HWS News
11 January 2017 Hillel Spring Programming
After a fall semester filled with meaningful conversations, enriching experiences and traditional celebrations, members of the Abbe Center for Jewish Life and HWS Hillel are looking forward to an exciting spring semester.
"This fall, students enjoyed bagel brunches, a Jewish cooking class in which we explored the history and development of rugelach, special holiday programs and our annual Fried Food Fest," says Director of the Abbe Center Julianne Miller. "We look forward to a spring semester filled with new programming to deepen our students connection to Judaism, the Jewish community and the HWS community."
During the fall semester, Hillel introduced several themed Shabbats, including Pink Shabbat for Breast Cancer Awareness, and Study Abroad Shabbat where Hillel students discussed how they stayed connected to their Jewish identities while studying abroad. Hillel and the Office of Sustainability will collaborate to host a Green Shabbat on Feb. 10, and on Feb. 24, an Israel Shabbat will highlight opportunities to travel, study and intern in Israel. On March 3, Hillel will host its annual Shabbat 250, where 250 students, faculty, staff, and community members gather to celebrate and learn about Shabbat. Additional Shabbats include, Women in Judaism Shabbat during Womens History Month in March and Rainbow Shabbat in April. Students can also participate in hamantaschen baking on Tuesday, March 7 or participate in Deli Night on Tuesday, March 21.
In addition to celebrations for Tu BShevat, Passover and Yom HaAtzmaut, Hillel will host The Black-Jew Dialogues, a performance and discussion that builds cultural understanding; dinner and discussion with a local Israel educator who will speak about the Middle East conflict within a Jewish framework; and an Israeli expert to address LGBT equality and water recycling in Israel.
Hillel president Tzipora Glaser '18 works closely with Miller to create programming and plan weekly Shabbat dinners. "My leadership role has given me an opportunity to meet students that I would not have otherwise met, and form relationships with my peers through our interest in Jewish life on campus," she says. "Everyone is welcome at Hillel events. You do not have to be Jewish to be part of our community. Come to Shabbat dinner and get to know us!"
For more information on the Abbe Center for Jewish Life and HWS Hillel events, please visit http://www.hws.edu/studentlife/abbecenter/
