intensity, and helps students navigate transitions with intention. By building flexible ritual 鈥渢oolkits鈥� 鈥� collections of practices, objects, and approaches we can adapt as needed 鈥� we are able to respond creatively to both joyful and challenging moments, supporting students鈥� mental health and well-being in ways that are deeply Jewish and deeply human.

In the fall, I had the chance to bring my ritual toolkit to the table during a campus tashlich ritual I was leading for students. We planned to walk together to a creek at night, journal, and meditate at picnic tables, then cast stones and leaves into the water as a way of letting go. But just before we left, it began to rain. No one was walking to a dark creek in stormy weather.

Ritual educator Rabbi Marcia Prager teaches that 鈥渞itual doesn鈥檛 mark change; it makes change.鈥� Jewish ritual helps us name what we are experiencing and move through it 鈥� especially in moments of emotional intensity. Rituals externalize what鈥檚 happening inside us through water, words, light, movement, and sound. For students navigating stress, grief, anxiety, and uncertainty, rooting those emotions in an external ritual can help center and anchor them.

Some rituals are also meant to be repeated. They draw strength from tradition and memory. But even though repetition can be challenging when circumstances force change, Jewish students continue to seek out rituals, both ancient and modern, to help process change and challenge.

Back on campus, I pivoted. I remembered that I had dissolving paper in my office 鈥� one of my favorite ritual tools. My colleague filled a bucket with water. I laid a mandala tapestry on the floor, placed the bucket in the center, circled the chairs around it, dimmed the lights, and added jars of twinkle lights. It wasn鈥檛 the creek at night. But it was beautiful.

We sang a niggun, a song without words. I led the same guided meditation and journaling I had prepared. Then I passed out the dissolving paper. Students wrote down what they wanted to release 鈥� intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, beliefs that were weighing them down. We sang again, took a collective breath, tore the paper, and dropped it into the water.

As the words dissolved, silence fell. Some students cried. Watching the negative thoughts that no longer served them disappear felt deeply healing. We walked outside together in the rain and poured the water onto the grass, laughing as rain mixed with tears 鈥� a release and a renewal.

In our debrief, we talked about water in Jewish traditions such as tashlich and mikvah, of letting go and beginning again. Like the many Jewish leaders and thinkers before us, the rainy weather we encountered made space for innovation. Once I let go of what was 鈥渟upposed鈥� to happen, the ritual became something new and deeply supportive for students鈥� emotional well-being.

Having dissolving paper on hand made a difference. After all, when we equip ourselves with flexible ritual resources, we can respond creatively to students鈥� mental health and spiritual needs in real time.

Havdalah is another powerful ritual I have turned to, especially in moments when students are holding both joy and sorrow. Havdalah is a ritual of transition 鈥� a bittersweet goodbye that honors what was sacred while helping us step forward. It engages all five senses, through the touch and the light of the candle, the smell of the spices, the sound of the prayers,and the taste of the grape juice or wine. It grounds us in our bodies and helps us tolerate complexity. Even the braided candle teaches us to hold multiple experiences at once, as it twines together many strands of wax into one brighter light.

After Simchat Torah this past fall, I brought a Havdalah candle into a student space to talk about the return of the living hostages in Israel 鈥� joy woven together with grief for those who did not return alive. We created a paper weave, writing words and feelings on strips of paper and braiding them together. 鈥淲hy can鈥檛 I trust this peace?鈥� one student wrote. 鈥淩elief riding grief,鈥� wrote another. The woven paper mirrored the candle and the emotional reality students were carrying.

Ritual, a powerful spiritual technology, gave these students the space to process complex emotions 鈥� and Hillel professionals have the privilege to incorporate ritual for reflection, connection, and healing. Sometimes that means innovating when plans fall apart. Sometimes it means expanding an existing ritual with a new element. And sometimes it means keeping a well-stocked ritual toolkit so we鈥檙e ready to react quickly when students bring us their most joyful and their hardest moments.

A Ritual Toolkit for Navigating Joy and Challenge

Created by Rabbi Heather

Rabbi Heather Paul is the campus rabbi and senior Jewish educator at Hillel at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The post Creating a Ritual Toolkit to Support Students Through Challenges and Joy appeared first on 糖心vlogl.

News

Hillel Wellness Grants Send 鈥淩ipples of Resilience鈥� Across College Campuses

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

May 30, 2025

Hillel鈥檚 work has always been about more than just welcoming students 鈥� it鈥檚 about nurturing communities of belonging that help Jewish students flourish. On campuses worldwide, Hillel empowers staff and students alike to lead with care rooted in Jewish wisdom.

That鈥檚 the spirit behind the 鈥淩ipples of Resilience,鈥� a wellness grant initiative that supports Hillels in creating experiences that reflect the depth, care, and richness of Jewish life. These initiatives center student well-being and help students feel proud to show up in Jewish communities, especially in the face of rising antisemitism and broader campus stressors.

These Hillel experiences celebrate what鈥檚 possible when Jewish wisdom, modern well-being, and intentional design come together. From cozy communal spaces to Hillel-cooked comfort foods, the impact has been extraordinary. As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, 糖心vlogl is proud to share that these efforts reached nearly 18,000 students across 65 campuses 鈥� and every single grantee (100%!) reported that their project helped students feel that Hillel is a place that supports their well-being.

Here鈥檚 a glimpse of how these 鈥渞ipples鈥� are transforming campus life.

Creating Space to Breathe

When things feel tough, having a safe space to relax and regroup can make all the difference for students looking to regain a sense of calm. At Virginia Tech, Hillel transformed a space in the into a dedicated wellness lounge, stocked with sensory tools and calming activities. On the anniversary of October 7, three students arrived feeling overwhelmed and anxious. They stayed for hours 鈥� coloring, resting, and resetting. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 have gotten through today without [this space],鈥� one student shared.

Hillel leaders at the University at Albany Hillel created a tranquil oasis within the bustling student center. 鈥淪tudents were amazed by how the room had been completely transformed,鈥� said Executive Director Rabbi Nomi Manon. 鈥淓ven those with no prior connection to Hillel felt like the space was 鈥榝or them鈥� and wanted to be a part of it. Time and again, we heard how much people appreciated the calm it offered in the midst of a chaotic day.鈥�

Nourishing Connection through Jewish Comfort Food

Jewish food is more than delicious; it offers rituals of memory and meaning. On campus, it also serves as a powerful tool for care and connection. This year, Hillel at Baruch College hosted 78 students for a community 鈥淧ink Challah Bake,鈥� in partnership with , that brought together students from diverse backgrounds and fostered a sense of connection and belonging. 

鈥淭his was my first time making challah, and my mom loved it,鈥� said one of the participants. 鈥淲hen I told her about its meaning, she said we could start making it together regularly. This may have been my first time, but it won鈥檛 be my last!鈥�

On the West Coast, Jewish students at San Diego State University Hillel, found comfort in the form of matzo ball soup. As cold and flu season swept through campus, students cooked up large batches for their peers to order, whether as a remedy, a pick-me-up, or just a taste of home.

鈥淲henever I was home sick, my mom would make me matzo ball soup, and it was all I could think about when I came down from a cold here,鈥� said one student. 鈥淥rdering it from Hillel brought me more than just warmth and nourishment; it gave me a taste of home and made me realize I had found a community here in San Diego.鈥�

Expressing Jewish Identity with Creativity and Pride

Students aren鈥檛 just looking for safety, they鈥檙e seeking places where they can shape their Jewish identities with creativity and confidence. Across campuses, Hillel empowers students to explore and express their Judaism in ways that feel personal and full of pride.

At Hillel at UCLA, students made their own , the small boxes containing parchment scrolls with verses of Torah, traditionally affixed to the right doorposts in  Jewish spaces. 

鈥淥ne of our students had always kept a tiny, unassuming mezuzah on her dorm doorway 鈥� the smallest one she could find on Amazon,鈥� said Hillel at UCLA Director of Philanthropic Partnerships Rachael Petru. 鈥淣ow, her mezuzah is bright, colorful, and impossible to miss. Her non-Jewish roommate鈥檚 enthusiastic support for this symbol of Jewish identity made it even more meaningful.鈥�

Across the border at , which supports Jewish programming at nine universities in the area, Sukkot offered a time for gathering and community, with 173 students (including 34 first-time participants!) coming together in the sukkah at the University of Toronto.

鈥淥ur Sukkat Shalom programming featured gourd painting, mindfulness journaling, and crafting besamim (spices) for using etrogs, cloves, and herbs,鈥� said Jenn Ferman, senior campus director at the University of Toronto. 鈥淭he sukkah became a vibrant hub for community building and outreach.鈥�

These stories highlight that our Hillels cultivate more than moments 鈥� they create ripples: intentional acts that offer lasting care and support. Rooted in Jewish tradition, their impact is felt long after the programs are finished. As campuses continue to face complex realities, we鈥檙e proud to invest in students鈥� resilience.

Learn more about Hillel鈥檚 wellness and well-being work!

The post Hillel Wellness Grants Send 鈥淩ipples of Resilience鈥� Across College Campuses appeared first on 糖心vlogl.

News

Caring for Yourself Through Grief: Hillel is Here to Help

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

May 7, 2025

Please note that the following story discusses topics related to trauma, grief, and traumatic events. Please read with care for yourself and those around you. 

Florida State University Hillel鈥檚 (Hillel at FSU) Director of Leadership and Wellness, Melanie Pelc, MSW, drew on her years of experience counseling people experiencing trauma and grief to support Jewish students at FSU after the mass shooting that occurred there in April. FSU Hillel is a 2024 recipient of the 糖心vlogl Mental Health & Wellness Talent Grant which brings mental health and wellness experts like Melanie to support students at Hillels across the country.聽

In the wake of the tragic mass shooting at Florida State University on April 17 that killed two people and wounded six, Hillel at FSU’s Director of Leadership and Wellness Melanie Pelc knew immediately that Jewish students would need comfort, support, and a place to process the day鈥檚 terrible events.

鈥淭he first thing we did was make sure that everyone was safe,鈥� Pelc said. 鈥淣ot just physically safe, though of course that was part of it, but emotionally as well. No matter where they were, whether they were at home or on campus, everyone felt something significant.鈥�

Over the next several days, Pelc organized a number of gatherings to support students through the aftermath of the shooting. They painted rocks to place on a memorial to the victims, in keeping with the timeless Jewish tradition of placing a rock on a grave as an act of remembrance. The Student Life Center hosted therapy animals 鈥� dogs, sheep, and baby chicks. Pelc also , as well as offering .

Jewish tradition offers wisdom on how to process and respond to grief, and Pelc was able to draw from many of those practices and teachings as she worked to support her students 鈥� as well as caring for herself and the other Hillel staff. Here are three of her suggestions about how Jewish wisdom can help us care for ourselves and one another in times of grief.

1. It鈥檚 okay to slow down.

While grief has no single timeline and the process of mourning looks different for everyone, For Pelc, one of the most important takeaways is that we鈥檙e encouraged to slow down and simply 鈥渂e鈥� in our grief, without feeling a need to immediately 鈥済et back to normal.鈥�

鈥淚n Judaism, we really give ourselves time to grieve,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e honor what鈥檚 going on, and there鈥檚 no guilt in it. And that really goes against what society tells us, which is to just move on and get back to everyday life. And at some point, Jews just said, 鈥楬ey, we need to take it easy. We shouldn鈥檛 be doing anything right now. We just need to be sad.鈥欌�� And then, over time, we find our way back out into the world. 

2. Connect with your community.

Community is a big part of Jewish mourning, from coming together at funerals and memorials to showing up for one another during times of intense grief. 鈥淲hen a family is sitting shiva, the community rallies around them to make sure that the family gets everything they need, from meals to comfort,鈥� Pelc said. 鈥淸The mourners] don鈥檛 need to think about it. They鈥檙e not supposed to be thinking or working, they just get to put their well-being first.鈥�

With an entire campus in mourning, Pelc focused on meeting students where they were, depending on what they needed. That included Hillel extending its building hours to make sure students had a place to go where they could gather, talk about what they were feeling, and find comfort in one another. 

鈥淚n times like these, we find peace within our community,鈥� Hillel at FSU staff wrote on Instagram. 鈥淗illel is here for you.鈥�

3. Honor what you鈥檙e feeling.

鈥淧eople really think that you grieve once and then you鈥檙e done,鈥� Pelc said. 鈥淏ut we know that鈥檚 not even remotely true. Grief ebbs and flows, it changes us, it leads us to grow and learn and release so that we鈥檙e able to come back to ourselves. It鈥檚 a natural process, but only if we trust ourselves, and trust what we鈥檙e feeling.鈥�

Pelc encouraged her students to sit with what they were feeling, whether it was sadness or fear or anger or anything else, and to let themselves pay attention to those feelings. She also talked with them about honoring their feelings about other losses and traumas that might be triggered by the tragedy on campus, from losing part of their high school years to the COVID-19 pandemic to the end of their time at college. 

鈥淓ven with activities like painting rocks or playing with animals, we were honoring those emotions,鈥� Pelc explained. 鈥淲e were learning what grief and loss look like, and what emotions come up with them, and how to express those feelings. Because that鈥檚 part of it with grief, isn鈥檛 it? You have to ask, what are you feeling? What do you need? When we were painting rocks, we were expressing and releasing those feelings. We were at a place of mourning and sadness, so we came together to honor that.鈥�

鈥淲e get the grief we get,鈥� Pelc continued. 鈥淚t鈥檚 our job at Hillel to be there to help.鈥�

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News

Take Care of Yourself: Emotional Preparation For October 7

Author

Hagar Ben-Eliezer

Date

October 1, 2024

Managing stress in the context of trauma, especially around significant anniversaries like marking one year since Hamas鈥檚 attack on Israel, can be particularly challenging. The emotional weight of such occasions can amplify stress, anxiety, fear, and flashbacks to anti-Israel protests on campus. For many Jewish students, October 7 will be filled with sadness, and for some, it may be too painful to remember. 

Wherever you are emotionally is okay. There is no one right way to feel. Here are some suggestions for managing and caring for your mental health as we approach October 7.

1. Your feelings are normal and okay

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, or anxiety around significant anniversaries. Suppressing these feelings or trying to “push through” without addressing them can lead to increased stress and burnout. Give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions in a healthy way. Consider talking to a trusted friend, writing in a journal, or engaging in safe community activities at Hillel or elsewhere on campus that offer space to express your emotions.

2. Rely on your support system, and identify safe places

A reliable support system is crucial in managing stress. Keep a mental or written 鈥淚n Case of Emergency鈥� list of people and places you know are safe and support your emotional well-being. It鈥檚 important to spend time with people and in places that calm your nervous system, not rile it up. Reach out to campus counseling services or call 911 if you are in crisis. This is a form of self-care that makes you an advocate for your own mental health.

3. Lower your stress levels

Using stress-reduction techniques can help mitigate the impact of stress, sleeplessness, or depression. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can lower stress levels and promote emotional balance. Apps like give you access to over 20,000 free guided mindfulness practices. Regular physical movement, such as yoga or jogging, is another effective way to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. is a free online program, offering classes to those at all levels. Other activities might include taking a walk in a nearby park, and getting the added well-being benefits that come with being in nature. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and can help you manage both physical and emotional stress.

4. Embrace your routine and set boundaries

Maintaining a structured routine can provide a sense of normalcy and control, which is often disrupted during periods of stress. Create a balanced schedule that includes time for studying, self-care, and social activities. Setting boundaries is equally important; it鈥檚 okay to say no to additional responsibilities or social commitments if you need time to focus on your well-being. Prioritize tasks and break them into manageable chunks to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Effective time management can help reduce stress and increase productivity.

5. Take care of you: self-care and healthy habits

Self-care is essential for managing stress and supporting mental health. Engaging in activities that you enjoy and that bring you relaxation 鈥� such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature 鈥� can also provide relief from stress. Healthy habits including getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and making time for friends are all effective mood lifters. What is one thing you did today, or could you do, to refill your emotional cup? Make your self-care a regular part of your routine everyday.

6. You are your best advocate

Don鈥檛 wait until you are in crisis to get help. If you are having trouble attending classes, you鈥檙e not returning your friend鈥檚 texts, or you鈥檙e avoiding leaving your apartment or dorm room, it鈥檚 time to take action. Reach out to your Hillel wellness professional or counselor on campus. Communicate with your professors and advocate for extensions on assignments. Be honest and open with your family if you can. Everyone experiences times that are challenging and emotionally difficult, but if you take action, you can preserve the work you have done and get supported on your journey back to wellness. 

7. Be patient with yourself

Finally, be patient and compassionate with yourself. Managing difficult emotions and experiences is a process that takes time. It鈥檚 okay to have good days and bad days, and progress may come in small, incremental steps. Know that your Hillel community is here for you in whatever way you need. Breathe, be kind to yourself, and acknowledge that this is a temporary challenging period. Remember the sadness, loss, and continued pain of October 7 while finding strength in your resilience and comfort in the communities that embrace you.

Hagar Ben-Eliezer is a board certified Jewish Chaplain and therapist. She is in her fourth year as the wellness therapist at Berkeley Hillel. Hagar works with Hillel students on campus and internationally on Hillel Birthright trips. Hagar enjoys working with young adults and providing resources for their spiritual and emotional well-being. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat

The post Take Care of Yourself: Emotional Preparation For October 7 appeared first on 糖心vlogl.

News

Across College Hillels, Mental Health and Wellness Professionals are Making a Difference

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

May 30, 2024

As antisemitism skyrocketed on campus this past academic year, campus professionals heard loud and clear that their students needed more support than ever in making sure that they have access to resources for their mental health and wellness. In fact, in the months since October 7, Jewish students have reported increased levels of fear and anxiety at school 鈥� with our most recent survey results showing 40% have felt the need to hide their Jewish identity from others on campus, and 61% saying there has been antisemitic, threatening or derogatory language toward Jewish people during protests at their school. 

While the 2023-2024 school year was unique in the sudden escalation of these issues, particularly for Jewish students on campus, mental health needs among college students have been increasing steadily over the past several years, exacerbated by the pandemic and a resulting loss of social and community connections. According to a , 57% of college students identified needing help for emotional or mental health challenges in the previous 12 months, while 61% of college students reported feeling isolated from others. That was prior to October 7 鈥� and for Jewish students on campus, the need for connection and support has only grown.

糖心vlogl and campus professionals  have responded to this challenge, integrating mental health and wellness initiatives into Hillel programming and Jewish life, as well as referring students to campus and community resources. Thanks to generous support from the Zalik Foundation, 糖心vlogl has expanded its efforts by offering  mental health and wellness talent grants. These multi-year grants are increasing access to support through the addition of a clinical mental health or wellness promotion professional to an existing Hillel team. Launched in January 2023, many campus Hillels were able to put these roles into place prior to October 7, which meant professionals were well-positioned to provide support to students and staff as they navigated immense challenges this year.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, 糖心vlogl caught up with two Hillel wellness professionals to hear about how they鈥檙e supporting their students.

Michelle Dembo, Hillel Therapist (University of Pennsylvania)

Michelle describes her journey to her current position as a therapist at Penn Hillel as 鈥渘onlinear.鈥� Studying creative writing as an undergraduate, she started her post-college career working in public relations and marketing, then got a master鈥檚 degree in education and spent two years working as a high school English teacher. After a few years abroad, she decided to pursue a graduate degree in social work, and realized she finally found the perfect fit. 

鈥淔inding this job at Penn was almost too good to be true,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 get to support young people and help them through their own journey and personal growth. I love it.鈥�

As a therapist embedded within Hillel, Michelle spends most of her time with individual clients, all of whom are Penn students. She also develops wellness programs for Hillel staff, and part of her job involves meeting with them to provide informal support. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 really cool to work within my own community,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 something very comforting and familiar about working with other Jewish people.鈥�

During this challenging year, Michelle underscored the importance of having a clinician at Hillel to reach students in need. 鈥淔or a lot of my clients, they鈥檝e expressed that they wouldn鈥檛 go to therapy if I wasn鈥檛 here at Hillel,鈥� she said. 

At the same time, she said, it鈥檚 important that therapists working with Jewish college students not assume that everything comes back to Jewish identity. 

鈥淭he truth is that not all of my clients are talking about antisemitism or Israel 鈥� they just want to talk about their own relationships, or their own trauma,鈥� she said. 鈥淓specially when you work within your own community, it鈥檚 crucial to check your own assumptions and remain curious!鈥�

For Michelle, the ability to provide a  safe space for students is the most valuable part of her job. 

鈥淭his age is so exciting and vulnerable because there鈥檚 so much transition and change happening,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 feel excited to work with them and watch them grow. I鈥檓 honored to be their person.鈥�

Em Riveles, Senior Director of Wellness and Innovation (Queens College)

Em serves as the Senior Director of Wellness and Innovation for Queens Hillel, where she works with college students to promote their overall well-being through meaningful Jewish experiences, access to support resources, and even career opportunities. Rather than working with students in a traditional therapeutic relationship, she engages with them one-on-one as well as with other campus organizations and community partners. 

鈥淢y role is not to be a psychotherapist, but to be someone who still understands what it鈥檚 like to be a college student,鈥� she said. 

Em works with students to connect them to community resources, from mental health services to Kosher food pantries, as well as supporting their career growth, Jewish community engagement, and helping them with in-the-moment coping skills when they need them.

鈥淚 never saw myself as a Jewish professional, but this felt like a really full-circle moment,鈥� Em said. 

She attended Queens College as a student and interned with Hillel, though never envisioned herself working there. After getting her master鈥檚 in social work, she worked in psychiatric care, yet kept in touch with Jenna Citron Schwab, Queens Hillel鈥檚 executive director. 

鈥淭hose two worlds had never collided for me before,鈥� she said, recalling the moment she saw the posting for the director of wellness role. 鈥淏ut I was so curious to work with college students on holistic student engagement, meeting them where they鈥檙e at, and helping them deepen their Jewish identity through mental health.鈥�

Working on campus this year, something that stood out most to Em was how much her students came together to show up for one another. 

鈥淲e really saw so many students wanting to support other students 鈥� whether their friends were struggling with their mental health and they wanted skills to support them, or students were struggling with wanting to be in a safe Jewish space and their peers came to staff to cultivate that through different events or activities and speakers,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e been so creative and so energized. It鈥檚 been amazing to see.鈥�

While this school year has come to an end, Em 鈥� like other wellness professionals on campus 鈥� is already starting to plan for the fall semester. After months of rising antisemitism and hard conversations, she鈥檚 glad to report that the request she鈥檚 hearing most often from her students is for more programming centering on Jewish joy. 

鈥淲e hear so much about antisemitism, about the war, about the hostages, and it鈥檚 really difficult and heavy for them,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd what our students want to combat that antisemitism, that heaviness, is to be able to take joy in their Judaism. I鈥檓 excited to be able to help them do that.鈥�
Curious about which campus Hillels are still hiring for a mental health or wellness professional for next school year? Check out Student Wellbeing roles on as we aim to have 33 Hillel mental health and wellness professionals at 31 Hillels, which serve more than 33,000 students each year.

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Jewish Learning

Mental Health

Learning Wellness as a Jewish Value

Author

Daniella Cooper and Liora Knizhnik

Date

May 28, 2024

College is hard, and making time to care for your health and wellness can be even harder.

I didn鈥檛 expect that some of my most eye-opening learning about mental health would come from Hillel, but this past fall, I participated in a Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) centered on wellness and Judaism at the University of Pittsburgh. As a double major in psychology and communication, I鈥檝e always been interested in mental health, but this year was the first time I learned that caring for your mental health isn鈥檛 just important 鈥� it can be a way to practice your Jewish values. 

Our JLF cohort was led by Emily Levine, Hillel at Pitt鈥檚 director of engagement, and Danielle Kranjec, associate vice president of 糖心vlogl’s Center for Jewish and Israel Education/Meyerhoff Center, and focused on health and wellness from a Jewish perspective. I was really interested to understand how mental health and well-being was related to Judaism, since it wasn鈥檛 a connection I鈥檇 ever made before. I was also interested to see how the curriculum would relate to what I was learning in my psychology classes. 

To my surprise, we talked about Jewish traditions and wellness in a way that was immediately applicable to our lives as college students. We learned about Shabbat and the concept of rest, about what it means to fast 鈥� or not fast 鈥� on Yom Kippur, what it means to care for a community without sacrificing our own well-being, and so much more.

Being part of this cohort at the time that I did made it even more relevant. Our group only met twice and had barely started to get to know each other before October 7. That day changed everything in so many ways, including our curriculum. Danielle and Emily shifted away from our written lessons, focusing more on discussing what was going on, how we were feeling, and what it meant to be experiencing this moment. Hillel was already working overtime to make sure we had spaces to talk or process, or even just eat and relax to get away from everything happening on campus, but this group felt more intentional and structured. 

For me, as someone with a lot of close friends at school who are not Jewish, having that outlet made a huge difference. My friends were supportive of me, but they didn鈥檛 have the same perspective and personal connection to what was happening. I鈥檒l always be grateful I had a support system where everyone was willing to talk and engage from a place of understanding, even when our perspectives or opinions were different. 

One of the biggest lessons I took away from my cohort and the curriculum as a whole was the idea that taking care of yourself is part of the way we can care for our communities. I hold a number of leadership positions 鈥� it鈥檚 something I鈥檝e always enjoyed doing, and I really love helping other people and looking out for my community. But that often means I鈥檓 stretched and at capacity, to the point where my friends will actually take me aside and say, 鈥淒aniella, really, you need to step back. You need to take a minute for yourself.鈥� 

Taking a moment for myself is easier said than done. It felt like I was abandoning my responsibilities if I put myself first. But this year, in large part due to the JLF well-being curriculum, I started to understand that by taking some time to care for myself, I was actually putting myself into a better position to support my communities and lead by example. 

I decided to start small, by taking Sunday nights for myself. Instead of doing work or studying, I focused on activities that were  restful and restorative, like finding moments of peace for myself amid all the chaos. I think of it as a sort of personal Shabbat 鈥� it鈥檚 not a full rest day, but it鈥檚 a time each week when I say to myself, okay, this is just for me. 

And I鈥檝e already noticed a difference. When Monday rolls around, I can actually accomplish what I need to do. I can talk to people and not be frustrated with them. I鈥檓 in a better headspace, just from taking that time to put my mental well-being first.

Mental health is something that impacts everyone, in different ways. Because of the Jewish Learning Fellowship, I鈥檓 going into my senior year with the idea that not only is it important for me to take time for self-care, but that it鈥檚 also a way to live my Jewish values, which makes it so much more meaningful for me. Knowing that taking care of ourselves is part of our tradition makes all the difference. I鈥檓 able to take what I learned and bring it into my everyday life to be a better leader on campus. 

And most importantly, I鈥檓 able to see that taking time for myself isn鈥檛 slacking off 鈥� it鈥檚 part of my Jewish identity, and a meaningful way of being Jewish in the world.

Daniella Cooper is a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh, where she studies psychology and communications. She spent the past two years on board Challah for Change and is currently serving as the president of the Panhellenic Council.

Students at 54 campus Hillels across North America participated this year in their Hillel鈥檚 Jewish Learning Fellowship鈥檚 (JLF) program 鈥淎ncient Wisdom for Modern Wellbeing,鈥� an experiential, conversational 10-week seminar. 

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News

Student Wellness Grants Are Making a Difference on Campus 鈥� In Innovative and Surprising Ways

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

May 21, 2024

With antisemitism and encampment protests on the rise on college campuses, students need resources for mental health and wellness perhaps more than ever before. In the months since October 7, Jewish students have reported increased levels of fear and anxiety at school – with our most recent survey results showing 40% have felt the need to hide their Jewish identity from others on campus, and 61% saying there has been antisemitic, threatening or derogatory language toward Jewish people during protests at their school. These students are searching for spaces and programs where they can be themselves without explanation or apology. 

That鈥檚 where Hillel comes in. This year, 糖心vlogl鈥檚 Center for Student and Staff Wellbeing awarded a record 73 student wellness grants to ensure campus Hillels have what they need to implement projects that help students feel connected, seen, supported, and inspired. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, here are just a few of the innovative ways campus Hillels have created new initiatives to support Jewish student well-being during this challenging time.

At the University of Rhode Island, Creativity Invites Connection

After October 7, one of the most common concerns Hillel professionals heard at the University of Rhode Island was that more students wanted to explore and understand their Jewish identity and heritage in a way that helped them feel connected to their campus peers. 

鈥淲e just really wanted an open conversation where we weren’t trying to say that we were trying to convince anyone of anything,鈥� said Michael Schreiber, director of Jewish student life at URI.

Creative and artistic programs are historically a success with URI Hillel students, both with regular program attendees and students who only rarely stop by. This year, Schreiber noticed that students were looking for ways to understand the intersections of their many identities, including their Jewish identity, and to do that in a way that brought meaning to their lives and could even strengthen their connection to Judaism. That鈥檚 when he knew a creative program could be key in supporting Jewish students and others on campus. 

 鈥淚 don’t think we really had a goal in mind other than just to bring people together and have a space where people are able to creatively explore their identity and learn from others and their perspectives as well,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e really wanted to create the atmosphere and the environment of being able to think about your own identity, share it with others, and listen and hear from other people on their perspectives as well.鈥�

That鈥檚 exactly what they did. Working with , a local artist and educator with decades of experience in developing and creating contemporary Jewish art, they created the Identity and Community in Conversation workshop. Students were invited to choose from a sample of different symbols and respond to them in an artistic way. Symbols included a Star of David, a crescent, a cross, a rainbow, and others. 

After some time with their individual creative projects, students came back together in small groups to discuss what came up for them. 

鈥淚t was a fun and creative experience that made me think deeper about my identity and what defines me,鈥� said class of 2026 student Hagar Yosfan, who attended the program. 

Along with Hillel, the program was co-sponsored by the URI Chaplains Association, the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, the Women鈥檚 Center, and the Gender and Sexuality Center. 

鈥淚 think a lot of students also benefited from being able to hear from other people’s perspectives, and a lot of identities they may not have considered,鈥� said Schreiber. 鈥淪tudents were able to bring their full selves to the conversation.鈥�

For Molly Stogner, class of 2025, the best part of the program was reconnecting to the campus community in ways she hadn鈥檛 experienced before. 

鈥淭o me it meant a group of URI students from all different backgrounds and ways of life coming together, showing, teaching, and exploring each other’s representation of themselves and meeting new friends within the community,鈥� she said.

George Mason University Hillel鈥檚 Wellness Lounge is Open to All

Last year, Sydney Spanier, Springboard Fellow at George Mason University, noticed that a lounge space in the shared campus ministry building wasn鈥檛 living up to its full potential. 

鈥淚t was mostly a storage closet,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd that was not conducive to students spending time there. There was a very old couch and it was very sad.鈥�

Spanier applied for a wellness grant through Hillel, and was able to fully revamp the space, focusing on bringing in items that made the lounge feel welcoming, calming, and quiet. 

鈥淚t became this oasis where people could study and have a chill space where they could be on campus and know that they had somewhere to go and relax.鈥�

After October 7, there was a distinct change in the way students used the Wellness Lounge.

Instead of coming to study or relax, they were using the space to get away from tensions on campus, as a place to be social, have a snack or a cup of coffee, and get some support from Hillel staff, as well as their peers. With traffic increasing and a new set of needs emerging, Spanier applied for another wellness grant 鈥� this time focusing on supplies and program materials that would shift the space to center on bringing some much-needed joy to Jewish students.

鈥淚nstead of just having weighted blankets and earplugs and soft lighting, we were able to also get a Nintendo Switch with a bunch of games, and have more snacks and coffee available, and a ton of board games,鈥� Spanier said. 鈥淧uzzles, coloring books, all of those things to change that space to not just be like a place where people can study, but also a place where people can just be like authentic selves.鈥�

The shift has been a huge success. With traffic to the lounge increasing by more than 300%, students were able to freely celebrate their Jewish identity, feel accepted and included, and live a joyous Jewish life as a college student. 

鈥淥ur thinking was that if we infuse this space with so much joy, students won鈥檛 feel a sense of anxiety when they walk in here. They鈥檙e not going to feel like they need to be ready to have a tense or serious conversation,鈥� Spanier said. 鈥淚nstead, they can just walk in and do a puzzle.鈥� 

In addition, because the lounge space is shared across 20 campus ministry organizations, the Wellness Lounge has become a bridge-building initiative, where students from many faith traditions are able to come together and enjoy simply being young adults, away from the tensions and protests on campus. 

Spanier hopes that in the coming year, students of all faiths will continue to be able to use the lounge as a space to build relationships in a fun, supportive, joy-oriented environment. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 opened the doors for a lot of bridge-building,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 can absolutely see it helping us to further our interfaith work on campus as we continue to build up the space 鈥� and come together as an entire campus faith community, not just as Mason Hillel.鈥�

All Aboard the Kindness Cart at the University of Central Florida

At the University of Central Florida, the idea behind the project that became their wellness grant program came from an unexpected source: leftover candy. 

When UCF Hillel students noticed extra candy and positive notes left over following their Candy Bar Table and Spread Kindness Table programs, they didn鈥檛 want them to go to waste. Packing up the Hillel golf cart, they decided to hand out the remaining candy and notes to students they passed on campus. The students鈥� delight at the unexpected treats gave the Hillel team an idea: If that one short drive made a difference to those few students, why not make an even bigger impact with a weekly activity? And why not use the opportunity to promote UCF Hillel鈥檚 presence in a positive light, as a way to combat the rising antisemitism on campus?

They applied for a wellness grant, and the Kindness Cart was born. Each week, Hillel staff and student leaders hand out small kindness treats as they drive the golf cart around campus: motivational stickers, small snacks, even little rubber ducks with positive messages. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 really a way of sharing our values,鈥� said Alyssa Shears, assistant director of engagement and student life at UCF Hillel. 鈥淧articularly the Jewish values of tzedakah and tikkun olam. It鈥檚 our way of giving back to the entire UCF community, not just our Jewish students.鈥�

Even before October 7, Shears had noticed students were feeling more isolated and disconnected from one another, something she attributes at least in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

鈥淭hey鈥檙e just really struggling to feel connected,鈥� she said. 

One of the most rewarding parts of the Kindness Cart has been seeing what a difference it makes when students feel seen and recognized as individuals, while also being connected to their broader UCF community.

For Lindsay Rosenzweig, UCF Hillel鈥檚 Springboard Fellow and the primary organizer of the Kindness Cart, seeing the students鈥� reactions to it is proof of concept. 

鈥淭here was a moment when we approached a student who was actually in tears because she was having such a tough day,鈥� she recalled. 鈥淎nd we offered her a novelty positivity potato trinket, and her whole face just lit up, and she stopped crying. She just looked at us and said, 鈥業 really needed this.鈥欌��

Because of the Kindness Cart, students now see Hillel as a resource on campus for all students, Jewish or not. It鈥檚 inspiring UCF students to see the Jewish community as welcoming, giving, and inclusive, despite the tensions on campus since October 7. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e taking this concept of being a light upon the nations and spreading light to UCF students through these acts of kindness,鈥� Rosenzweig wrote in her grant application.

鈥淚t鈥檚 gotten to the point where just the sight of the golf cart brings people joy,鈥� Shears said. 鈥淧eople see it and make an immediate positive association. Their faces absolutely light up. It鈥檚 amazing to see.鈥�

The post Student Wellness Grants Are Making a Difference on Campus 鈥� In Innovative and Surprising Ways appeared first on 糖心vlogl.

News

Supporting Mental Health and Wellness When It鈥檚 Needed Most

Author

糖心vlogl

Date

January 10, 2024

Since the start of Hamas-Israel war, college campuses have experienced a historic increase in antisemitic incidents, and mental health and wellness support for Jewish students, and the Hillel professionals who support them, has never been more critical.聽

A pulse-survey of Hillel directors highlighted that additional wellness programs and counseling services were needed to support Hillel students and staff during this challenging time. The survey indicated that wellness programs and counseling sessions were the second and third most attended student events, respectively, just behind vigils and rallies in support of Israel. 糖心vlogl has responded accordingly, offering an expanded slate of robust programs and resources to support and uplift staff so they can in turn support and uplift students.

Over the next two months, all Hillel professionals will have access to twelve free mental health sessions and twelve coaching sessions throughout the year. Additionally, dedicated on-campus mental health staff continues to expand as part of the $1.8 million Zalik Foundation grant, awarded in 2022.聽 As a result, the number of Hillels with a dedicated mental health or wellness professional has grown from 13 to 20 in 2023. Having these professionals in place allows campus Hillels to more quickly provide support to students and staff.聽聽

Immediately after October 7th, UC Berkeley Hillel鈥檚 on-campus clinician created a resource to help parents talk with their college students about the terrorist attack and the increase in antisemitism on campus.聽 Additionally, the Emergency Campus Grants for Mental Health & Wellness have provided over $140,000 to 87 campus Hillels so far, funding student wellness programs and clinical support for students and staff.聽聽

As Hillel professionals prepared to gather for the 2023 糖心vlogl Global Assembly, the 糖心vlogl Center for Student and Staff Wellbeing was acutely aware of the need for programming and spaces for Hillel professionals to heal and rest together after an incredibly challenging semester. From a wellness lounge focused on rest and processing to conference care kits, Hillel professionals were given the opportunity to unwind, destress, and receive a taste of the care that they have been providing to their students.聽

鈥淗aving the opportunity to interact with the puppies truly brought a sense of calm to a hectic time for those working in the Jewish professional world right now. The moment I saw Sasha the pug I knew she was coming home with me!鈥� – Melina Ramirez

One of the most talked about opportunities at HIGA 2023 was a partnership with , an organization that rescues and rehabilitates abandoned dogs and facilitates adoption. The volunteer-run organization wanted to show-up and support the Jewish community, so they jumped at the chance to provide puppy cuddling sessions to conference attendees. 鈥淒uring this time of upheaval in the world we wanted to do something positive to show our support for the Jewish community.鈥� said Deana Varner, Dallas Dog Medical Coordinator. 鈥淧uppies are natural therapy and that is what we could do to help.  All of our volunteers said it was the best event they had ever attended and it brought tears to their eyes as they saw the joy in so many faces.鈥�

As Hillel professionals welcome students back for a new semester, 糖心vlogl continues to sustain and expand resources for the much-needed mental health and wellness work being done on campuses across the world. For more information on 糖心vlogl鈥檚 Center for Student and Staff Well-being, please contact wellness@hillel.org.

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